The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the inappropriate, offensive, and dangerous statements made by Bojan Avramović, owner and editor-in-chief of Niš TV, during a live broadcast of a press conference from the City Assembly of Niš. Avramović referred to colleagues from the Media Reform Center and other journalists as “fascist media” merely for asking legitimate questions about the legality of his television station’s operations. The Media Reform Center has announced it will file criminal charges against Avramović.
“This press conference looks nice, and Tomica really stirred things up a bit, especially for these fascist media outlets who are so concerned about whether we have a license and how we operate,” said Bojan Avramović, owner and editor-in-chief of Niš TV.
Such insults and targeting of journalists—especially those who are professionally doing their job and asking questions in the public interest—constitute an unacceptable attack on media freedom and journalistic integrity. Of particular concern is the fact that this incident followed Media Reform’s reporting that Niš TV has been broadcasting without a license from the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM), and without the approval of the Niš City Assembly to use the name “Niš.”
Equally troubling is the behavior of a person who identified as a Niš TV journalist and who, during the press conference, directly addressed Media Reform editor Jovana Stojanović with a comment about her physical appearance—right in front of Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović. This misogynistic outburst represents a gross violation of the journalist’s dignity and the professional environment in which she should be protected.
We remind public officials at all levels that they are obligated to ensure equal access to all media outlets and to provide a safe and professional environment for journalists, free from discrimination and pressure. Mayor Pavlović, however, failed to respond to the insults directed at the journalist or to condemn the public verbal attacks on the media. Instead, he continued to participate in programming on the same television station, which operates illegally, by appearing once again as a guest.
IJAS demands that the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media immediately investigate the circumstances of this unlicensed broadcasting and take measures prescribed by law.
Additionally, the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications must urgently issue a statement on the matter and initiate proceedings against the illegal operation of this media outlet.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, 11 June 2025
