Belgrade, January 8, 2002 - RTV B92 informs its listeners that it has filed a request with the Federal Ministry of Traffic and Telecommunications following several days of interference in the reception of Radio B92 on 92.5Mhz across most of New Belgrade and part of the city centre. RTV B92 demanded the ministry undertake urgent measures to allow uninterrupted coverage as soon as possible.

According to the findings of our technical service, the interruptions in the reception of Radio B92 are being caused by "Radio Perper," a station which began broadcasting four months ago, without a license, from the "Genex" building in New Belgrade. The broadcast is on 92.8Mhz with transmitters turned towards the city.

"Radio Perper" had been broadcasting a weaker signal with a directed deviation until some ten days ago, thus not affecting Radio B92's programming. Battling with a licensed station from Resnik broadcasting at the same frequency, “Radio Perper” increased both its power and deviation and began interrupting the signal of B92.

"Radio Perper" has tried several times to "install" itself on the radio scale, first at 87.5Mhz, then 100.2 (at which they interrupted Yu-radio broadcasting on 100.4Mhz), then 104.9Mhz. Despite the imposed moratorium they finally appeared at 92.8Mhz.

RTV B92 appeals for immediate action on its request and, once again, points out the need to pass legislation that would regulate the chaotic situation in this field, primarily the Law on Broadcasting. RTV B92 asks that temporary solutions be found which would give the independent media a chance to survive until the frequency distribution in line with the new law is completed.

Following the release of information concerning interference in the Radio B92 broadcast, RTV B92 editor-in-chief Veran Matic received a telephone threat from people claiming to be calling from "Radio Perper" in Belgrade. One introduced himself as the editor of the radio station. They claimed to have Matic's address and said they would wait for him outside his house. The threat has been reported to the police.

The threats followed a report submitted by the Radio B92 company to the Federal Ministry of Traffic and Telecommunications concerning interference in the broadcast of Radio B92 caused by “Radio Perper.” Radio B92 also issued a statement for the press protesting against the interference.

Veran Matic
RTV B92 editor-in-chief