That's how many millions RTV Slovenia is going to owe...

RTV Slovenia will take on additional debt of up to six million euros, according to a decision made during an emergency council meeting held late yesterday. The move comes amid ongoing financial challenges faced by the public broadcasting institution, which has been struggling with liquidity issues for some time. These difficulties intensified last week when the Ministry of Finance imposed restrictions on the broadcaster’s ability to borrow from the state treasury. Initially, RTV had anticipated a loan of twelve million euros, but this was reduced to nine point five million euros by the relevant ministry. Despite these limitations, the organization managed to pay July salaries and honorariums. Additionally, RTV has long awaited reimbursement from the state for its obligations related to funding national programs and music productions. It expects more than fifteen million euros from the Office for Nationalities and Cultural Affairs, which oversees such matters. The council members reached agreement on the new borrowing, which will be used until the receipt of state funds or by the end of the year. This decision follows an urgent meeting called to address the financial strain. Meanwhile, the administration of RTV has also submitted a request to the government asking for an increase in the contribution rate for the upcoming year by ten percent. They anticipate that such a decision will be made by September first. Opposition parties, particularly the Resni.ca party, have expressed different views. They advocate for the abolition of the mandatory payment system for public broadcasting. In November of last year, they introduced a legislative amendment proposing that the costs of public broadcasting should be covered by the state budget. The amendment was meant to be considered in the following month, but its leader, Zoran Stevanović, suggested postponing the discussion to a later date. Together with coalition parties, Resni.ca submitted a proposal for a consultative referendum on the termination of the mandatory payment system for financing public radio and television. The proposal argues that media space, technological capabilities, and user habits have changed significantly over the past decade, necessitating a reassessment of the current model. Yesterday, after a written session, the government stated that the referendum would contribute importantly to understanding public sentiment on the issue. At the Ministry of Culture, officials added that the expressed will of voters could serve as guidance for shaping future policies and solutions regarding the financing of public broadcasting. Regardless of the outcome, they emphasized the need to protect the public interest in maintaining an independent, pluralistic, and financially sustainable RTV.