There is no peace at Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT). Instead of stability and strategic development, HRT is entering a new phase of uncertainty, driven by the so-called “Consolidation Plan” – a document that, despite widespread criticism, received strong backing from the parliamentary Media Committee and the ruling majority.
On Friday, March 28 at 12:05 (because it’s long past “five to twelve”), we will gather in front of the HRT building to show that we are neither surplus nor a burden, declare the HRT unions and branches of the Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND). This action has the full support of HND, which is calling on everyone to join the rally, or to show support for HRT by updating their profile photos and banners on Facebook, or by using the hashtag #ForTheHRTWeDeserve on all social media posts.
This plan was pushed through without genuine public debate, without consideration of expert input, and without any real intent to strengthen the public broadcaster. HRT employees and union representatives have warned that the plan is built on flawed assumptions, disregards the mission and purpose of public service media, and offers bureaucratic, harmful measures lacking a true understanding of HRT’s role.
Staff and program representatives emphasize that this plan brings no real reform – only chaotic cuts to people, programming, culture, and identity. It targets precisely what makes a public broadcaster public: professional journalism, quality educational and cultural content, and the technical and production infrastructure that makes it all possible.
Those making decisions about HRT’s future have ignored these warnings. Not only has the plan been approved, it was enthusiastically supported by the ruling coalition. But many professionals within HRT do know what kind of broadcaster this should be, and how to develop it into a modern, professional media institution – far better than the politicians currently steering its fate. That’s why they’ve decided to speak out – not as “surplus,” not as a “cost,” but as defenders of the public interest and the public broadcaster.
The lack of understanding about how HRT works – and what it stands for – is painfully evident. As of April 1, the broadcaster will lose many talented professionals. One striking symbol of this lack of vision is the looming threat to HRT’s orchestras, which are now subject to so-called “strategic evaluation of their future.” This isn’t just about trimming a budget line – it’s about dismantling the idea that public service exists for culture. The message is clear: the people pushing this “reform” don’t understand what HRT is. They don’t know – or don’t care – that just as an orchestra can’t perform without violas, HRT cannot function without its sound engineers, camerapeople, editors, journalists, producers, screenwriters.
The “Consolidation Plan” – a misnamed document borrowed from a highway construction project – comes with no strategy, no vision. Its message? That HRT should be smaller, quieter, cheaper. That those who carry this institution are disposable. Creativity is being stifled, not supported. Professional expertise is being pushed aside, not valued.
That is why we – journalists, technicians, editors, musicians, camera crews, everyone working behind and in front of the cameras, all of us who still believe in this institution as a true public service – will not remain silent. Many of us have long demonstrated professionalism through our work. Now it’s time to show it publicly.
It’s time to stand together and say: HRT is a public good, and we will not give it up without a fight. On Friday, March 28 at 12:05 – because five to twelve has long passed – we will gather in front of the HRT building to show that we are not expendable, not a cost – we are the heart of this institution. We will come together to send off our colleagues with respect, to stand in solidarity, and to show that we understand HRT’s purpose. We will not allow it to become a pale shadow of what it once was. We are ready to defend our public broadcaster. We will not be silent.
HRT does not belong to the political majority. Nor to consultancy firms.
Signed by:
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Croatian Journalists’ Union – HRT branch
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HRT Technical Workers’ Union
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HND Branch at HTV
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HND Branch at Croatian Radio
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Independent Union of HRT Workers
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HRT Professional Musicians’ Branch (HSDK)