RTV Tema is a private local television station from Ferizaj, originally established as a radio station in 2000 and licensed as TV in 2005. It covers 10 municipalities in Kosovo with a potential audience of around 700,000 residents.
With a long tradition and established presence, RTV Tema’s goal was to expand beyond local broadcasting into a competitive, professional, and sustainable multimedia outlet. Through the Media for All programme and business mentoring provided by Thomson, RTV Tema aimed to enhance its video production capacities with state-of-the-art technology, diversify its programme with high-quality TV series and documentaries, develop new commercial services such as in-store radio, digital signage, and subscription-based platforms, strengthen audience engagement through outreach and social media strategies, and ensure financial sustainability by broadening its revenue streams.
Where RTV Tema was — and where it wanted to be
Before the project, RTV Tema’s main strengths were its established regional presence and reputation for informative programming. However, it faced challenges including outdated production equipment with limited quality, almost non-existent online revenues, low engagement on social media channels, the gap between the commercial production and cultural/documentary work.
Their set up a very ambitious plan, that included:
- launching original, high-quality TV formats to strengthen its programming identity,
- professionalization of its production chain with 4K technology and trained staff,
- building direct revenue through commercial video services and advertising,
- engaging audiences more actively via social media and online platforms, and
- positioning itself as a regional leader in cultural and tourism-focused programming.
On the road to overcoming challenges
With the Media for All project support, RTV Tema invested in a 4.6K cinema camera and developed a sophisticated production chain. New roles were introduced such as camera assistant, focus puller, gimbal/steady-cam operator, and colourist. Four new staff were hired in production and news. Trainings tailored to the TV Tema’s need and gaps, resulted in increased team member capacities.
“By receiving in-house and Thomson training in journalism and video production our staff has improved the quality of scriptwriting and visual storytelling, making our video production more influential and attractive to watch.” – Director Visar Hoti
The outlet also developed new social media strategies, promoting programs across multiple platforms and engaging audiences with targeted outreach.
The growth and achievements
The intervention produced significant results in both programming and revenue. New formats have been introduced, including documentary “Discovering Dardania” (6 episodes) and rural reportage “Peisazh”. The first season’s success led to a continuation into the second season.
The intervention produced significant progress across technical, commercial, and audience-related areas. Completion of a 4K production line enabled RTV Tema to deliver professional-quality documentaries, commercials, music videos, and presentations. Commercial partnerships were secured with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice of Kosovo.
Revenue reached €80,945.10 during March 2021–January 2022, reflecting a 45.7% increase compared to €55,554.54 in 2020/21. Additional income streams were introduced through Epashe digital signage, in-store radio, and Gjirafa ad-revenue sharing (with symbolic income). Audience engagement also strengthened, with Facebook followers growing by 13%, while advertising income rose by 45% year-on-year. Capacity expanded through four new hires and the training of two interns.
Looking ahead
RTV Tema aims to build on its dual role as a commercial production house and cultural/documentary storyteller. Future plans include expanding the Discovering Dardania franchise with additional seasons, scaling commercial services such as in-store radio and digital signage, and strengthening partnerships with advertisers and institutions. Continued staff training in cinematic storytelling will help maintain competitiveness. Its long-term vision is to position itself as Kosovo’s leader in cultural documentary and commercial video production, contributing to both tourism promotion and media sustainability.
