RTV Slon with its unique business plan focused on the vast diaspora from Tuzla region living predominantly in European countries. Namely, in the frame of the Media for All project, they started producing podcasts titled Tuzla calling, focusing on local rarities that are unique to Tuzla – it may be people, events, objects – with the main idea to bring the region closer to the diaspora and vice versa. Estimates are that about 100.000 people originating from Tuzla region live abroad and they are seen as potential audiences to follow their YouTube channel.
“As key achievement, we highlight that as a media house, thanks to the project, we are able to produce new content primarily intended for online channels,” Damir Đapo, editor-in-chief at RTV Slon said, adding that “over the past year, we can say that our media house, thanks to the support and participation in the BD grant, has strengthened its organisational and production capacities.”
The series of podcasts, 60 regular episodes plus several special editions, have been aired on TV station and published on their YouTube channel where a special playlist was formed. Also, a SoundCloud account was opened.
Last episode was aired on April 15, and according to the available data, the episodes have good feedback and good reception from the audience, which has resulted in an increased number of followers on social media channels. Facebook followers increased from 91.000 to 95.000 and the subscribers on YouTube from 17.000 to almost 21.000, thus achieving one of the main goals of the project.
“During the implementation of the project, we used all previously acquired knowledge and experience, but at the same time we applied and adopted new principles of work, adapted to the production of online content, promotion and distribution of online content, which fully strengthened our own capacity, reputation and brand value,” said Đapo.
RTV Slon is a private, commercial media company that has been in operation for 25 years. They broadcast the program and content on TV, radio, and online – having their own website, YouTube channel, and social media pages.
They are one of the 9 outlets from Bosnia and Herzegovina that are part of the Media for All business development grant scheme. The project is funded by the UK Government and implemented by the British Council, Thomson Foundation, BIRN and INTRAC in all Western Balkans countries.
