Radio Bajina Basta 1996 Annual Report

 

During 1996 Radio Bajina Basta. was very busy and active and carried out almost all activities planned for 1996 year. The general current crisis in our country could be seen in different fields such as: the destroyed economy, political divisions and disagreements, ethnic tension and insufficient opening towards the world. Our auditors and our radio station endure all the consequences of that difficult situation. It is almost impossible to do the job under the conditions where there is no healthy economy and prosperity. That's the reason why the year 1996 was very hard and suffering for us. The extra burden for Radio B.B. was the continuous political pressure onto its program and the staff, as well as the reinforced police surveillance towards our staff and program.

Our main activities in 1996 were as following:

  1. The advancement of "Radio Bajina Basta" program
  2. "Bajinobastanske novine" and "Argus" newspapers
  3. Refurbishment of our own business offices
  4. Construction of the repeater
  5. Establishment of RTV"Drina" in Skelani (in B&H)

1. Advancement of "Radio Bajina Basta"

On 1st January 1996 our radio station started rebroadcasting the program of Radio Free Europe from Prague. We began the realisation of the -before-made contract with this media institution and thus our listeners were able to listen to the program of RFE/RL in South Slavic languages every night from 22:00 - 23:00. In September, during the reelection campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we took over an extra program dealing with the election in B&H. During the crisis caused by the cancellation of the local election results in Serbia in November and December we also took over an hour more of the program dedicated to the actual political situation in Serbia - the name of the program is "On the spot".

[ Photo 1: Our sound masters are the busiest of all ]

They have to get the satelite signals through the mixette and then on the air; to record and assemble phono reports and regular supplements, to put the contact programs and recently. They began the direct broadcasting (via the telephone) of the B-92 program.

Cooperation with Radio B-92

This year we continued the cooperation with the independent Radio B-92 from Belgrade. We rebroadcast some programs of theirs and our auditors are able now to listen to the programs which were broadcast some days or hours ago on Radio B-92, and they are: Doba razuma ( The terms of sence), Intervju dana ( The interview of the day) and YU-topia. Since there are demonstration in the streets of Belgrade and all over Serbia, every day at 17:00 we broadcast Dnevnik (The news) of Radio B-92 or Nocnik (The news of the night) from 21:00 to 22:00. If necessary, we also plug exclusively in program of Radio B-92. These broadcastings become very popular with our listeners especial in November and December. Thus our auditors are very well informed about everything that's going on in the streets of Belgrade-about the actual situation in Serbia.

Agencies

We have very good and successful cooperation with independent news agencies FoNet and Beta from Belgrade from which we get the actual and up-to-date news information and phono-supplements from our country and from all over the world.

[ Photo 2: We can follow the important news and events from our country as well as from all over the world with the help of independent news agencies FoNet and Beta. Their information come to our editorial office via modem with BBC- agencies. It's a very reliable and valid means of information.]

The most listened programs

All the programs in the production of "Radio Bajina Basta" have been broadcast on the regular basis and dynamics according to the current program schedule (enclosed to this Report). The most listened programs in this year were the informative-political programs such as: Vesti (the News), Dnevnik (The daily news), Pregled dana (It happened today), Gost naseg radija (The guest of our Radio..) Together with the programs created by our journalists, some informative programs we take over from the world news agencies in Serbian language. (Voice of America, BBC, World service and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) are still very popular and have a very good attention.

The most listened programs of cultural entertaining character (Radio B.B.'s production) are: The Top of The charts (of the day, month and week), Dobri stari radio (The old good radio) with evergreen music, Teen magazin, Zeljoteka (music according to our listeners' wishes) Radio clinic (G.P.'s advice).

Music concept

As music is concerned, our program has had a complete turnabout in its conception. Pop-rock music (licensed, YU and ex-YU) prevails. There are only 2 hours of folk music and it's mostly original authentic folk music (old city songs, ballads, romances from Serbia and Bosnia). Radio Drina in Bosnia has mostly folk music in its music concept and it's folk music orient radio. Musical containts are enriched with a 1/2 hour of classical music a day, 1-2 hours of evergreen, a 1/2 hour of jazz and also a 1/2 hour of blues. It's a large quantity of this kind of music in our rural and provincial ambience and it is also a step forward to metropolization of our provincial area.

[ Photo 3: Irena Milanovic, a musical editor in stuffy and jammed phonoteque. A big problem is the acquisition of the new musical editions. We must keep pace with new musical editions but we don't have enough money for the new licensed editions and CDS. ]

Sponsors and donators

In 1996 we succeeded in getting two more PC's configured for the work of journalists-editors in our editorial office, Swiss organization Medienhilfe for the help to independent media gave them to us for the work of Radio B.B. editorial office and "Bajinobastanske novine".

We have also got some financial help from The Foundation for the open society from Belgrade and thus we succeeded in covering our expenses until June 1996. Radio Bajina Basta has applied for the help from Eurounion budget for the 1996. year and got the positive answer which says that we are going to get a new transmitter, but this donation has not yet been realized.

At the end of 1996 six journalists of ours, members of the independent association of journalists of Serbia got a financial help (700 din) because of the very hard financial situation of Radio B.B. and it's journalists themselves.

Professional organizations

The representatives of "Radio Bajina Basta" have taken part in many activities of home and international associations whose members we are: AMARC (Shefield) IFJ/FIEJ (Brusselles), ANEM (Beograd), NUNS (Beograd), Local Press (Kragujevac). So far six journalists became members of NUNS and thus of IFJ, and 9 other journalists are going to become members of these organizations.

"Radio B.B." was not present at the regular meetings of AMARC in Senegal and Kopenhagen because of lack of money, We were not able to take part in Seminar on independent media whose organizer was Helsinki committee for Croatia in June this year. We have taken part twice at the round table session of IFJ/FIEJ for the Balkans independent media in Ljubljana. We have been present at the seminars on media law which was organized by European Academy from Berlin and which took place in Belgrade and Berlin. The British Council from Belgrade organized a session dedicated to democracy and media. There also were two training schools for journalists. (in June and October) organized by The British Council and BBC in Belgrade. Our journalists attended two trainings for journalists which were organized by The Media Centre from Belgrade in Jun and July. We were also present at the Program convention of the Voice Of America for the rebroadcasters of VOA in October in Belgrade. We participate regularly in The Association of local independent YU newspapers (Local Press) from Kragujevac. The most important cooperation for us is within ANEM-Association of independent electronic media with Belgrade Radio B-92 heading it which give us constant program support. At this very moment we have a tragic fact that among all members of ANEM (Radio B-92, BOOM-93, Antena M, Studio B, Radio Smederevo, Radio Cetinje and Radio B.Basta) only two of them exist and broadcast their program legally: Radio B-92 and Radio B.B. Others ceased to exist in various ways : forcibly, their licenses expired or as a result of ownership transformation. "Radio Bajina Basta" has got all licenses and permissions needed, but as media blockade is present all over Serbia, we are under constant tension.


2. "Bajinobastanske novine"and "Argus"

In this year our newspapers "Bajinobastanske novine" and youth magazine "Argus" were published with a little delay. Main problem was in the lack of money and inadequate working conditions. "Bajinobastanske novine" appeared in print monthly (circulation-2000) and "Argus" came out every second month (The same circulation as "Bajinobastanske novine").

We still make "Bajinobastanske novine" have in Bajina Basta while we print them in Uzice,a town 38 km away from Bajina Basta. We have many problems because the mere process of printing can last even three days. The expenses are high, too.

Within the Work schedule for 1997, we have made a project for the equipment of our DTP and a mini printing-shop where we are going to print these newspapers, the other publications of ours, as well as to organize a printing service for the other users. In that way we can earn some money and cover the expenses.

Pictures 4: On every first Friday in a month our magazine "Bajinobastanske novine" appears in printing in the circulation of 1500-3000 copies, depending on a kind of manifestation going on in our town (sports, tourist or cultural). There are 204 individual subscribers and 790 subscribers appearing as firms. The rest is being sold with a minimum remittance.

Editorial policy and conception is liberal-creative and the journalists and editors have complete freedom of creation and affirmation of their newspapers. The most popular articles are: An interview, The report from the country, Review of economy, Leading article, History of our town, "Kriva Drina" (something that cannot be corrected), Sports, Chronicle, and...

Argus-teen magazine

Teenagers have their own magazine where they cherish rock-culture, but also pay attention to the alternative cultures. Argus tend to become a regional youth newspaper if there were proper conditions in the future. Favourite articles are: A Story, Rock history, No comment, On the spot, "Humourbidities".

[ Photo 5: The most advanced program concept is surely "Argus". Argus is all that teenagers don't get in the everyday-life of a small provincial town. From "Argus" they get all the information they need; they have an opportunity to speak up about their attitude, comment, devotion or form of their cultural conscience. All that is "Argus". ]

Beside journalism, "Argus" is very active when culture and entertainment are concerned. Several times we have organized rock sessions devoted to the history of certain musical streams. The most successful gathering in this year was the rock-platform with 9 most emminent rock critics from our country. It was very well received and it had been decided that the rock is not dead in front of the invasion of various musical streams.

For the future of our newspaper it is necessary to create good working conditions, which means to equip the editorial offices with needed adequate tools and devices such as the desk top publishing hardware and software and finally getting a miniprinting-shop. Thus we could have a stable financial basis together with a safe publishing dynamics.

Publishing

One of the distinguished and important this year's activities are Business Guide-Bajina Basta 97 which is being prepared these days and is due in February. We expect to earn from its printing and sale around 30 000 din.

We also plan to print a set of commercial postcards of our town. We expect to earn around 10 000 din from its sale . It is due in March.

In the middle of 1996 year we finished with preparation of the third book-magazine for science, culture and art of Bajina Basta region. It's called "Bastina" . It is due in the first half of 1997 in cooperation with the "Home Association Bastina" from Bajina Basta.

Art colony "Cyprian"

We are the founder of this art colony (gathering of painters). But as a result of lack of money we were not able to organize it this year ( it would have been the third gathering). 24 painters took part at the previous two sessions and they have left 47 paintings-actually, they have given them to us as a present. Our aim is to establish a modern art gallery here in Bajina Basta. And we also plan to organize the thied gathering of Art Colony Cuprian in 1997 year.

sl.6. Participants of the first gathering of Art Colony "Cyprian", and the official emblem of this cultural manifestation.

3. Refurbishment of our own business offices

[ Photo 7: Construction and other works on the refurbishment of our own business offices in November 1995. Our offices are built onto this building.]

In 1996 we continued with the construction and other works which we started the previous year (1995). The largest and very important works were done this year:

[ Photo 8: The building onto which we've built our own business offices-November 1996. All the exterior and many interior works were finished. Actually 2/3 of the whole work was done.]

Finishing these works our financial funds were exhausted; the funds and credits from our supporters and private enterpreneurs were used. Because of that the works are at the standstill, until we obtain the funds necessary for their continuation and finish. We have got 1/3 of the funds in the form of compensation and donation ( such as building material) from our local businessmen and individuals willing to help. The second one-third is Westminster Foundation for Democracy from London and the third 1/3 from the Association of independent Media. But all that help is about 2/3 of the total works and expenses. We have done almost all these works so far, and there are 1/3 of finishing works left. In order to move in this new building of ours with 180 m2, the following works are necessary to be done:

At the moment when these works are finished, we will have quite good working conditions for our journalists, contributors and our editor. Editorial offices of our Radio will be completed technically and technologically, well organized and equipped. Newspaper editorial offices will get its desk top publishing space, as well as some space for the mini-printing-shop which is going to make the larger circulation possible for "Bajinobastanske novine" . It will result in a higher quality of our Radio and our Press.

4. The Repeater

At the moment the repeater building has been in the following state:

[ Photo 9: Works and activities on the repeater, laying of a foundation for the pole supporter and starting the construction. The small house in the background. 80 % of this construction project has been done.]

All these works on this Project were financially supported by The Foundation for open society from BGD and within open public competition for the help to SRJ media in 1995. The Foundation had approved the all needed funds for the repeater, but from that moment in March 1995 till the moment of payment onto our account (the end of June 1995), the prices of needed material had increased rapidly and thus we had lost a sustain part of the granted funds.

To end this project of ours, we need the financial funds for the following works:

Total amount of money for these works is around 15 000 DM and if we could get it we would be able to finish this construction in 30 days. Then audibility of our program would cover 80% of Western Serbia and Eastern Bosnia (now it covers 30%). We have already got the emission equipment, and European Union has promised and approved (within the help it gave to the independent media for 1996) the acquisition of a new more powerful transmitter. We have had all the permissions required, since 1992. We expect to get it during this winter.

The Launching of RTV"Drina" in Bosnia & Hercegovina

Signing The Dayton Agreement and applying it in Bosnia, the possibilities had been made for development of independent press. We have decided to give our contribution to this mission and to use our experiences from Serbia in establishing a privately-owned RTV station in Bosnia. The references we have gained doing our press job and not depending on anybody here in Serbia, helped us to show our identification in Bosnia and to show our intentions.

[ Photo 10: Location of Radio B.B.and Radio Drina Skelani-Srebrenica (B&H)]

Establishing RTV Drina - aims

The real aim of our media break through in Bosnia is covering the Eastern Bosnia & Herzegovina with an independent RTV signal and providing the alternative informing of the citizens. A part of that region has already covered with the Radio Bajina Basta signal from Serbia but now the Radio Drina program is an antochthonius B&H program which is basically dedicated to actual problems of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The other aim of our media break into B&H is the realization of our previous five years experience on the jobs of journalists. We have got a solid personnel and technical basis which could be of great help. It can support, stimulate and motivate our like-minded persons to do the similar radio and TV project. A great number of young people who were deprived of many valuable things in life, could find themselves in the job of a journalist or a cultural and public figure.

This year we have registered our firm in Bosnia and got all permissions and agreements from Ministry of information and communications and from the Authorities of Republika Srpska. In August the program of independent radio station Drina in Skelani-Srebrenica, took to the air. It is broadcast 12 hours every day. Not so large funds which we've got from our sponsors were spent in launching this Radio, but now the Radio is confronting the usual problems - lack of money.

Complete program documentation and working schedules for 1997 have been made. We intend to send them to all potential donators.


Summary

All these described activities of "Radio Bajina Basta" were carried out under great pressure and difficulties which Serbian authorities impose on nongovernment and free media in Serbia. In our own opinion, "Radio Bajina Basta" will not be able to survive this current crisis without some help from donators, supporters and sponsors. Here we have been talking only about the strategy projects but not about the low standard of our staff. We havent mentioned the everyday expenses for which we don't have enough money:

Somehow, We managed in covering these expenses, so far but we failed to keep up with the expenses for the last three months. However, we pay the electricity, the telephone, petrol regularly. Otherwise, we could be disconnected from the electricity. Our staff haven't got their salaries for October, November, December yet, and they have never got a daily allowance, a hot meal payment, recourse for a holiday...) In spite of all these inconveniences, we manage somehow thank to enthusiasm of all our personnel. It is difficult especially in winter. For instance, in November 1996 the total income was 7800 din.1500 are earned from marketing. Neither of all political parties payed for their presentation during the preelection campaign. Our journalists worked 200% because it was the month of elections and the beginning of crisis in Serbia. To pay all the expenses and salaries to our stuff ( 200 DM approx) we need 30000 din ( 8500 DM) .

Table +, -, =

It is clear that we need some 22800 din to cover all the expenses. Recently we covered such quatation by counterservice, marketing, donation and so on. The situation is much more difficult now because of the total destruction and collapse of the economy.

For all these reasons, our main and basic task in 1997 is to animate the interested donators and sponsors. We shall be of service to anybody who is willing to help us and we are going to give more detailed information about our activities and projects at any time.

Our editorial staff:

Bijan Babic - a master of ceremonies on a radio program
Zlatica Djokic - a master of ceremonies on a radio program
Slavica Mitrovic - a helper
Andjelka Holender - a journalist
Danka Gojgic - a journalist
Zorica Mitrovic - an administrative worker
Goran Bozic - a sound master
Milan Stojanovic - a journalist
Ljubodrag Ivic - a producer
Ljiljana Jelisavcic - an editor
Bojan Markovic - a director of technical service (technical editor)
Obrad Dodic - an editor of " Bajinobastanske novine"
Irena Milanovic - musical editor
Birostan Jovanovic - an organizer
Boban Tomic - general manager, editor-in-chief of "Radio Bajina Basta"
Milan Stamenic - marketing director
Zoran Jaksic - a helper
Bojan Tanasijevic - soundmaster
Ilija Jovanovic - a helper


Return to the Bajina Basta Organization Page

Last updated:    April 1997

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