Prior to and during the war, the media in former Yugoslavia were heavily manipulated for one-sided broadcasting in order to incite nationalistic hatred and public paranoia. The media in Bosnia and Herzegovina has since been working to become free and fair in order to bring about pluralism, mutual trust, and help the transition into a fully fledged democratic society. As media were used as a tool for political propaganda in the past there is a certain level of public distrust. Many media are confined to their ethnic region of origin and have subsequent limited circulation. While the number of radio stations has already grown, funding is still required to sustain independent and alternative services. Many regional television and radio networks remain under the control of ethnic nationalist groups.

The importance of pluralist media in the development of a democratic society that respects human rights and the peace process has been emphasized by the international community since the signing of the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement in 1995. Since 1996 the EC has allocated over 16 MEURO to its media and culture programme. The programme focuses on the strengthening of independent media, progress in the freedom of movement and cross-Entity exchanges, the promotion of human rights, democracy and civil society, and improvement of journalistic standards.

In 1996 the EC committed 2 MEURO to the Open Broadcast Network (OBN), the cross-Entity independent television network, to assist in fair coverage of the first post-war elections. In addition, 16 smaller scale projects were funded ranging from office equipment, supplies and training for electronic and print media in both Entities, to the funding of programmes and publications that promote human rights and democracy.

In 1997 approximately 4 MEURO was committed through the EC media and culture programme. In preparation for the 1997 elections and as a long-term benefit, the EC allocated 1.7 MEURO to upgrade the OBN system. A further 2.3 MEURO was allocated to 16 smaller scale projects in support of democracy and the peace process. Financial support was given to small independent media to reduce reliance on the economic and political powers that were dictating programming and content. EC funding also provided equipment, vehicles and salaries, new offices and stations, production of programmes that promote the peace process, and training in international standards of journalism.

The EC 1998 media and culture programme employed a regional approach that insists on compliance of certain criteria including the respect for human rights, democracy and freedom of the press in order to be eligible for funds. Projects are focused on training, information production, distribution and broadcasting, and improvement of the media legal framework. Almost 4 MEURO was allocated. The EC designated 1 MEURO of its 1998 budget in support of the OBN for operational costs and further upgrading of equipment and offices in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Brcko.

Nationalist media that are politically selective with programming and distribution still exist in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Clearly defined media laws on radio and television frequencies, privatization, and freedom of information would prevent selective programming and illegally operating stations. Consequently, the EC committed 1.2 MEURO from its 1998 budget to the Independent Media Commission (IMC), which will later become the national licensing and standards institution.

An additional 2.4 MEURO was allocated for the media programme in 1999. The EC continued its support for both IMC and OBN also providing assistance in establishing Public Service Broadcasting in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PBS). The last encompasses the assistance to entities’ televisions, as well as to creating a nationwide broadcasting service.

In 2000 the EC allocated 3 MEURO in support to media in BiH.