Ten Years of FAR: A Decade of Trust and the Fight for Truth and Freedom

Since its establishment on March 1, 2016, FAR has set a clear objective: to provide objective, timely, responsible, and fair information to all citizens, without yielding to political structures and centers of power. This approach, based on the principles of professional journalism and ethics, has often meant facing numerous challenges.

Fight for Media Freedom

In an environment where local media are often exposed to political and economic influences, FAR has remained committed to the principle of independence. Reporting on topics of public interest—ranging from the work of local government, budget spending, infrastructure projects, to citizens' issues—has frequently provoked dissatisfaction among political actors.

Over the years, FAR has been subjected to pressures, attempts at discrediting, targeting in the public sphere, and various forms of subtle and overt obstruction. Refusing to succumb to censorship or self-censorship has meant a readiness to bear the consequences of professional consistency.

Political and Economic Pressures

As an independent bilingual media outlet, FAR has operated under challenging financial conditions. In a system of project co-financing for media, where decisions are often influenced by political structures, the survival of an independent portal has required additional strength and perseverance.

Economic pressures have manifested in limited access to public funds, selective advertising, and attempts at marginalization. Despite this, the editorial team has continued to work professionally, relying on the support of its audience and collaborators who recognize the importance of free information.

Threats, Targeting, and Digital Repression

Throughout its existence, FAR has faced attempts to undermine its credibility by the current authorities, as well as various forms of digital attacks and pressures, particularly hacking attempts on its website. The installation of spyware on the mobile phone of a FAR journalist marked the culmination of digital repression.

Media workers and contributors to the portal have often been targets of attacks by politicians, targeting, and threats, precisely because of investigative media content that addressed issues of public interest. Despite this, the editorial team has remained committed to professional standards, believing that the public's right to know outweighs any individual interest.

Voice of the Community and Bulgarian Minority

Over ten years of operation, FAR has reported on all significant events across various spheres and the problems faced by citizens. Special attention has been dedicated to preserving the identity, language, tradition, and culture of the Bulgarian community in Serbia, as well as the affirmation of youth, education, and civil society.

FAR has become a space for dialogue, exchange of opinions, and constructive criticism—a place where citizens could find information that was often unavailable in other media.

Ten Years of Perseverance

Ten years of existence represents ten years of fighting for professional and responsible journalism in the local community. It is a decade in which the journalists of this portal have demonstrated that media freedom is priceless and that public trust is built through consistency, courage, and integrity.

Despite political and economic pressures, threats, and digital repression, FAR has remained what it has been from day one—independent, responsible, and dedicated to the interests of citizens.

May the coming years bring greater understanding of the importance of free media, increased institutional protection for journalists, and even stronger community support that recognizes the value of truth.

On the occasion of this anniversary, the editorial team expresses gratitude to all collaborators, readers, and partners who have been part of this media beacon over the years.

Source: FAR Editorial Team