United Media editors adopted a Manifest for Independent Journalism at a meeting on Tuesday, clearly reaffirming the basic values of free and responsible journalism at a time of serious political and business pressure on the media.
“Following the recent release of an audio recording and reports of secret dealings between United Group management and the Serbian authorities, it has become necessary to stress the importance of the independence of journalists and news desks which are the main condition in maintaining free and professional journalism in Serbia,” a press release said. The OCCRP released an audio recording of a conversation between the CEOs of United Group and the state-controlled Telekom Serbia which included alleged plans to dismiss the CEO of United Media which owns N1, Nova S and several other independent media outlets.
“The Manifest was adopted at a meeting of editors in chief of the N1 and Nova TVs and portals, Danas daily Forbes Serbia and Radar weekly,” it added.
It said that the Manifest is a clear message from United Media that the company will continue protecting freedom of speech, personal integrity and the right of the public to accurate and relevant information.
This is the Manifest:
Our mission is to provide the public with accurate, verified, and relevant information, to safeguard freedom of speech and professional integrity, and to ensure that journalism remains independent from political and business pressures.
Freedom and Responsibility
– Journalists and editors have the right to work freely and responsibly, without interference from owners, advertisers, or centers of political power.
– Each journalist is responsible for the truthfulness and professionalism of their work, and editors are responsible for editorial policy and published information.
The Role of the Editor
– The editor-in-chief, in consultation with the editorial team, develops and implements an editorial policy based on independent and ethical journalism.
– The editor is obliged to protect the professional and human rights of journalists, including the right to opinion and the right to refuse tasks that are against the rules of the profession.
Rights and Responsibilities of Journalists
– Journalists freely investigate, collect, and process information in accordance with professional standards.
– Journalists have the right to express their professional interpretations of events, based on analysis and journalistic standards, and to be protected from pressure, threats, violence, and censorship.
– A journalist cannot be forced to publish content that is untruthful, manipulative, or contrary to journalistic ethics.
– Their work cannot be significantly changed or published without their consent.
Responsibility of Owners and Publishers
– The publisher is obliged to ensure the professional and financial independence of the editorial team.
– The publisher has the right to define the basic program orientation, but without interfering with editorial autonomy.
– The publisher must protect journalists and editors from political and other pressures.
Our Obligation to the Public
– Our work is based on fact-checking, combating disinformation, and analyzing political and social processes in Serbia and the region.
– The content we publish must be truthful, complete, and free from any particular interests.
Source: N1
