Press Advisory: Four Portals Violated the Journalists' Code with Articles about ANEM and Veran Matić.

The texts in question are titled “Phases of Color Revolutions Under the Patronage of Tycoon and 'Militarized' Media: The Same Patterns Two Decades After October 5th,” which were transferred by the Užice Oglasna tabla portal from the Večernje Novosti portal, and an identical text with a different title, “Propaganda and Color Revolutions: How Militarized 'Media' Created Chaos in Serbia on Two Occasions?” which was transferred by Alo from the 24sedam website.

Veran Matić, the President of the ANEM Management Board, stated in a complaint to the Press Council that the articles contained "fabrications, malicious language, manipulation of context, simultaneous revision and fabrication of his past work, and a insidious deception in the public regarding what he is currently engaged in."

"The mere description that ANEM members have 'worked around the clock against Serbia and Serbian interests' is a continuation of a targeting campaign aimed at inciting hatred and animosity towards ANEM members, as well as towards the members themselves. Among other things, the texts refer to him as the 'architect of the color revolution,' stating: 'In July 1997, ANEM established a network of 19 affiliated 'independent' stations, and by June 1998, when Albanian terrorists were actively conducting an uprising in Kosovo and Metohija, ANEM had a network of 35 stations that worked around the clock against Serbia and Serbian interests,' the complaint states.

Filip Švarm, a member of the Press Council's Appeals Commission, noted in a session that these texts clearly "target" Veran Matić and represent classic and concerning targeting.

"I fear this is preparation for something being plotted against Veran," Švarm emphasized, adding that this is the third case before the Press Council since the beginning of the year.

Jelena Petković stated that the texts are "terrifying and dangerous" not only for Matić but also for more than 40 ANEM members mentioned, affecting their safety, and that there are many reasons for concern.

According to the decision of the Appeals Commission of the Press Council, the texts violated the Chapter on the Truthfulness of Reporting, according to which journalists are obliged to accurately and impartially report on events of public interest, provide accurate and verified information in an appropriate context, and make a clear distinction between facts, assumptions, and speculation. Furthermore, publishing unfounded accusations, slander, and rumors, as well as content whose author is unknown, is incompatible with journalism.

The provision stating that the economic and political interests of publishers must not influence editorial policy in a way that results in inaccurate and biased information to the public has also been violated, as well as the requirement that journalists must work in the public interest and in accordance with professional standards.

The texts also violated the provision stating that journalists must uphold the ethics of public discourse and must not use aggressive rhetoric.

The points of the chapter regarding respect for dignity were not observed, according to which journalists must not discriminate, including on the basis of political or other opinions, and are obliged to respect the principle of not harming the reputation and dignity of individuals and not participate in spreading falsehoods or continuously maliciously undermining the reputation of the individuals they report on.

Source: ANEM