Citizens Defend Freedom: Radio Sloboda in Kraljevo Survives Thanks to Donations from Citizens

Director Željko Božović emphasizes that every payment represents a clear message that citizens want professional local media to continue operating. “We thank all citizens, colleagues, organizations, and friends of the editorial team. Through this solidarity campaign, we have managed to cover basic costs: transmitter, streaming, electricity, rent, and more,” said Božović.

Numerous donations have secured half of the funds; however, the survival of this independent media outlet is still at risk. Approximately 400,000 dinars are needed monthly for regular operations. Therefore, the campaign will continue until stable and permanent income is secured. The goal is not only to provide a short-term solution to the crisis but to preserve the continuity of operations, regular information for the citizens of Kraljevo, and space for topics and interlocutors who often have no place in other local media.

Radio Sloboda has applied for project funding from several domestic and foreign organizations, with results expected in October and November. It did not receive support from the City of Kraljevo and the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, as well as most independent local media.

President of the ANEM Board of Directors, Veran Matić, who initiated the campaign, underscores that solidarity with independent media holds special significance in times of heightened security risks, threats, and attacks on journalists. “In the next two months, we need to raise another 500,000 dinars for Radio Sloboda. I call on citizens and companies to get involved, as we need freedom now and immediately. And it is not possible without great solidarity,” stated Matić.

Radio Sloboda was established by a group of friends who raised funds to purchase a practically defunct radio station with a license and transmitter, but without functional equipment. They built the studio and technical infrastructure from scratch. Within a few years, the radio became a recognizable and reliable source of information in Kraljevo. The program “ECHO” opened up a range of important local topics, including the safety of the bridge over the Ibar. After the public was made aware of the issue, the bridge was closed to traffic, and reconstruction is expected.

We call on all citizens to contribute donations to defend the freedom of Radio Sloboda and to help us collectively raise another 500,000 dinars.

As they like to say in Kraljevo - The struggle must go on!

Donation page here and PayPal donations.

Payments from Serbia can also be made as follows:

Beneficiary name: Elipsa doo Kraljevo Address: Cara Lazara 18, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia

Account: 265-8050310000084-64 Bank: Raiffeisen banka a.d.

Purpose of payment: Donation for Radio Sloboda

Reference number: 00

For donations from abroad:

Beneficiary name: Elipsa doo Kraljevo Address: Cara Lazara 18, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia

IBAN: RS35 2651 0000 0110 6607 55

SWIFT: RZBSRSBG

Bank: Raiffeisen Banka AD Beograd

Correspondent banks:

EUR: Deutsche Bank AG (DEUTDEFF)

USD: The Bank of New York Mellon (IRVTUS3N)

CHF: UBS Switzerland AG (UBSWCHZH80A)

Other: Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RZBAATWW)

Radio Sloboda has an audience, relevant programming, and influence in the local community. What it no longer has is the money to continue operating.

Without urgent support, it will not survive the next month.

Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM)