Photo: USAID/BiH Samir Hadzibajric
Taping of “Sports Centar” show in Mreza Plus studio.
“Thanks to the experiences gained
during USAID’s training, we are now
able to manage by ourselves, and we
are very proud that the Network operates
as a local independent media
entity.”
- Darko Aleksic, Mreza Plus Manager
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Initiative
In 2001, USAID supported the cause of private, independent media by assist-ing in the launch of Mreza Plus, BiH’s first countrywide commercial television network. The network is made up of five member stations (from both the Federa-tion and Republika Srpska) and a grow-ing number of affiliates.
Banding together gave the independent stations a better chance to compete but financial management was still a chal-lenge. USAID stepped in to provide training for the station managers which focused on financial and general man-agement, television programming and promotion, and advertising/sales man-agement.
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Results
After attending USAID’s training, Mreza Plus manager Darko Aleksic developed a professional business plan for the network including a detailed strategy and long-term financial objectives. This marked the first time Mreza Plus had developed a business plan without outside help. As proof of its success, Mreza Plus boosted its ratings from 13.2% in February 2003 to 15.8% one year later. Moreover, Mreza Plus has already increased its contracts with ad agencies by 8.5% compared to the year prior. Due to improved financial management, the network has purchased high-quality programming that has helped it surpass the foreign competition and maintain a solid second place in the ratings behind PBS. Thanks to USAID’s as-sistance, the network is not only successful, but truly independent.
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