“N1 Television stands as one of the pillars of professional, independent, and responsible journalism in the region. Its contribution to media pluralism, freedom of expression, and the democratization of society in Southeast Europe is immeasurable,” said former OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and former Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic.
She noted that, at a time of growing political pressure, disinformation, and attempts to control the media, N1 remains a “vital stronghold of free journalism and a trusted source of information for the public”.
“I have long followed and deeply respect the work of N1 journalists, who demonstrate every day what courage, integrity, and professionalism truly mean. Their stories give voice to those who are rarely or never heard, expose injustice, corruption, and crime, and remind us of the enduring power of truth in the service of the public interest”, she said.
Mijatovic stressed that, at a time when “truth is becoming ever more costly and independence increasingly rare”, it is “essential that N1 continues to operate freely and without political or economic pressure”.
“Safeguarding its independence is not only a matter of media freedom – it is a prerequisite for a healthy democratic environment and for the European future of the countries in the region”, she concluded.
In February this year, Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic stated that United Group had not secured financing and that journalists would be laid off in November. After changes in the management of United Group, the public was informed that the highest state officials of the Republic of Serbia, including President Vucic, could become involved in deciding the future of N1, and that the company’s management maintains close cooperation with individuals connected to the Serbian state.
Because of this, N1 Television and the N1 portal launched an initiative for a management buyout, that is, the purchase of ownership from United Group under market conditions, with financial support from credible external investors. The initiative was also joined by colleagues from the daily newspaper Danas and the portal Danas.rs, Television Nova, the portal Nova.rs, the daily newspaper Nova, and the weekly Radar.
Source: N1
