The Coalition for Media Freedom – comprising the Business Association “Lokal Pres,” the Media Association, the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia, the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina, the Online Media Association, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, and the GS KUM “Nezavisnost” – strongly warns about the increasingly frequent discrimination against local media and the systematic withholding of information from local journalists who carry out their work responsibly and in the public interest.
The latest example in Bečej shows that selective communication, ignoring journalists’ questions, and choosing “preferred” media outlets based on their editorial policy constitutes a serious violation of the legal obligations of local officials. Such practices are not only professionally unacceptable—they are also prohibited by law. We remind all concerned that the Law on Public Information and Media explicitly prohibits discrimination and any obstruction of the free flow of information.
Those who hold public office are obliged to be accountable to citizens—and journalists are the ones who ask questions on behalf of those citizens. Ignoring the media is a direct act of ignoring the public, and as such it is inexcusable.
Therefore, we demand that all local administrations in Serbia immediately cease the practice of selective informing, comply with their legal obligations, and accept the following: openness toward the media is not optional—it is a duty owed to the citizens.
We also call on the wider public, civil society, and relevant institutions to react to such practices and to stand firmly in defense of free and responsible journalism. Because wherever local media are silenced, citizens are left in the dark—and no democratic society can afford that.
