United Group (UG) on Friday confirmed that a conversation took place between its CEO, Stan Miller, and Telekom Srbija’s CEO, Vladimir Lucic, stating it was a business discussion. The company also emphasized that it condemns the unlawful recording of private conversations, as in this instance, they said.
“Earlier this year, United Group sold various assets to Telekom Srbija. Following that transaction, it is both routine and necessary for there to be communication between the companies,” the United Group press statement reads.
They added that the recording is incomplete and does not reflect the full conversation and context of those discussions, and that at no time did Telekom Srbija or any other entity or person exert or seek to exert any pressure on UG concerning the employment of Aleksandra Subotic.
“United Group does not bow to political influence of any kind. Aleksandra Subotic is not employed as a member of the editorial staff at any United Group news organisation, nor has she ever been a member of the editorial staff. Recent reports in the media suggesting that Ms Subotic is part of the editorial team are incorrect. Ms Subotic works in the management team at United Group and she remains in her position. Mr Miller stated in the recording that he would not be terminating Ms Subotic’s employment,” the statement says.
United Group highlighted its firm commitment to maintaining a consistent and clear separation between management and editorial decisions, noting that it has recently engaged two independent international advisors to conduct a review of its news operations, with the aim of taking further steps to ensure their independence.
“Any suggestion that United Group is seeking to undermine the independence of its news organisations is firmly denied,” the company said in its press statement.
Source: N1
