The Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) has reported a significant financial loss despite earning substantial revenues in 2024. With an income of 134 million euros, the national media company ended the year with a loss of approximately 2.6 million euros. This negative financial trend continues as RTS also faces the repayment of nearly 12 million euros in loans in the coming years.
RTS’s primary source of income comes from citizens’ subscriptions, amounting to 95.8 million euros, and advertising revenue, which brought in 28 million euros. However, despite these substantial earnings, RTS has been struggling financially. The company’s expenditure, particularly in salaries and operational costs, has contributed to the financial deficit. RTS employs 2,428 people, and its total salary expenses are around 40 million euros annually, with an average salary of 135,000 dinars.
A significant portion of the budget is also allocated to intangible costs, such as royalties and production services, including expensive sports broadcasts, which amounted to 45.1 million euros in 2024. Major sports events, such as the Summer Olympics and UEFA competitions, contributed to these high costs.
Additionally, RTS faces a growing financial burden with loans from the Ministry of Finance, which amount to approximately 11.7 million euros, and a smaller loan from Intesa Bank for 500,000 euros. There are also ongoing obligations related to long-term leases.
Despite its public service role, RTS’s financial troubles highlight the challenges of balancing high operational costs, employee salaries, and debts, raising concerns about its sustainability as a public media service.
