Bosnia-Herzegovina

[BA] EROTEL TV Closed Down

IRIS 2000-3:1/7

Dusan Babic

Media Analyst, Sarajevo

On 17 February 2000, the Independent Media Commission (IMC) closed down EROTEL TV by disconnecting Erotel transmitters. It was the first time that the IMC had to physically enforce a decision to close down the operations of a broadcaster. The closure came after the IMC had in November 1999 required EROTEL to cease its operations because the broadcaster did not comply with the IMC rules and regulations governing provisional broadcasting licenses (see IRIS 2000-2: 4). EROTEL has also lost its legal basis for further broadcasting in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

As a result of the IMC action, the frequencies needed for RTV FBiH (Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina) (see IRIS 2000-2: 4) can now be offered and the frequency management plan for the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina can be completed.