RTVS before the financial collapse, causes, poor management, high salaries, loans and disputes

The public broadcasting organisation Radio Televizija Slovenija (RTV Slovenia) is facing a severe financial, business, and liquidity crisis. Under the leadership of President Natalija Gorščak, the board has taken loans from the state treasury to cover regular salary payments, while failing to implement a restructuring plan. The situation has reached critical levels, with the organisation requesting approximately €15 million from the national budget, intended for ethnic programs and music production, but likely being used for employee salaries instead. RTV Slovenia employs nearly 2,000 people, with labor costs accounting for 64 percent of all expenses, or over €100 million annually. High salaries, some exceeding €9,700 gross per month, add further strain to the budget, alongside accumulating internal legal disputes and attorney fees. Structural and financial problems within RTV Slovenia were highlighted during an extraordinary meeting of the organization’s council, chaired by non-state member Goran Forbic. According to administrative data, the institution took out €8.1 million in loans in June 2026 to cover salary payments, yet still owed €5.6 million by the end of the month. Delays in receiving state funds, €7.76 million for the first half of the year, are attributed to the requirement for a contract specifying the purpose of funds, which would allow oversight of how taxpayer money is spent. However, RTV Slovenia and its council argue that such a contract is unnecessary, asserting that the new law on RTV Slovenia, enacted in December 2025 under the Golob government, already provides sufficient legal basis. As a result, the organization faces liquidity issues, with potential salary shortages as early as August. The high number of employees and their salaries represent a major cost burden. By the end of June 2026, RTV Slovenia had 1,999 employment contracts in place. While there was a slight decrease compared to the end of 2025, plans for 2026 anticipate only a reduction of 108 staff members, a figure deemed insufficient by many. Labor costs are projected at €100.675 million, making up 64.1 percent of total expenditures. Average wages at RTV Slovenia are among the highest in the public sector. Recent data from January 2026 shows the highest gross salary was €9,757, with over ten employees earning more than €7,000 monthly. President Natalija Gorščak received €5,913 (ranking 23rd). These figures have drawn attention, particularly from Prime Minister Janez Janša, who remarked, “Do you know how many houses in this country have higher salaries than the government?” The legal framework governing RTV Slovenia underwent a change in 2025, during the Golob administration. This new law stipulates that ethnic programs must be co-financed at 10 percent of collected RTV contributions, and music production at 4 percent. These funds are designated for specific purposes, meaning they can only be used for these intended uses, not for general employee salaries. The Ethnic Affairs Office and the Ministry of Culture insist on signing a contract to ensure compliance, arguing that without it, there could be misuse of funds. RTV Slovenia and its council, led by Forbic, maintain that the law itself is enough justification and that a contract might threaten the autonomy of the organization. Previous efforts by the Golob government to secure funding through an executive decision were halted due to perceived illegality. The current Janšević government rejects these demands due to lack of legal basis, leaving the organization in limbo and risking a cash flow crisis. Legal disputes further complicate the situation. President Natalija Gorščak (from the Social Democrats) has previously filed lawsuits against RTV Slovenia. These ongoing conflicts add to the internal tensions and financial pressures, creating a challenging environment for the organization's stability and future operations. As the situation worsens, the need for immediate action becomes increasingly urgent.