17/03/2025
๐ข Another Article from our latest : Developing Democracy and Society on a Fragmented Legacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Titled: Media in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Between Ethnic Divisions and Political Pressures
๐ | By Vuk Vuฤetiฤ & Stefan Vukojeviฤ
This article investigates the evolution and challenges of the media landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), tracing its development from the Yugoslav era to the post-Dayton period. Initially characterized by state control and propaganda under the Yugoslav regime, the mediaโs role evolved amid political shifts and conflicts, particularly during the Bosnian War. The post-war period, marked by ethnic divisions and fragmented media spheres, saw significant international efforts to promote independent journalism and democratize the media sector. However, these initiatives often encountered obstacles such as political clientelism, inadequate legal frameworks, and financial instability. The research highlights how clientelistic relationships and political manipulation have compromised editorial independence, fostering a media environment rife with biased reporting and propaganda. Control over public service media and regulatory bodies by political elites has further impeded the development of a free and independent media sector. The article concludes that addressing these persistent challenges is essential for creating a media landscape that supports democratic development and societal cohesion in BiH.
๐ค About the Authors:
๐ Vuk Vuฤetiฤ is an associate professor at the Department of Journalism and Political Science, Faculty of Philosophy, University of East Sarajevo. Holding a PhD in Communication Sciences from the University of Sarajevo, he specializes in media studies, political communication, and mediatization. He is the author of Challenges of Mediatization of Politics (2023) and co-author of multiple works on media and political analysis.
๐ Stefan Vukojeviฤ is an assistant professor of Comparative Politics at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of East Sarajevo. His research focuses on political parties, power-sharing, post-conflict management, and democratization, particularly in Southeastern Europe and the Balkans.
๐ Read the full article here: https://brill.com/view/journals/seeu/48/2-3/article-p297_006.xml
