Urgent Alert: Coordinated Takeover of Independent Media in Serbia

The decision to remove the director of N1 television, Igor Božić, made by Brent Sadler, represents a serious signal that the authorities, in coordination with new ownership structures, have entered the final phase of establishing control over one of the last remaining pillars of independent information in Serbia. This move cannot be viewed as an isolated personnel change, but rather as the beginning of a broader process of dismissals, pressures, and restructuring within the editorial offices of the Adria News Network.

Particularly concerning is the fact that the employees themselves, through the "Nezavisnost" Union at N1 and Forbes Serbia, have publicly stated that they do not view Igor Božić's dismissal as an isolated move, but as the beginning of a process that could jeopardize the future organization of work, open the door to new personnel decisions, and affect editorial independence. The Union has therefore requested an urgent meeting with management and written guarantees that there are no plans to reduce the number of employees or undermine existing editorial independence. This clearly expressed concern from the employees further confirms the reasons why journalistic and media associations and unions are deeply worried about the developments in these media outlets.

This development must also be viewed in the context of previously published information, including claims and recordings indicating direct communication between the state-owned company Telekom Srbija and representatives of United Group, which mention pressures regarding reductions in workload and changes in management structure. These claims suggest the existence of a coordinated strategy aimed at neutralizing editorial independence.

If there is a change in the editorial policy of these media, Serbia would be left without a significant part of its independent media landscape. Such a scenario would represent a dramatic narrowing of space for professional, critical, and pluralistic information for citizens, with incalculable consequences for the public interest and democratic order.

These processes are occurring in the context of a deepening political and social crisis, marked by increasing repressive measures, arrests, police brutality, and systematic suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms. In such circumstances, independent media represent one of the last mechanisms for public control and accountability of the authorities.

Particularly concerning is the fact that all of this is happening ahead of elections. Conducting elections in conditions where there is no space for critical journalism, alternative political voices, and informed public debate calls into question their regularity and democratic legitimacy.

Journalistic and media associations and unions are calling on the European Union, OSCE, United Nations, and all relevant international actors to respond urgently and decisively.

Monitoring the situation is no longer enough. Immediate engagement and the use of all available political and diplomatic mechanisms are necessary to prevent further erosion of media freedoms and to protect journalists and media under pressure.

The absence of a decisive response at this moment would allow the completion of the process of media capture in Serbia. In such an environment, the authorities would remain without any oversight, which would open the space for further suppression of critical thought and erosion of democratic institutions.

Media Association (AM)

Online Media Association (AOM)

Independent Journalists' Society of Vojvodina (NDNV)

Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS)

Business Association of Local and Independent Media "Local Press"

Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation

Branch Union of Culture, Arts, and Media "Nezavisnost"

Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM)