MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AND POLITICAL FRAGMENTATION IN POST-WAR BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

<p>The first post-war interventions in the reconstruction of the media sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina took place in the early years following the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. These interventions were implemented through the regulations of the Office of the High Representative and the establishment of the public broadcasting system. However, years later, public broadcasters came to reflect the fragmentation of society rather than the original idea of coordinated operation. This study examines the influence of socio-political fragmentation on the functioning and development of the media in the post-war period, with a specific focus on the role of public service broadcasters and the process of media digitalisation. A qualitative analysis was conducted, drawing on academic research, media studies, official documents such as laws, court rulings, and institutional reports, as well as relevant media coverage. The findings indicate that political and administrative fragmentation continues to obstruct media reform and development. This is evident in the slow progress of digitalisation, the inconsistent implementation of media legislation, and the long-term financial instability of public broadcasters.</p>