Local media in Serbia are surviving despite pressures: community and innovation as a response to attacks.

In a time when the media are under constant pressure, and larger, more significant editorial teams are faced with serious challenges, local professional media find ways to survive through solidarity and innovative resistance.

Veran Matić tells IN Medija that journalists from the few professional media outlets in Serbia are in a constant struggle for survival, which has become their daily reality.

– Our everyday life is a struggle to defend ourselves in some way. IN Medija is part of the community of professional media in Serbia. Several dozen similar media outlets exist and face similar problems. IN Medija has shown a vitality that is crucial for such media, proving to be indestructible even when lives are at stake. The three people working at IN Medija are the heroes of independent journalism today in Serbia – says Veran Matić, president of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM), emphasizing the dedication and resilience that local media continue to demonstrate in serving the public interest.

Matić reminds us that this year is pivotal and that it will be of exceptional importance for media to unite and collectively face the challenges they encounter.

– We need to find innovative ways of resistance. IN Medija is a good example with activities that strengthen both the local community and the media, which is important so that citizens can identify with the mission of a local media outlet – adds Matić.

A similar view is shared by Jovana Brkić, a journalist for the Moj Novi Sad portal, a member of ANEM.

 – Of course, good networking among local professional media is essential. My first association was solidarity, but networking – why not? There are many media outlets with two or three employees, and how else can we fight back if we are not stronger together – emphasizes Brkić, recalling similar initiatives from the nineties and pointing out that solidarity gives strength to smaller editorial teams.

Data from the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) clearly show how serious the situation is for journalists in the country: in March 2026, a total of 30 incidents involving female and male journalists were recorded, including 20 physical attacks, five cases of death threats and threats to physical safety, two other threats, two threats to media, and one attack on media and media organizations.

During local elections in 10 municipalities and cities, particularly brutal attacks on journalists in the field were recorded, along with additional pressure and interference, including from police officers during the coverage of public events and protests.

Source: IN Medija