The complaints are based on leaked recordings of conversations that indicate collaboration between BC Partners and the Government of the Republic of Serbia, aimed at weakening the two most prominent independent media outlets in the country – N1 and Nova S.

As the majority owner of United Group, BC Partners controls the television stations N1 and Nova S – one of the last remaining media platforms in Serbia where critical voices can be heard and where there is space for free, uncensored expression of diverse opinions. Without that space, freedom of expression is seriously threatened.

Our complaints followed the release of an audio recording from August 2025, in which a conversation can be heard between the CEO of United Group, Sten Miller, and the CEO of Telekom Srbija, Vladimir Lučić, discussing plans to weaken United Group's media operations in Serbia, as well as the desire of the President of Serbia to remove the director of United Media, which is part of United Group, from her position. The recording was published by the prominent investigative journalism organization OCCRP, and United Group later confirmed the authenticity of the recording. Following the release of this evidence, BC Partners took additional steps indicating that the company continues to actively participate in attempts to undermine the media within United Media.

We are deeply concerned about this development and believe that the protection of these media outlets is an urgent and strategic priority. The protection of independent, professional, and pluralistic media is inextricably linked to freedom of expression – a value that the Initiative consistently defends, and which is also significant for the foreign policy of the United Kingdom. Therefore, we believe that British regulators must investigate these allegations and take action regarding the suspicion that a British company is complicit in undermining key democratic institutions in Serbia.

“Students, artists, educators, journalists, civil society organizations, and citizens in Serbia are taking to the streets every day to fight for their rights. Freedom of expression is at the very heart of that struggle. Without independent media platforms like N1 and Nova S, the public space would be entirely filled with narratives controlled by the state, while critical voices – including those advocating for justice, human rights, and transparency – would be completely marginalized,” emphasized the director of the Initiative, Sofia Todorović.

We rely on the longstanding commitment of the United Kingdom to uphold these values worldwide and urge British regulators and other relevant authorities to respond urgently – to investigate the allegations, establish accountability, and support the citizens of Serbia in preserving independent media and democratic values.

The complaints were submitted on Monday, October 6, 2025. Together with a group of civil society and media organizations (Crta, SHARE Foundation, Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, AOM, NDNV, and Civil Initiatives), the Initiative also sent a letter to the investors of BC Partners, informing them of this troubling information and urging them to withdraw their investments if the company does not take concrete and responsible steps to address the issues in this case.

We invite anyone with information related to this case to contact us and help us preserve media independence in Serbia. You can reach us electronically at: press@yihr.org.

Source: Youth Initiative for Human Rights