The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) expresses concern and condemns the public sharing of personal data of employees of Radio-Television of Serbia (RTS) on social media, as well as the posting of flyers featuring the names and photographs of editors in a format resembling wanted posters. Such actions exert serious pressure on media professionals and can potentially endanger their safety and privacy, which is unacceptable in a democratic society.
While citizens have every right to express dissatisfaction with RTS’s editorial policy and to demand professional, impartial, and accountable reporting—especially from a media outlet funded by public resources—actions that involve elements of intimidation or public targeting are not an acceptable form of civic pressure.
We remind the public that, according to Recommendation CM/Rec(2012)1 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, public service media must “serve the needs and interests of all audiences, ensure a plurality of opinions, and be protected from political and commercial interference.” Their key role is to provide accurate, comprehensive, and professional information to all citizens.
IJAS urges citizens to refrain from actions that may create an atmosphere of pressure and potentially compromise the personal safety of media workers, as such actions can undermine the legitimacy of the ongoing student protests, which from the beginning have been peaceful, dignified, and clearly focused on improving the functioning of public service media.
We also call on the RTS management to take public dissatisfaction seriously, to open space for pluralism of opinion, and to reassess its editorial policy in line with democratic standards and the public interest.
Without a responsible public service broadcaster, there can be no truly informed citizens.
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS),
Belgrade, April 16, 2025
