The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the actions of United Group’s CEO, Stan Miller, and his security staff toward journalist Ana Novaković, who attempted to ask him questions regarding information published yesterday by the investigative network OCCRP about the survival of independent media operating within United Media.
After OCCRP reported that the new CEO of United Group, Stan Miller, had discussed with the director of the state-owned company Telekom, Vladimir Lučić, the dismissal of United Media’s executive director Aleksandra Subotić, N1 TV journalist Ana Novaković attempted to obtain his comment during his visit to Belgrade. However, the hotel’s security, along with Miller’s own security, roughly stopped her.
Novaković told IJAS that after she addressed Miller, the chief of staff snatched her phone from her hands and held it until she left the hotel. Lawyers from the Gecić law office also appeared on the scene, initially demanding that the footage be deleted, though they later abandoned that request.
“So, the phone was in his (the chief of staff’s) possession, and they demanded that I delete the recording I made. A company lawyer showed up, they tried to smooth things over, but I firmly refused to delete the recording. They told me I had committed several criminal offenses, and among other things, that my behavior could result in dismissal—and that was communicated to my lawyer, who arrived after some time. That was how it ended, we parted ways, and it concluded with the statement that their client, most likely United Group, would decide how to proceed, and their lawyer would contact my lawyer,” said journalist Ana Novaković to IJAS.
IJAS strongly condemns the actions of the security staff against journalist Ana Novaković, who was simply doing her job. Such treatment of media representatives and the confiscation of personal property is absolutely unacceptable and constitutes a direct form of pressure on journalistic work.
If someone does not wish to respond to a journalist’s questions, there are clear and legitimate ways to communicate that, rather than security forbidding journalists to work, threatening them with police, lawsuits, and dismissals. We emphasize that developments within United Media, although it is a private company, are of great public importance, as they concern the survival of independent media, particularly N1 and Nova TV.
We remind that OCCRP yesterday published, based on documents and sources, details about behind-the-scenes events during major changes within United Group. According to their findings, United Group CEO Sten Miller and Telekom director Vladimir Lučić held talks in mid-August, discussing, among other things, the dismissal of United Media’s executive director, Aleksandra Subotić.
IJAS has previously warned that the return of state ownership in the media sector carries serious and disastrous consequences for media freedom and pluralism. Unfortunately, today we are witnessing this in practice: the state-owned company Telekom, which in recent years has been founding and acquiring media outlets, not only actively influences editorial policies of the outlets it owns, but is now also trying to exert influence over the editorial policies of independent newsrooms.
What is particularly problematic is that these activities are funded with the money of all Serbian citizens. Through the operations of a state-owned company, the silencing of free and critical voices in the media is being financed. Instead of ensuring fair market conditions and serving the public interest, Telekom is functioning as a tool for political control of the media space, which directly undermines citizens’ right to accurate and impartial information.
It is clear that the goal of such actions is to weaken or shut down free media and leave the public sphere dominated by one-sided propaganda.
IJAS calls on all international actors, especially the European Union, to protect independent journalists, who are the cornerstone of democracy. We also appeal to the investment fund BC Partners, the owner of United Group and United Media, to prevent attempts to suffocate independent media under its ownership, as such actions will undoubtedly damage the Fund’s international reputation.
IJAS expresses full support for the journalists and media working within United Media and will inform all its international partners about these developments.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, August 28, 2025
