Transformation of the public broadcasting systems in Croatia and Macedonia as indicators of democratic transformation

Abstract

Abstract This article is a comparative analysis of the transition of the public broadcasting system in Croatia (HRT) and Macedonia (MRT) from state control to a public broadcasting system. Croatia, a European Union (EU) member, and Macedonia, an EU candidate, have followed the European dual broadcasting model and therefore should have well-developed public service broadcasting (PSBs). However, these two television stations today are non-functioning centralized organizations highly influenced by politics with too many employees and no proactive leaders capable of handling the task. This article concludes that neither the Croatian HRT nor the Macedonian MRT has transformed to become effective independent PSB because although the legislative framework in each country is ostensibly ‘good’, having passed the scrutiny of the EU accession process, these frameworks have still resulted in strengthened political control of the public service stations.