By: Nova24tv.si
“Done. I have sent in my application for the position of CEO of RTV Slovenia. Let the fun begin.” This is how Boris Tomašič, the director of Nova24TV and Guinness World Record holder for hosting the longest TV show, announced that he will be running for the top position at RTV.
On July 11th, the RTV Slovenia Council confirmed the announcement of the search for a new CEO, with the application period ending today.
Among the reported candidates are Natalija Gorščak and Mirko Štular (both long-standing RTV employees and considered part of the problem) as well as Tomaž Perovič. However, the surprise came on the final day of submissions when Boris Tomašič, the long-time director and founder of the commercial media outlet Nova24TV, submitted his application.
Will the RTV Council consider leadership experience?
Tomašič has extensive managerial and media experience, which should be welcomed by a public broadcaster facing serious financial difficulties – problems that the government aims to address by increasing the RTV contribution fee. Viewers and other public service users would likely appreciate such leadership. As we know, the previous management was highly ideological and struggled to meet the leadership challenges of the organisation. Of the four members, only employee director Franci Pavšer remains in office; all other members resigned less than a year into their terms.
Tomašič’s programme: Expelling ideology, establishing meritocracy
“The fundamental principle of any public media service must be that there should be no influence from any ideology, in any part of the organisation, let alone the whole. Currently, one ideology prevails, placing ideas before professionalism. This has led to the worst conditions at RTV Slovenia since its inception. This needs to be addressed immediately – ideology must be expelled, and meritocracy, based on knowledge and dedicated work, must be established.
On the other hand, the public media service must be an open space for all different political views on society and the world. No viewpoint should be marginalised or prohibited. This applies to all genres and media within the system. We must establish a system where there are no longer ‘ours’ and ‘theirs’, but only the capable and less capable, the efficient and less efficient, the knowledgeable and the less knowledgeable. There will no longer be room for the incompetent, inefficient, and unknowledgeable, regardless of political orientation. There should be no space for political activists on public RTV.”
It will be particularly interesting to see how the RTV Council responds to Tomašič’s candidacy, as he is demonstrably the most qualified candidate in terms of competencies for such an important role, though he may not align ideologically. As we know, the RTV Council is highly political.
Requirements for the appointment of the CEO:
- A minimum of a master’s degree or an equivalent level of education as per the Slovenian Qualifications Framework (level 8).
- Active knowledge of the Slovenian language.
- Proficiency in at least one world language at a minimum level of B2.
- At least ten years of work experience in the relevant field, with at least five years in leadership positions within larger systems with a minimum of 100 employees.
- Knowledge of public media service issues.
- No ownership stakes or permanent contractual relations with entities that do business with RTV Slovenia.
- Qualification to be a member of a supervisory board, demonstrated by a valid certificate in Slovenia, or must obtain it within one year of starting the mandate.
- No criminal convictions for intentional crimes prosecuted ex officio, and no unconditional prison sentences of more than six months.
- No final indictment for intentional crimes prosecuted ex officio.