News

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3rd, UNS is issuing a Statement. We invite journalists and media professionals to read the Statement or display it on screens, in online and printed editions, on May 3rd from 11:55 AM to 12:00 PM.

I believe that the situation in Serbia regarding the media is worse than what is described by Reporters Without Borders. I talk to journalists every day, and we respond to attacks as someone who is in front of the SOS hotline, and I know how difficult that is. This is not just an issue related to this year's report; it is something that has been happening as a trend since 2014, emphasized Veran Matić, President of the Board of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM), while guesting on Nova S television.

The Appeals Commission of the Press Council unanimously assessed today in a session that seven portals violated the Code of Journalists of Serbia with their articles about Veran Matić, the president of the Managing Board of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM), and the Cenzolovka portal.

The Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) announced that it fully supports the proposal of the Working Group for the establishment of a Memorial Center in memory of the victims of the mass murder at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School. This initiative was established by a decision of the Government of Serbia regarding the commemoration of the anniversaries of the mass murders at this school, as well as in Dubona and Mali Orašje, to be included in the programming of television and radio media service providers. The aim is to preserve and nurture the memory of this tragedy, so that as a society we can recognize the magnitude of the tragedy that has occurred.

At the SafeJournalists conference "From Facts to Change: The Safety and Position of Journalists in the Western Balkans," held yesterday in Belgrade, the latest findings regarding the status of female journalists in the region were presented. These findings indicate an increase in attacks, a pronounced gender dimension to threats and harassment, as well as weaknesses in institutional protection. Panel participants warned that female journalists face not only threats due to their professional work but also attacks targeting their gender, appearance, and personal and family life, while a significant number of incidents remain unreported due to a lack of trust in institutions and fear of consequences.

In the offices of the Storyteller editorial team, a panel discussion was held yesterday on the deep social divisions that have long been a source of conflict and misunderstanding in Serbia. The conversation also addressed the media landscape, which is dominated by outlets that do not adhere to professional standards and instead contribute to the creation of two opposing sides.

It is clear that the primary responsibility for Serbia's historic drop to 104th place in this year's World Press Freedom Index lies with President Aleksandar Vučić. If ranked solely based on political indicators, Serbia would be in 151st place, says Pavol Salaj, head of the Reporters Without Borders Bureau for the EU and the Balkans.

Serbia has fallen eight places compared to last year on the World Press Freedom Index, announced the organization Reporters Without Borders. Serbia has been experiencing a constant decline on this list in recent years - last year it was ranked 96th, and this year it is at 104th among 180 countries worldwide.

After more than 12 years at N1, during which he played a key role in building this television channel into one of the most reliable and influential newsrooms in the region, Adria News Network (ANN) and Igor Božić have agreed to conclude their professional collaboration.