Host Claims Serbian Broadcaster Lacks Rights to Continue Iconic Show

Branko Stanković, the long-time author and host of the popular Serbian documentary series 'Kvadratura kruga' (Squaring the Circle), has publicly stated that the public broadcaster RTS has no legal right to continue airing the show after its nearly 25-year run.

Following RTS's announcement that the show would continue with a new team, Stanković expressed confusion and strong disagreement. "They stated that I am the author and host of 'Kvadratura kruga'. We know what authorship means. I don't know how they intend to continue broadcasting because they have no right; the show is an original work," Stanković told UNS. He emphasized that he has been credited as the author for all 1203 episodes since the show's inception in 2002 and even designed the show's symbolic opening sequence.

Stanković warned that he would file a lawsuit if RTS proceeds with broadcasting 'Kvadratura kruga' under a new team. He explained that his departure from RTS was prompted by an offer of severance pay, which he accepted primarily to purchase the apartment he rents from the broadcaster. He revealed that he was presented with a bill of 61,000 euros for his 37-square-meter apartment without any concessions.

Denying any plans for retirement, Stanković stated his intention to continue the show if "normal" or "serious" television channels express interest. "If there are interested serious television channels, there is no reason for the show not to continue. I am not retiring yet, this is not the time. I still have the strength, will, and ideas, so if there are interested television channels, I am ready to continue with the show," he said. RTS, however, maintained in a statement that Stanković submitted a request for mutual termination of employment along with a severance package, thanking him for his dedication while asserting the documentary series would remain part of their programming under new leadership.