It is not enough to simply say that journalist Zoran Sekulić (1958–2025), founder and editor-in-chief of FoNet, the first independent news agency in Serbia, has passed away; the truth is that we were suddenly left without a Man, a Friend, a Colleague… Above all, a Journalist in the truest sense of the word: literate, eloquent, informed, objective, and clear—both in writing and in speech—equally when addressing fellow journalists and heads of state. And deeply committed.
In addition to founding FoNet, Sekulić left an indelible mark on the history of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS), where he was active from its very beginning. He was also one of the founders of the Media Association, the first media business association established independently of state control, and a member of the Board of the Press Council.
Zoran Sekulić was the founder and owner of FoNet, the first private news agency in Serbia with an independent editorial policy. He graduated from the Faculty of Law in Belgrade in 1981 and began his journalistic career in 1982 at Radio Belgrade, later joining the Tanjug news agency, which he left in 1993 due to disagreements with its editorial policy.
Sekulić was a prominent figure in Serbian journalism and the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Legion of Honour from the Republic of France and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He led negotiations between journalists’ associations and the Serbian Government during the drafting of the first Media Strategy, and in 2012, the OSCE awarded him for his contributions to media reform.
Under his leadership, FoNet became a widely recognized media outlet both in Serbia and abroad, thanks to innovations in multimedia and multiplatform services. He reported from key international events and institutions such as the EU, UN, and NATO, and continued his professional development in newsrooms and universities around the world.
He was the author of thousands of articles and a participant in numerous professional conferences on media freedom and journalism. The time and place of the funeral will be announced later.
Media Association, Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia, and the Press Council
