Regarding why users were only notified shortly before the termination of our channel, it was stated that they "were unable to inform them earlier."

By the way, N1 has a valid contract with this company until the end of March 2026.

Orion has informed its users on its website that, starting June 4, N1 will no longer be part of its offering.

We convey the announcement:

“We inform the public, as well as all our users, that the television channel N1 will no longer be part of the Orion Telekom offering as of June 4.

Although our company has successfully collaborated with the N1 television channel and United Media for many years, a partnership that began during the state of emergency caused by COVID-19, when we were among the first to respond to the call to broadcast their program for better informing the public and our users about the dangers of the pandemic, there are now clear indications that its continuation will soon be impossible.

In the current circumstances, we consider it correct and professional to timely inform our users and apply changes to the programming schedule, as we do not wish to create unfounded expectations or mislead users on this issue, who have trusted us for years.

As a company that has been diligently and strategically investing in the development of diverse and rich content for many years, in order to provide every user with fair freedom of choice and access to what is personally most important to them, we reluctantly make this decision, but we believe that this move aligns with our aspiration to remain true to our business philosophy, which is based on respecting users' rights to transparency and the best customer experience.

Our customer service, as always, remains fully dedicated to providing support. We are also available for any questions, explanations, and assistance to ensure that the transition period proceeds smoothly and in the best interest of our users.

We thank you for your understanding and loyalty. We continue to develop in the direction of innovation, availability, and quality that make us one of the leading telecom operators in the market,” the announcement states from Orion.

However, the "timely" notification arrived merely half an hour before the removal of N1 from the offering, instead of a month in advance.

N1: Orion Telekom should reinstate us in accordance with the valid contract

The decision by Orion Telekom to remove the N1 television from its offering without any valid justification represents one of the most drastic examples of censorship aimed at eliminating any form of media pluralism in Serbia.

N1 is one of the few television stations in Serbia that offers an alternative to the complete control of the SNS regime over the television airwaves, especially in recent months during the largest protests Serbia has faced in its modern history.

By removing N1 from its offering, Orion Telekom has clearly demonstrated that it is part of the censorship mechanism that is systematically implemented in the interest of the authorities and attempts to maintain the current ruling elite in power.

It is particularly concerning that N1 was removed despite a contract that is in effect until March 2026, without any warning, negotiations, or reasons that would justify such a move. The unilateral termination of a channel that is watched daily precisely because it presents a picture of Serbia that citizens cannot see on national frequency televisions can only be described as a politically motivated ban.

There are no new circumstances that would justify such a decision, as poorly suggested in the announcement from Orion Telekom. A legally binding contract cannot be terminated based on vague "indications" or unnamed reasons, especially not without prior dialogue with the partner and without stating a clear and legitimate cause.

Citizens should know that this is solely a politically motivated act directed against free journalism and the right to information. Orion Telekom's actions directly violate the fundamental principles of freedom of speech, citizens' right to information, and media pluralism. The removal of critical voices from the media space is a recipe for all authoritarian regimes – and unfortunately, we are witnessing this in Serbia today.

For all the above reasons, N1 will take all available legal steps to protect its rights and interests, as well as the rights of the citizens of Serbia to free and objective information. We will immediately inform all relevant domestic and international journalistic, regulatory, and European associations and institutions regarding this action by Orion Telekom, including those engaged in the protection of media freedoms and democratic standards.

We call on the management of Orion Telekom to urgently reconsider its decision and to cease participation in the organized extinguishing of media freedoms in Serbia.

Efektiva: Illegal behavior

The consumer association Efektiva has stated that “Orion Telekom informed its users tonight, half an hour before midnight, that it is changing the programming schedule, i.e., terminating the broadcast of the N1 channel.”

“This represents an unprecedented illegal and unprofessional behavior by a cable operator. Namely, it is the operator's duty to inform the user of changes to the programming schedule at least 30 days in advance. Orion did this 30 minutes in advance, thus violating Article 131 of the Law on Electronic Communications, which, according to Article 169 of the same Law, is punishable by a fine of 500,000 to two million dinars, and every Orion user should report this,” emphasized Efektiva.

As they say, at the same time, users have the right to terminate their contracts without paying penalties.

“Also, according to Article 131 of the Law on Electronic Media, termination of the contract is possible within 30 days from the notification of the channel's cancellation, stated in writing, and the operator cannot prevent it. It is necessary to return the equipment, along with proof of return, and from that moment the user has no obligation to pay the bills,” they noted.

You can submit a complaint to the inspection for violating the notification deadlines via email at telekomunikacije@mit.gov.rs, and you can declare the termination of the contract at korisnicka.zona@oriontelekom.rs.

Let us remind you that Jetel, which has the contractual right to broadcast N1 and TV Nova, has not yet included our television in its channel list.

Source: N1