RADIO 101

WE SHALL NEVER SURRENDER

On 20 November 1996, the Croatian Telecommunications Council refused a licence to Radio 101,

the last independent radio station in Croatia. The Council's decision will force Radio 101

to stop transmitting at the end of November.

This radio pioneered media independency in Croatia and together with B92 in Belgrade in Radio Student in Ljubljana presented the first succesfull self-sufficient independent media experiment in the former communist world. Radio 101 was the first electronic media in former Yugoslavia to fearlessly present Franjo Tudjman in a prime time show. Continuing to champion media freedoms the 101 station however fell in disfavor by Tudjman once he became an elected president of Croatia.

On 20 November 1996, the Croatian Telecommunications Council refused a licence to Radio 101, the last independent radio station in Croatia. The Council's decision will force Radio 101 to stop transmitting at the end of November. The Council cited "financial reasons" for the refusal; however, Ivic Pasalic, an advisor to President Franjo Tudjman, added that "Radio 101 was too political."

Thousands of people joined the demonstrations organized by Bad Blue Boys later that day. American ambassador Peter Galbraith came to the 101 two hours after the decision. Life coverage and archive of demonstartions and interviews are available at Radio 101 News. For additional info check Reporters Sans Frontiers. Their top list of 25 countries enemies of press may include Croatia in the future. So far the only European state there is Serbia.

Canjuga, Zagreb city HDZ official, who spoke in favor of Radio 101, said he wouldn't do it without being given a green light by President Tudjman... Tides may be changing for right wing radicals in Croatia, and derogatory comics against the infamous Telecommunications Council are published in regime media. Radio 101 won a temporary license until January 15 when a new vote, and perhaps a new battle, should be expected.

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