Replacement of United Group’s Serbia director raises fears of silencing the country’s last independent media

The appointment of Vladica Tintor as director of United Group in Serbia has triggered sharp reactions in the country’s public sphere. While formally unrelated to United Media, which manages channels including N1 and Nova, the decision has raised alarms among opposition circles and fueled speculation about political interference in Serbia’s already fragile media environment.

Tintor’s background as former head of the Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (RATEL), and his ties to a law firm representing state-owned Telekom Srbija, have amplified concerns that his arrival could pave the way for changes to the editorial line of United Media outlets. These outlets are among the few in Serbia that remain critical of the government, broadcasting live coverage of protests, reporting on corruption, and providing space for opposition voices.

For months, these media have been the target of President Aleksandar Vučić’s regime and pro-government outlets, which accuse N1 and Nova journalists of destabilising the country. Reporters have faced harassment, threats, and physical attacks while covering protests. Vučić himself has publicly labelled N1 an “occupation media platform”.

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Tintor’s appointment began with controversy. On 20 August, he appeared unannounced at United Group’s offices in Belgrade, identifying himself as the new director. Security, unaware of his registration as head of the company, initially requested confirmation. Police were briefly called but withdrew without intervening. Shortly after, the Agency for Economic Registers confirmed Tintor’s official appointment in place of Bojana Mijailović.

What particularly alarmed critics was that Tintor is represented by Telekom Srbija’s attorneys. Telekom has long been United Group’s main competitor, while also expanding its own media network that serves as a mouthpiece for the government. Pro-government media crews swiftly appeared at United Group’s offices during Tintor’s first visit, reinforcing suspicions of coordinated action.

While no structural changes have taken place – United Media outlets such as N1 and Nova have not altered their editorial policies and remain outside United Group Serbia’s direct control, public perception remains unsettled. United Group Serbia and United Media Serbia are separate entities, but both operate under the umbrella of United Group, headquartered in the Netherlands and majority-owned by BC Partners.

Opposition figures interpret the move as part of a broader campaign to silence independent journalism. Their suspicions were fuelled further by revelations from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which reported on contacts between United Group’s leadership and Telekom Srbija, suggesting discussions over weakening N1 and other outlets. Though no direct evidence links Vučić to these talks, earlier statements from the president about forthcoming layoffs in United Media have heightened anxieties.

The broader context adds weight to these fears. In February, United Group sold its cable operator SBB and sports rights to Telekom Srbija, reshaping the media landscape. In June, founder Dragan Šolak was dismissed from the advisory board, while long-time CEO Viktoriya Boklag was replaced by Stan Miller, signalling a shift in the company’s internal balance.

Against this backdrop, Tintor’s new role is seen as more than just a corporate reshuffle. Even if his mandate formally excludes editorial control, critics warn that the appointment fits into a pattern of pressure on Serbia’s independent media sector, which remains under constant scrutiny and attack from the authorities.

Leadership shake-up at United Group raises fears over media freedom in the Balkans

Caption: Vladica Tintor/N1

• Aleksandar Vucic
• authoritarianism
• media freedom
• Serbia
• United Group

Updated: August 28, 2025 - 11:36