The pro-regime tabloid Kurir published a United Group (UG) press release in a large format and in an exceptionally promotional tone on its web portal on Tuesday.
The press release presents the UG’s business results for the first nine months of 2025: revenue growth, an increase in adjusted EBITDA, a positive capital position, a decrease in net debt, and new investments in network infrastructure. Since the article is not clearly labeled as paid PR, and only “Promo” appears at the end of the text (where the source/author is usually listed), it is clear that this was an editorial decision to publish UG’s press release in its entirety.
Why is this strange? Because until the summer of 2025 and the management changes at United Group, this tabloid only published stories demonizing UG.
It is also important to note that Kurir is itself changing ownership and is passing from businessman Igor Zezelj to Telekom Serbia. That process is underway, and in September 2025, Telekom received approval from the relevant authorities to acquire Kurir’s publisher, the company Mondo INC.
The legitimate question here is: how a declared competitor in the media and telecom market become its closest partner? Publishing a PR statement from United Group in Kurir, in light of the upcoming takeover of the media outlet by Telekom Serbia, cannot be interpreted merely as “just another business article.” Here, the interests of the state operator, a major corporation, and the media intertwine — with possible consequences for transparency, pluralism, and market competition.
An additional dimension comes from information in an audio recording of a conversation between the directors of Telekom and United Group, published several months ago by OCCRP. The recording discusses plans to weaken UG’s operations in Serbia, their separation, a request from President Aleksandar Vučić to dismiss the director of United Media, as well as the potential acquisition of Shoppster.
The connection between Telekom and UG in Serbia can also be seen through the involvement of the Gecić Law Firm. They served as the main legal advisor to Telekom Serbia in a major transaction that included the acquisition of certain services and rights from United Group. Those same lawyers from “Gecić Law” are now “constantly present” in processes related to the leadership and operations of United Group in Serbia, suggesting that the links between UG and Telekom through Gecić Law are not accidental.
All this sends the message that UG and Telekom, although formally competitors, have in recent months been somewhat “networked” through joint lawyers who participate in strategic decision-making.
Until recently, Kurir was part of a campaign against media outlets belonging to UG, promoting narratives aimed at undermining the credibility of UG’s media in Serbia. However, that same outlet is now publishing a PR piece promoting UG. For companies and corporate communications, this means that corporate PR is now being disseminated through media close to the regime in Serbia — which further confuses the public, given that the only significant remaining operations of UG in Serbia are its media.
Source: N1
