RTS1

RTS1 is the principal television channel of Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), Serbia's public-service broadcaster. It traces its origins to 23 August 1958, when television broadcasting began in the territory of Serbia under the name Televizija Beograd. The launch formed part of the Yugoslav Radio Television system, and RTS1 is therefore historically significant as the first television channel established in Serbia. The channel began broadcasting at 8:55 a.m. on its opening day. Its first programme covered the opening of the second International Fair of Technics and Technical Achievements, giving the service an immediate connection to public events, national information, and cultural presentation. During its early decades, the service operated within the institutional framework of Television Belgrade and Yugoslav Radio Television. It served as the principal television outlet for news, public affairs, culture, entertainment, and major live events. Following the launch of a second Television Belgrade channel on 31 December 1971, the original service was identified as TVB 1, distinguishing it from the newer second programme. The channel acquired its present RTS identity on 1 January 1992, when Radio Television of Serbia was established amid the dissolution of Yugoslavia. The name RTS1 reflects its role as the first programme within the RTS television portfolio, alongside later services including RTS2 and RTS3. As a general-interest public-service channel, RTS1 has historically combined scheduled news and current-affairs coverage with entertainment, cultural programming, sports and event broadcasts, locally produced programmes, and acquired television content. Its flagship role is particularly visible during major national events and high-profile live broadcasts. RTS-produced coverage of the final of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade reached a reported audience of 4.56 million viewers, making it one of the most prominent audience events associated with the channel and the wider RTS network. RTS1 remains oriented primarily toward audiences in Serbia and operates as the leading general channel within the RTS system. Its brand positioning is based on institutional continuity, broad national reach, public-service programming, and the preservation of a recognizable Serbian television tradition extending from the late 1950s to the present.

RTS1 is rooted in the first television broadcasting service established in Serbia. On 23 August 1958, Televizija Beograd began transmissions at 8:55 a.m. as part of the Yugoslav Radio Television system. The opening broadcast covered the second International Fair of Technics and Technical Achievements. This launch made the service the first television channel founded in the territory of Serbia and established its long-term role as a central outlet for public information and nationally shared programming. During the period in which the service operated as Television Belgrade, the original channel was the principal television programme serving its audience. Its remit encompassed news, current affairs, cultural output, entertainment, and coverage of significant public events. A second Television Belgrade programme was introduced on 31 December 1971. To distinguish the original service from the new channel, the first programme became known as TVB 1. The institutional and political environment surrounding the broadcaster changed during the early 1990s as Yugoslavia dissolved. On 1 January 1992, Radio Television of Serbia was established, and the original television programme adopted the RTS identity that it retains today. The channel became known as RTS1, reflecting its position as the first programme in the RTS television portfolio. Later additions to that portfolio included RTS2, launched in 1971 in its earlier form, and RTS3, introduced as a third channel in 2008. RTS1 has continued as a broad, general-interest service rather than a narrowly specialized channel. Its programming role includes national and public-service news, current affairs, cultural and educational material, entertainment, sports, and live coverage of major events. The channel's importance is reinforced by the reach of programmes produced or distributed through the RTS system. A notable example came in 2008, when RTS produced the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade. The final reportedly attracted 4.56 million viewers, demonstrating the ability of the RTS television operation to deliver large-scale live programming to a national audience. The RTS1 brand therefore combines historical continuity with the institutional identity of Serbia's public broadcaster. Its name links the present channel to Televizija Beograd, TVB 1, and the first television service created in Serbia, while its current role is that of RTS's flagship general channel. The available reference material does not identify a private owner, commercial parent, individual founder, current executive leadership, or specific headquarters address for the channel itself. RTS1 is best understood as a channel brand operating within Radio Television of Serbia rather than as a separately incorporated company.

• 2008

  RTS produces the Eurovision Song Contest final in Belgrade

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

  RTS produces the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, which reportedly reaches 4.56 million viewers.

• 1992

  RTS identity introduced

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

  The channel receives its current identity on 1 January when Radio Television of Serbia is established.

• 1971

  The original service becomes TVB 1

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

  After TVB Program Two launches on 31 December, the original Television Belgrade service is identified as TVB 1.

• 1958

  Television broadcasting begins as Televizija Beograd

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

  On 23 August, the first television channel established in Serbia begins broadcasting as Televizija Beograd within the Yugoslav Radio Television system.

A flagship Serbian public-service television channel combining national news, public affairs, culture, entertainment, and major live-event coverage.

• General-interest television channel · 1958

  RTS1

  RTS1 is the flagship television service of Radio Television of Serbia. It carries a broad schedule rather than focusing on one genre, combining news, current affairs, cultural and educational programmes, entertainment, sports, and coverage of major live events. Its historical importance derives from its continuity with Televizija Beograd, the first television service established in Serbia in 1958.

• 2008Eurovision Song Contest final in Belgrade

  Serbia · International broadcast audience

  RTS produced the final of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, providing large-scale live-event television production associated with the RTS network and its flagship channel.

  Outcome. The final reportedly attracted 4.56 million viewers, making it a notable audience achievement for RTS broadcasting.

  Source

• 1992

  Adoption of the RTS1 identityStrategy

  Background

  Radio Television of Serbia is established on 1 January during the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the reorganization of the broadcasting system.

  Action taken

  The channel changes from its TVB-era identity to RTS1, or RTS Program One.

  Aftermath

  The new name positions the service as the first television programme within the RTS network.

  Source

• 1971

  Renaming as TVB 1 after the second channel launchesGeneration change

  Background

  Television Belgrade introduces a second programme on 31 December, creating a need to distinguish the original service from the new channel.

  Action taken

  The original programme is identified as TVB 1.

  Aftermath

  The naming structure establishes the first channel's continuing position as the primary service in the Television Belgrade lineup.

  Source

1. 1RTS 1 (Serbian TV channel)en.wikipedia.org
2. 2Official RTS1 television pagerts.rs