As talk of rapid reorganization and shifts in editorial structure surfaces within United Media (UM), it is important to remind the public of documented facts that are already on the record.
In an audio recording of a phone conversation released by OCCRP in August 2025, one of the key figures, United Group CEO Stan Miller, explicitly states that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expects the removal of Aleksandra Subotic as chief executive of United Media. The same conversation indicates that the dismissal of N1’s editor is expected to follow. These statements are not mere interpretations or political constructs – they were spoken.
Specifically, during a conversation with Vladimir Lucic, the CEO of state-owned Telekom Srbija, Miller said: “The problem is that I have too many things happening too fast in many ways, including the Serbia thing. (…) I cannot fire Aleksandra today as we discussed, okay? I need to make that company very small in Serbia, if you understand what I mean, and separate it. The time (is needed) for that, and that is what we agreed.”
The second participant in the call, Telekom CEO Vladimir Lucic, confirmed Vucic’s expectations: “So this is, the president asked Nikos in a fast way to replace only Aleksandra Subotic, not directors of N1 or Nova S. He was aware that it is difficult now to change the director of N1 without reorganization.”
The recording reveals Vucic’s dissatisfaction that this “wasn’t done today,” highlighting an immediate expectation for the decision to be implemented without delay.
Today, there is talk of an accelerated reorganization within United Media.
Implementing the so-called “Vucic-Nikos deal”?
All of this could be the result of the so-called “Vucic-Nikos deal”, an agreement between the Serbian President and Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of BC Partners, the investment fund that holds a majority stake in United Group.
If personnel or editorial changes were indeed discussed in that context, then any reorganization taking place today must be viewed through that lens.
We recall that back in February, Vucic publicly predicted layoffs at UM media outlets.
“I’ll ask him in November or December of this year, not next year, but this year, because they haven’t managed to secure additional funding. First, they’ll lay some people off, and then we’ll step in to help employ some of them,” Vucic said at the time.
Transparency the only way to resolve doubts
This is why it is crucial to revisit several key questions:
- Is the reorganization the result of a business assessment (though the rationale remains unclear), or is it the fulfillment of previously stated political expectations?
- Is what was demanded back then being carried out today?
- Is the acceleration of this process linked to publicly voiced pressures?
The answers to these questions are vital, not only for media employees but also for the general public, which has a right to know if editorial policy is being altered under political duress.
Transparency is the only way to dispel suspicion and safeguard the professional integrity of the newsroom.
Source: N1
