MUMBAI: Media conglomerate News Corporation has announced that its venture Fox Televizija formed in cooperation with partners in Serbia, has been awarded a national television license in the Republic of Serbia, the larger of the two republics that comprise the country of Serbia and Montenegro.

News Corp. along with its Serbian partners participated in a public tender process that was launched earlier this year by Serbia’s Republic Broadcasting Agency. The Broadcasting Agency’s Council announced the results of the tender process a few days ago.

News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch said, “Serbia’s tender process for the national television licenses was professionally managed from start to finish. This has been one of the most expertly managed international competitive tenders for a national television license in which News Corp. has participated. The Republic Broadcasting Agency should be commended for the fair and transparent process.”

News Corp. and its partners have committed to providing high-quality entertainment and information programming. News Corp. and Fox Televizija will also direct considerable resources into the production of original programming in Serbia. News Corp. will immediately begin the roll-out of the Fox Televizija operation under the management of Mr. Dan Bates, an experienced international television executive.

News Corp’s investment in Serbia builds on the company’s successful European television business highlighted by the highly profitable television station, bTV, in Bulgaria.

News Corp. Europe’s chairman Martin Pompadur said, “Together with our Serbian partners, we are committed to bringing all of the resources necessary to develop a top quality television station. News Corp. will aim to be a valued member of Serbia’s business and media communities.”