Ivica Urličić, former technical director of HRT, deceased

Ivica Urličić, former technical director of HRT (Croatian Radiotelevision), has died. He was a long-time television expert who played a key role in some of the most significant projects in Croatian television history. Born in 1937, he graduated from the Electrical Engineering Faculty in Zagreb and began his career in television in 1962 as an engineer for reportage units at the then Televizija Zagreb. His contributions spanned several decades and included pivotal technological advancements in the field. Urličić's career took off in the mid-1960s with a major technological leap. As project leader, he designed and installed the first production Studio C at the Radnički Dom using transistor technology, which operated from 1964 to 1966. Following this, he held several responsible positions, including chief master at Šubićevac from 1977 to 1978, and worked on processing and reproduction tasks until 1983. The peak of his professional career came when he served as technical director of HRT from 1992 to 1995. He was one of the leading figures behind the technical realization of some of the largest projects in the television industry at the time. Among these were the conference of the Movement of the Unaligned in Colombia in 1976 and the Mediterranean Games held in Split in 1979. He also participated in the construction of the technical part of the RTV center in Prisavlje, leaving a lasting mark on the development of television infrastructure. Urličić’s work extended beyond individual projects. His expertise in television technology helped shape the evolution of broadcasting capabilities in Croatia. From the early days of transistor-based studios to the complex systems required for international events, his influence was felt throughout the industry. Colleagues and contemporaries often spoke of his dedication to innovation and precision, traits that defined his approach to both engineering and management. The details of his final arrangements will be announced later. Information about his passing and funeral plans will be released in due course. Until then, colleagues and fans are remembering his contributions to the field. His legacy includes not just the physical structures he helped build but also the standards he set for technical excellence in Croatian media. His death marks the end of an era for many in the television community. Those who knew him personally recall his quiet determination and deep knowledge of the craft. Friends and associates have expressed their condolences, highlighting the impact he had on the industry and the respect he commanded among peers. As the news spreads, tributes are beginning to emerge from within the HRT organization and the broader media sector. Colleagues remember him as a man of integrity and vision, whose work laid the foundation for modern television operations in Croatia. His influence continues through the systems and practices he helped develop over the years. Further details regarding his life and career will be shared once they become available. For now, the focus remains on honoring his memory and recognizing the profound impact he had on the technical landscape of Croatian television.