RTS 2

RTS 2 is a Serbian public television channel operated by Radio Television of Serbia (RTS). It is the broadcaster's second television service and is also known by the Serbian names Drugi program RTS-a and, more informally, Drugi. The channel began broadcasting on 31 December 1971, establishing a second television outlet within the Serbian broadcasting system. Historically, RTS 2 occupies an important place in the development of Serbian television. After its launch, it was the only Serbian television channel broadcasting in color until RTS 1 adopted color transmission in the middle of the 1970s. This early technical distinction helped define the channel during the transition from an expanding, single-service television environment to a broader multi-channel public broadcasting system. The channel's editorial profile is associated primarily with culture, music, sport, education, children's programming, and public-affairs coverage. RTS 2 also carries live parliamentary sittings, giving it a formal information and institutional role alongside its cultural and entertainment functions. Its schedule has included sporting events, educational programs, children's shows, and repeat broadcasts of Serbian television series. This mix differentiates it from a purely general-interest flagship channel and gives it a service-oriented role within the RTS portfolio. RTS 2 is not generally characterized by consistently high audience ratings. Nevertheless, its reach can rise substantially when it broadcasts major sporting events or significant parliamentary debates. Special-event programming therefore remains an important part of the channel's public visibility and audience relevance. The channel's value within RTS is consequently not measured only by routine mass-market ratings, but also by its ability to provide specialist cultural programming, public-service information, and live coverage that may be unsuitable for or unavailable on another channel. As an RTS service, RTS 2 operates within Serbia's public television system rather than as an independently listed or separately owned commercial brand. The available reference material does not identify a separate founder, standalone corporate owner, current executive team, or independent financial reporting for the channel. Its continuing identity is tied to Radio Television of Serbia and to the second-program tradition established in 1971.

RTS 2 was launched on 31 December 1971 as the second television program associated with Radio Television of Serbia. Its creation expanded the Serbian television system beyond a single principal service and gave the broadcaster an additional outlet for differentiated programming. The channel is also known as RTS Program Two, or Drugi program RTS-a in Serbian, with Drugi serving as a shorter informal name. One of the channel's notable early characteristics was its use of color broadcasting. Following its launch, RTS 2 was the only Serbian television channel transmitting in color until RTS 1 moved to color in the middle of the 1970s. This made the channel significant in the technical development of television broadcasting in Serbia, even though its later identity was shaped more by programming specialization than by transmission technology. Over time, RTS 2 developed a public-service profile centered on culture, music, sport, education, children's programming, and live coverage of parliamentary proceedings. It has also carried repeat screenings of Serbian television series. The resulting schedule complements the broader role of RTS while allowing the second channel to carry programs with cultural, educational, sporting, or institutional value. The channel's audience performance has generally been lower than that of the most popular general-interest services. However, special sporting events and important parliamentary debates can make RTS 2 the most-watched channel for a particular viewing day. These occasions demonstrate the channel's continuing relevance as a destination for live public-interest and event programming. RTS 2 remains part of Radio Television of Serbia's public broadcasting structure. The reference material does not provide evidence of a separate corporate ownership structure, standalone listing, independent executive roster, or a distinct commercial business outside the RTS organization.

• 1971

  RTS 2 begins broadcasting

  [1]RTS 2 (Serbian TV channel)en.wikipedia.org

  The second RTS television program opens on 31 December, establishing the service that later became known as RTS 2.

• 1970

  Early color-broadcasting period

  [1]RTS 2 (Serbian TV channel)en.wikipedia.org

  After its launch, RTS 2 is described as the only Serbian television service broadcasting in color until RTS 1 adopted color transmission in the middle of the decade.

A public-service second channel focused on culture, sport, education, children's content, and institutional coverage rather than consistently high-volume general entertainment.

• Television programming

  Cultural and music programming

  A central part of RTS 2's public-service identity, covering cultural subjects and music-oriented content. These programs help distinguish the channel from a purely general-interest schedule and reflect its role within the RTS television portfolio.

• Live television broadcasting

  Sports coverage

  RTS 2 broadcasts sporting events, including special events that can significantly increase the channel's audience and occasionally make it the most-watched channel for a viewing day.

• Public-affairs broadcasting

  Parliamentary coverage

  The channel carries live sittings of the Serbian parliament. This institutional programming gives RTS 2 an important public-information function and provides extended coverage of debates that may not fit the schedule of a general-interest service.

• Television programming

  Educational and children's programming

  RTS 2 includes educational and children's programs among its regular public-service offerings, broadening the channel's role beyond culture and live events.

• Television programming

  Serbian television-series reruns

  The schedule has also included repeat broadcasts of Serbian television series, allowing RTS content to receive additional exposure within the broadcaster's channel portfolio.

1. 1RTS 2 (Serbian TV channel)en.wikipedia.org
2. 2Radio Television of Serbia official websiterts.rs