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Record levels of physical violence against journalists, death threats, and online smear campaigns, rooted impunity, and strong political control over the media landscape – press freedom in Serbia is in an increasingly deep crisis, while the space for independent journalism is rapidly shrinking.

Journalism is not only a guardian of democracy but also a public good that brings measurable social and economic benefits, according to the report "The Value of Journalism" published by UNESCO, DW Akademie, and the International Fund for Public Interest Media. The report provides an overview of the latest research showing that quality, independent journalism is a key factor for economic development, national security, democratic governance, and effective response in crises.

Out of 159 announced competitions for project co-financing of media content in Serbia, 144 have been completed, in nine cases the legal deadline for making a decision on the allocation of funds has expired, and the process is still ongoing for six competitions that were announced later.

The Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM), after the return of four elected members who had previously resigned, now consists of a total of eight members, which is one less than anticipated. While awaiting the election of the ninth member from among the candidates representing national minorities, the Council of REM will operate with the following composition: Stevica Smederevac, Milan Petković, Miloš Garić, Snežana Miljković, Dubravka Valić Nedeljković, Ira Prodanov Krajišnik, Mileva Malešić, and Rodoljub Šabić.

Saša Mirković from the **Association of Independent Electronic Media** (ANEM) stated for Danas that this organization, as a proponent of one of the independent candidates, had earlier made the decision to support the position of the four members of the REM Council who resigned, and if they decide to return, they will try to assist them in that endeavor.

According to the Media Freedom Index for 2026, Serbia ranked 104th among 180 countries, placing it among the countries with the worst results in Europe. Compared to last year, when it held the 96th position, it has experienced a decline, and this year it remains in the group of countries where the state of media freedom is assessed as "difficult."

Dubravka Valić Nedeljković, Ira Prodanov Krajišnik, Mileva Malešić, and Rodoljub Šabić announced that following the adoption of the Authentic Interpretation of the Law on Electronic Media, they have decided to participate in the work of the REM Council.

Branislav Klanšček, Miroslav M. Nikolić, Branko Radun, Milivoj Pavlović, and Ljiljana Đurđevac will complete their five-year term on the Board of Directors of Radio-Television of Serbia (RTS) on Monday, July 13.

Local journalism in Serbia has been facing increasing pressures in recent years—from financial uncertainty and the withholding of public funds, to digital attacks, targeted campaigns, and threats against journalists. In such an environment, the portal "Pravo u centar" was established, which today claims to be "the only professional independent media outlet in Lazarevac." It is backed by a group of journalists united by the idea of providing citizens with objective and professional information.