Belgium web: Help's wanted

World Brief

By ANDY STERN

Ailing Belgian pubcaster RTBF kick-started reform Thursday by advertising 25 top jobs to outside candidates for the first time.

Boss Jean-Paul Philippot hopes the new staffers, in posts that include director of finance, radio and of several of the company's channels, will breathe new life into the staid pubcaster.

However, many Belgian politicians fear they will lose influence in the RTBF, and its head will need to show that he can resist blocking tactics.

Successful candidates will be chosen at a board meeting on Feb. 27.