News

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) expresses deep concern over the pressures, threats, and attacks on female journalists in Serbia, which have been increasing year by year. NUNS calls on the relevant institutions to urgently ensure adequate punishment for the attackers, and on media organizations to improve the position of female journalists and combat discrimination. 

Serbia still has an overall media market valued at 274 million euros, which is insufficiently large for the application of more advanced audience tracking methods and their consumption habits.

A large number of media workers and citizens gathered tonight near the National Assembly of Serbia to express solidarity with the team from N1 television, which was attacked at that location on November 20, as well as with all other female and male journalists who have been targeted in attacks.

Veran Matić from the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) assessed that, when it comes to the safety of journalists and media in Serbia, the last two years have been "the worst two years in the last 25 years."

In Serbia, a total of 2,182 media outlets were registered in 2024, of which 1,180 were identified as online media. Compared to 2018, the number of television stations increased from 211 to 217, news agencies rose from 23 to 31, while the number of radio stations decreased from 309 to 268, and print media dropped from 863 to just 468, as highlighted during the presentation of the Media Association's study "The Right Measure of Media 2025."

The project "Improvement of Quality News and Independent Journalism in the Western Balkans and Turkey II" aims to provide systemic support for the enhancement of quality and professionalism in journalism.

The authorities in Serbia selectively apply the law in the selection of the Council of the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM), reducing the independent regulatory institution to an empty shell that, as interlocutors of FoNet believe, aims to maintain continuity of control over the media space.

The N1 news team was attacked yesterday near Pionirski Park, and according to the statements of those present, the incident occurred with a complete lack of police response, despite the fact that officers were only a few meters away from the scene.

"The position of journalists has significantly deteriorated… It is indicative that they are mostly subjected to attacks and excessive use of force by the police. Unfortunately, the police still do not understand that their role at public gatherings is not to prevent journalists from reporting, but rather the opposite – to ensure safe conditions so that journalists can work."