In summary...
What is B92 doing now?
B92 is currently the most listened to radio station in Belgrade. Our television is getting more and more popular, we are fourth in Belgrade, and seventh in Serbia. We have many problems with acquiring frequencies and the reduced territory of coverage. We are right now preparing for moving to a new location where we could unite all our various activities. We have launched the process of privatisation as well, expecting to finalise it in the next several months. We also hope that we are going to solve the problem of frequencies as soon as possible, as it is the precondition for surviving and obtaining the means for normal living.
Have B92 had any success in helping other causes? What do you feel your role is now in Serbia?
Serbia is a country in transition, with a very tumultuous past. When I say that I am referring to war conflicts and all other tragedies which the war brings with it. B92 is one of the rare media outlets opening the issues of facing the past, and thus we are dealing with so many problems which I have previously mentioned. We are actively contributing to the democratisation of the society, as we consider that strengthening of the professional media and non-governmental organisations presents the best foundation for establishing institutions of an open, free and civil society we intend to become.
Do you have a big audience outside Serbia?
We are closely following the results of the number of visitors of our web site, and we have no equals in that department, when the news websites are in question, within our region. Thus, I conclude that among the Internet users we are very popular as a source of information. Besides, B92 is being cited very often, and it is present in media sphere and in the contacts with the audience.
Are these people who fled Serbia at the time, or do you appeal to people who have been gone for some time?
The largest number of our consumers abroad are those who moved for a while or forever abroad. Democratic changes in our country have inspired people lately to come back, but it is still a small number of people compared to the number of those who fled.
Do people from Serbia listen in London, for example?
Of course they do.
Since the Well Connected team visited you last year, how has the situation in Serbia changed?
The standard is getting better gradually, there are investments in our country... There are discouraging things as well, such as political conflicts within a ruling coalition which distracts them and waste their energy...
What future uses will you have for the internet - will your use of it expand?
We will try through introducing subscription for the English Service to cover basic expenses, thus reaching self sustainability of our website. That is not going to be easy to achieve, especially having in mind that the market here is still weak, so that the idea of advertising via the website is rather in its initial stage. Nevertheless, I am optimistic, hoping for a better future...
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