United Media urges OSCE to condemn Serbian authorities’ hostile rhetoric against N1 and Nova journalists

United Media, the parent company of Serbia’s independent broadcasters N1 and Nova, has called on the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to publicly denounce the Serbian government’s “dangerous rhetoric” and escalating threats against its journalists.

In a letter to OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Bratu, United Media CEO Aleksandra Subotić highlighted the hostile environment faced by N1 and Nova newsrooms, accusing President Aleksandar Vučić and senior officials of fuelling a campaign of intimidation that endangers journalists’ safety and undermines media freedom.

United Media’s battle for independent journalism

United Media, a regional media conglomerate owned by United Group, operates N1 and Nova as some of Serbia’s few independent outlets unafraid to criticize Vučić’s regime. Amid Serbia’s democratic backsliding, characterized by media capture and suppression of dissent, United Group faces relentless pressure from authorities, including regulatory hurdles, smear campaigns, and accusations of foreign interference.

Despite these challenges, N1 and Nova remain vital platforms for investigative journalism and public discourse, amplifying voices critical of government corruption and poor governance, such as the fallout from the tragic Novi Sad train station collapse in November 2024, which sparked nationwide protests.

In her letter, Subotić detailed how Vučić and ruling party officials have branded N1 and Nova journalists as “terrorists,” “occupiers,” and “media poisoners,” accusing them of inciting unrest. These inflammatory labels, amplified by pro-government tabloids, have triggered over 30 incidents in the past 10 months, including physical attacks, death threats, and obstructions of reporting, none of which have been resolved.

Subotić warned that this rhetoric “normalizes hatred, legitimizes violence, and fosters a climate where aggression against journalists is seen as state loyalty,” dehumanizing media workers and exposing them to physical danger both professionally and personally.

Subotić cited specific incidents, including two cases where police allegedly targeted accredited N1 journalists.

On 28 June, a camera assistant in a clearly marked journalist vest was struck twice with a baton, while on 20 August, another journalist was hit and pushed with a shield.

“These attacks reveal that journalists in Serbia are not only unprotected but sometimes threatened by the very authorities meant to ensure their safety,” she wrote.

Subotić argued that this is not mere political pressure but a deliberate assault on human security and a violation of Serbia’s international commitments to media freedom. She urged the OSCE to intervene, warning that the government’s campaign could be a prelude to silencing or forcibly closing N1, and stressed that independent journalism remains a cornerstone of democracy.

“The hostility against N1 tests Serbia’s commitment to the rule of law and challenges the OSCE’s core values,” she concluded, calling for decisive action to safeguard journalists and preserve free media in Serbia.

Serbia ranks fourth in Europe for attacks on journalists, following Ukraine, Russia and Turkey, while political independence of the media is assessed as the highest-risk area, as all national broadcasters are controlled by entities close to the authorities, according to the Media Pluralism Monitor for Serbia, conducted by the European University Institute.

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Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker visited Belgrade on 13 August to deliver a pointed message from the European Union: Serbia must address critical shortcomings in media independence and the rule of law to advance its EU integration.

Austrian chancellor’s visit to Serbia underscores EU concerns over media freedom

Edited by g.g.

Caption: Today’s (21 August) homepage of the English edition of N1, one of the rare platforms for investigative journalism and public discourse, amplifying voices critical of government corruption and poor governance.