Bosnia-Herzegovina

[BA] Automatic Extension of Broadcast Licenses

IRIS 2003-5:1/8

Dusan Babic

Media Analyst, Sarajevo

On 20 March 2003, the Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA), a single state-level regulator, responsible for the broadcasting and telecommunications sector, Media announced that after the end of a two-year broadcasting period, known as Licensing Phase Two, the Sarajevo licenses of radio and television stations will be extended automatically. This on the basis that strict respect to the Broadcasting Code of Practice was adhered to in the past.

Commercial broadcasters will receive 10-year licenses, and public broadcasters two-year licenses. The shorter period for public stations results from the fact that the process of their privatisation is ongoing and the CRA plans to monitor their development.