Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) - Bias and Credibility

RIGHT-CENTER BIAS

These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.

Overall, we rate RTS (Radio Television of Serbia) as Right-Center Biased due to its alignment with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and frequent promotion of pro-government narratives. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy, given its selective coverage, limited critical perspectives, and government-influenced editorial structure.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (2.7)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (4.6)
Country: Serbia
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MODERATE FREEDOM
Media Type: TV/Radio/Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY

History

Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) is Serbia’s national public broadcaster, headquartered in Belgrade. Originally launched as Radio Belgrade in 1929 and expanding into television in 1958, RTS has grown into a major multimedia outlet. RTS operates several TV and radio channels and covers a range of topics, including national and international news, politics, culture, sports, and entertainment.

Read our profile on Serbian media and government.

Funded by / Ownership

RTS is Serbia’s state-owned public broadcaster, governed by a politically appointed Managing Council and overseen by the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM), whose members are selected by Parliament. Its funding comes primarily from a mandatory subscription fee collected via electricity bills (around 46%), supplemented by state subsidies (28%) and advertising revenue (22%). Despite these income sources, RTS has faced financial strain, including debts and reliance on government loans.

Analysis / Bias

RTS.rs primarily reflects a state-aligned editorial stance, consistent with its role as Serbia’s national public broadcaster. Coverage emphasizes government achievements and narratives, often without critical counterpoints or alternative perspectives. For example, a May 2025 article quotes Prime Minister Ćuro Mačut expressing support for Aleksandar Vučić, stating he is “needed not only for Serbia but for the whole region.” Such statements are presented without scrutiny.

RTS reporting tends to highlight official statements, governmental accomplishments, and international diplomatic events involving Serbian leadership, as seen in the consistent platforming of President Vučić and his allies. Although some articles cover broader issues, such as local news or regional tragedies, the framing often reinforces nationalistic themes or official narratives.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal statement condemning recent protest blockades of RTS as a threat to media freedom, reflecting the government’s portrayal of RTS as a neutral and essential democratic institution. However, critics argue this framing overlooks the public broadcasters RTS (Radio Televizija Srbije) and RTV (Radio Televizija Vojvodine) close alignment with ruling party interests. RTS generally maintains a professional tone and does not engage in overt sensationalism; the bias manifests through story selection and omission of dissenting commentary, which aligns it more closely with pro-government perspectives.

Failed Fact Checks

None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate RTS (Radio Television of Serbia) as Right-Center Biased due to its alignment with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and frequent promotion of pro-government narratives. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy, given its selective coverage, limited critical perspectives, and government-influenced editorial structure. (M. Huitsing 05/04/2025)

Source: https://www.rts.rs/

Last Updated on May 4, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check