The Coalition for Media Freedom, consisting of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), the Business Association of Local and Independent Media “Local Press”, the Association of Media, the Association of Online Media (AOM), the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), the Business Association of Local and Independent Media “Local Press”, the Slavko Curuvija Foundation and Branch Trade Union of Culture, Arts and Media ‘Nezavisnost’, warns that rhetoric involving the targeting of media from the highest levels of government is increasingly being replicated at the local level, thereby directly endangering the safety of local women and men journalists.
The Coalition for Media Freedom expresses deep concern over the increasingly frequent cases of targeting women and men journalists in small communities, where local officials are more openly calling them out by name and surname. Such conduct poses a serious risk to their professional integrity and personal safety, especially given the specific nature of local communities in which journalists are also fellow citizens of those who target them.
It is particularly concerning that in these cases one can recognize rhetoric characteristic of the highest levels of authorities in Serbia – rhetoric in which media outlets that are not aligned with those in power are labeled as enemies, accomplices, or participants in political games. This pattern is increasingly being replicated at the local level, further worsening the position of local journalists, who lack institutional protection mechanisms and work in a far more sensitive social environment.
During November and December 2025, two particularly illustrative cases were recorded. At a session of the Municipal Assembly of Bečej, the President of the Municipality, Vuk Radojević, in his address twice targeted by name Kristina Demeter Filipčev, a journalist from Bečejski mozaik, insinuating that her reporting ignores positive topics and accusing her of alleged support for the adoption of previous decisions. At the same time, the President of the Municipality of Novi Bečej, Saša Maksimović, stated in a public holiday greeting to citizens that “many things have conspired against the politics of the Republic of Serbia, from the level of the European Union to village portals from Novi Bečej.” In a situation where there is only one registered portal in the territory of Novi Bečej—Webinfo—such a statement has a clear target and constitutes direct targeting of that media outlet.
Such statements represent a serious violation of freedoms guaranteed by law. Article 4 of the Law on Public Information and Media clearly stipulates:
“Direct and indirect discrimination against media editors, journalists, and other persons in the field of public information is prohibited, particularly on the basis of their political affiliation, beliefs, or other personal characteristics.”
It is also stated that: “Freedom of public information must not be violated through the abuse of official position and public authority.”
It is additionally concerning that local officials, increasingly making use of their positions of power, are resorting to strategies of discreditation that have become part of a broader political pattern in Serbia. In such a context, independent local media become targets—not because they fail to do their job, but precisely because they do it responsibly and in the public interest.
The Coalition for Media Freedom appeals to local and national institutions to protect journalists from such pressures and to consistently enforce laws that guarantee freedom of expression and public information.
Coalition for Media Freedom
Belgrade, December 26, 2025
The Coalition for Media Freedom: the Association of Media, the Association of Online Media (AOM), the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), the Business Association of Local and Independent Media “Local Press”, the Slavko Curuvija Foundation and Branch Trade Union of Culture, Arts and Media ‘Nezavisnost’
