News

The "Right Media Measure" platform of the Media Association, which for the first time consolidates publicly available data on the media being measured in Serbia for the years 2020 and 2024, was presented at the premises of the OSCE Mission in Serbia in Belgrade.

The Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation recorded 156 verbal attacks by state officials on journalists and media in April 2026, directed through social media, in media appearances, as well as during sessions of the National Assembly. During this month, new narratives were observed that contribute to creating a hostile atmosphere, disqualifying journalists and media, and spreading distrust towards investigative journalism.

At the World Congress of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), held in Paris from May 4 to 7 to mark the centenary of this organization, a resolution was adopted today, submitted by the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS), which warns of the escalation of attacks on journalists, the imprisonment of media, and the continued decline of media freedoms in Serbia. This year's congress gathers nearly 300 representatives of journalist unions and associations from around the world, taking place in a year when the IFJ celebrates 100 years of existence.

The jury has made a decision regarding this year's nominations for the "Dejan Anastasijević 2026" Award for Investigative Journalism, which is being awarded for the 21st consecutive year by the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia.

The OSCE Mission in Serbia has published the annual report of the Standing Working Group on the Safety of Journalists for the year 2025, in honor of World Press Freedom Day. This year, the authors were Tatjana Vasiljević Veljković, Dragana Bjelica, and Miroslav Janković.

During the wave of student and civic protests – from March to June 2025 – pro-regime tabloids conducted daily, often coordinated campaigns against journalists and media outlets that critically report on the government, as shown by an analysis from the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation. This is a systematic pattern aimed at portraying professional journalism as a threat, and journalists as enemies, traitors, criminals, and even – fascists.

On May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day, the Coalition for Media Freedom warns that Serbia is facing a serious crisis regarding media freedoms, the safety of journalists, and labor rights in the media sector. Therefore, we call on all journalists and media outlets to join the international symbolic action of FIVE MINUTES OF DEAFENING SILENCE by turning off their sound, darkening their screens, and silently participating at TWELVE TO TWELVE, in order to remind the authorities and the wider public once again of the consequences of the continuous jeopardization of media freedoms, which are already evident in all areas, from the political system to the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

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.