SafeJournalists: The shutdown of Al Jazeera Balkans is a serious blow to media freedoms and pluralism in the region.

This is not just the end of a reputable regional media outlet – it is a serious blow to media pluralism, freedom of expression, and the public's right to information across the Western Balkans. For over a decade, Al Jazeera Balkans has been synonymous with professional, independent, and quality journalism, covering key political, economic, and social issues from a regional perspective. Its closure represents a loss for democracy, transparency, and critical discourse in a region where media independence is increasingly threatened.

The network is particularly disturbed by the manner in which the decision was announced. More than 200 employees, according to reports, learned about the closure through the media rather than through official internal channels. This lack of transparency and disregard for workers' rights is unacceptable and highlights the broader vulnerability of journalists in the region.

Although the company cited business reasons for the closure, this move raises serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of independent journalism, even in media outlets that have previously been considered financially and editorially stable. The sudden closure of such a strong regional voice also raises questions about the commitment of owners and international actors to protect journalists' rights, integrity, and work in the public interest.

The closure of Al Jazeera Balkans follows a worrying pattern in the region. In Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and other countries, media pluralism is in constant decline. Recent changes in ownership and management at N1 television, along with increased political pressure on independent media in Serbia, further threaten the space for credible journalism. The disappearance of yet another major media outlet would leave citizens without reliable sources of information and further deepen the democratic deficit in the region.

We call on the leadership of Al Jazeera Balkans to conduct an open and fair process with its employees and to ensure that any layoffs are carried out in accordance with labor laws, respecting the rights and dignity of all workers.

We also urge governments in the region, EU institutions, and international partners to take this situation seriously. Protecting media pluralism and the working conditions of journalists requires urgent and concrete measures, not just declarations. It is essential to establish legal mechanisms that will prevent the sudden closure of media outlets without adequate protection for employees, as well as to guarantee the financial and editorial independence of media operating in the public interest.

Finally, the SafeJournalists Network expresses full solidarity with the journalists and all other media workers and staff of Al Jazeera Balkans and is ready to provide support through legal, professional, and advocacy channels.

This is not just a story about one newsroom. It is a warning that independent journalism in the region is under increasing threat – and that without it, democracy itself is at risk.

Every attack on journalists – including economic and structural ones – is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and basic human rights.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, July 16, 2025. 

Association of Journalists of Kosovo 

Association of Journalists of Macedonia

Association of BH Journalists 

Croatian Journalists' Association 

Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia 

Media Union of Montenegro

Source: SafeJournalists.net