There's a competition for HRT chief.

The Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) has announced a public competition for the position of its chief executive, with current head Robert Šveb’s five-year term set to expire in October. The announcement was made by the Supervisory Board of HRT on Wednesday, following the publication of detailed eligibility criteria for candidates. Candidates must be Croatian citizens, hold a university degree or equivalent, demonstrate proficiency in at least one world language, primarily English, and have at least ten years of experience in responsible positions within media or other business systems. They must also possess knowledge of media legislation and new information technologies, among other conditions outlined in HRT’s statute. The role is explicitly non-political, prohibiting individuals holding political office or serving in local government bodies or political parties from being appointed. Candidates must also avoid conflicts of interest, including employment or involvement with competing legal entities engaged in audiovisual media production, distribution, or related services. The selection process will involve submitting applications along with supporting documents within 45 days of the official announcement published in Narodne novine. Applications should be sent to HRT’s Supervisory Board at Prisavlje 3, 10000 Zagreb. All necessary details regarding the competition, including required forms and submission guidelines, are available on HRT’s website. The position of chief executive at HRT is filled through a five-year mandate, decided upon by the Croatian Parliament during a plenary session by majority vote of all representatives. This structure underscores the parliamentary oversight of HRT, ensuring transparency and adherence to democratic principles in leadership appointments. The competition follows a period of administrative transition, with Šveb currently overseeing operations until his term concludes. His tenure has been marked by efforts to modernize HRT’s digital infrastructure and expand its international reach, particularly through increased content production in English and other global languages. These initiatives align with broader European Union standards for media diversity and quality. The eligibility restrictions reflect a long-standing policy aimed at maintaining journalistic independence and preventing undue influence from political actors. While some critics argue that such rules could limit the pool of qualified candidates, supporters emphasize the importance of separating media governance from political spheres to ensure impartiality and public trust. The competition is anticipated to attract a diverse range of applicants, including seasoned journalists, media executives, and professionals with expertise in technology and law. The final selection will be based on merit, with the winning candidate expected to lead HRT into a more digitally integrated and globally competitive future. The outcome of this process will likely shape the direction of Croatia’s national broadcasting service for the coming years.