Assessment of Media Sector Needs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The media sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is facing numerous obstacles. The sector is characterized by a large number of media outlets, continuous marketing income decrease and political pressure on editorial policy and media freedoms. There are three public broadcasting services, around 100 TV stations, 150 radio stations, 8 news agencies and 8 daily newspapers as well as numerous online media that compete for income in a modest media market. In addition to this, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a strong adverse impact on the media sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The media suffered a sharp advertising income decline, and some were forced to fire journalists and other media professionals. In spite of a better epidemiological situation and income generated in 2021, the media are still facing financial consequences and journalists are still inadequately paid.