The newly established company UG, within which N1 will operate in the future, announced who will be in the Editorial Board and the Council.

ANN has been established as part of a new corporate governance system for the media portfolio of United Group, introducing oversight by an independent Board of Directors, clearly defined editorial leadership, and strengthened mechanisms for protection in decision-making within the editorial offices.

Adria News Network introduces, as they state, additional mechanisms to protect editorial independence for television, print, and digital media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, including N1, Nova S, Vijesti, and Danas, unifying well-established and reliable informational brands, award-winning journalists, and experienced editorial teams. ANN employs over 1,000 journalists and other staff, reaching an audience of more than 16 million people, according to a statement published today on the website.

"The introduction of a new corporate governance system" means that the news media will report to "a fully independent Board of Directors, which does not include executive directors or representatives of United Group's shareholders."

The Board of Directors consists of "prominent international experts with extensive experience in media, corporate governance, and regulatory standards, and is chaired by Rani R. Raad." His professional experience encompasses over 25 years, including positions as President of CNN Commercial Worldwide, CEO of International Media Investments (IMI), and Chairman and Operating Partner at RedBird IMI, it is added.

Joining him are Nigel Baker, a senior British media executive currently chairing the Sky News board – a panel of experts established to protect the editorial independence of the British channel – as well as Brent Sadler, an international correspondent for CNN.

As Chief News Executive at ANN, Brent will oversee editorial standards (as defined by the independent Editorial Council), manage the editorial teams, and maintain the professional integrity of the network's journalism.

The Chief News Executive will operate "in accordance with the corporate governance procedures established by the Board of Directors and will oversee editorial standards as defined by the Editorial Council and the Editorial Charter."

Additional members of the Board of Directors include Thomas Probst, Niall Martin, and Kirenga Mbonampeka.

To ensure editorial independence, Adria News S.à r.l. has established an Editorial Council composed of respected international media professionals. As one of the first formal steps, the Council will draft and adopt an Editorial Charter, and in the future, provide external accountability and guidance regarding editorial standards, ethics, and compliance with relevant regulations, the statement notes.

The members of the Editorial Council are, as stated:

• Nigel Baker, Chair of the Council – a senior British media executive currently chairing the Sky News board, a panel of experts established to protect the editorial independence of the British channel.
• May Chidiac, PhD – as noted, an internationally respected journalist, media leader, and advocate for media freedom, who gained global recognition after surviving an assassination attempt in 2005 while defending independent journalism in the Middle East.
• Simon Bucks – a senior executive in electronic media, a member of the Ofcom Content Board, as well as the honorary secretary and commissioner of the Royal Television Society.

The editorial jurisdiction of the media reporting within the Adria News Network is completely separated from corporate decision-making, they state in the announcement.

"This corporate governance framework further guarantees the editorial independence of all informational programs and ensures that no external influence, shareholder influence, or management influence from the Group can shape editorial reporting, tone, or professional judgment.

The model is designed to ensure long-term sustainability, protect editorial integrity from external interference, and bring stability and clarity to journalists, employees, and the public," the statement adds.

Rani R. Raad, the newly appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of Adria News S.à r.l. (ANN), stated:

“Adria News Network begins operations with a clearly defined governance system, independent leadership, and protected editorial jurisdiction. Our responsibility as a Board of Directors is to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of the organization while maintaining conditions under which independent journalism can develop and thrive.”

This system provides a strong and credible foundation for independent journalism, Baker assessed. "Adria News Network is designed to operate free from external influence, with clear mechanisms to protect editorial integrity and uphold the highest professional standards," he adds.

• The independent Board of Directors of ANN will include:
  • Rani R. Raad
  • Brent Sadler
  • Nigel Baker
  • Thomas Probst, Niall Martin, and Kirenga Mbonampeka will also join the Board.
• The Editorial Council of Adria News Network will include:
  • Nigel Baker
  • May Chidiac
  • Simon Bucks

As they state, United Group continues to "remain the leading telecommunications and media company in the region, focusing on portfolio management and creating value through its operational businesses."

• The covered informational programs include:
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina: N1 Television
  • Croatia: N1 Croatia
  • Montenegro: Vijesti Television, Vijesti newspaper (daily print)
  • Serbia: N1 Serbia, Nova S, Radar, Danas, and new print and digital editions
  • Slovenia: N1 Slovenia

“Adria News Network begins operations with a clearly defined governance system, independent leadership, and protected editorial jurisdiction. Our responsibility as a Board of Directors is to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of the organization while maintaining conditions under which independent journalism can develop and thrive,” stated Rani Raad, Chair of the Board of Directors of Adria News Network.

“As a co-founder of N1 and one of the people who helped bring the CNN brand to the region, I have always believed that credible journalism depends on strong editorial standards, sound institutional governance, and independence from political or commercial influence. The task now is not to reinvent everything but to strengthen — to ensure a clear separation between editorial and corporate decision-making, enhance accountability, and guarantee long-term stability. My role is to support greater editorial leadership and the independence of newsrooms across the organization. Editorial decisions remain within the purview of editors and journalists, under a transparent and responsible system designed to protect the public interest,” said Brent Sadler.

“This corporate governance framework provides a strong and credible foundation for independent journalism. Adria News is designed to operate free from external influence, with clear mechanisms to protect editorial integrity and uphold the highest professional standards. I have seen firsthand how important strong governance and editorial protections are for the health of any news organization. What is being built here at Adria News is ambitious and necessary: a structure that enables journalists to do their jobs properly, without pressure, while simultaneously creating long-term stability for the organization,” Baker noted.

“The strength of this initiative lies in bringing together experienced media leaders around a shared commitment to independence, ethics, and professional standards. I am proud to be part of a council focused on protecting journalism and supporting newsrooms to do their jobs without fear or influence,” Chidiac added.

Bucks expressed his pleasure at being part of the established Editorial Council.

"I am confident that with a clear governance framework, we will be able to focus on editorial standards, independence, and public trust. As the organization develops, that clarity will support the work of ANN's award-winning informational operations while ensuring accountability and long-term sustainability," he stated.

Source: N1