Croatia: Layoffs at HRT, N1; Nova TV to rebid for concession
January 28, 2025
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
Croatian public broadcaster HRT plans to lay off over 800 employees by March as part of a business consolidation plan. This aligns with their ‘New Direction’ strategy, which aims to reduce staff by 30 per cent from the current level of 2,700 by the end of 2026.
The Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media supports this plan, emphasising the need for HRT to modernize its technology, develop a new media platform, and maintain high professional standards.
The deadline for employees to accept severance packages is March 31st 2025. Following the consolidation plan’s anticipated adoption in February, preparations will begin for drafting a new HRT Law.
Layoffs are also planned at news channel N1 Hrvatska which is undergoing restructuring to address financial challenges and ensure long-term sustainability. While the exact number of layoffs is yet to be determined, local media reports suggest up to 26 employees may be affected.
N1 Hrvatska has accumulated approximately €20 million in debt over the past decade, while annual revenue has remained stable at around €5 million. The parent company, United Group, has been covering N1 Croatia’s losses, but a potential sale of the channel cannot be excluded. In Croatia, United Group also owns commercial broadcaster Nova TV and cable TV operator Telemach.
Nova TV has confirmed its intention to bid for a new national concession, as its current 15-year concession, granted in 2010, is expiring. The Council for Electronic Media (VEM) initiated the process for awarding a new concession with a February 17th deadline for bids.
Meanwhile, United Group, majority-owned by London-based investment fund BC Partners, is in the process of selling its operations in several Balkan countries.
Bosnian telco BH Telecom is set to buy Telemach’s cable TV and telecom activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The companies are currently finalizing the sale agreement and expect to sign it shortly after receiving regulatory approval.