Kostić: Independent journalists in Serbia work in an atmosphere of fear, state generates pressure

Independent journalists in Serbia operate under a climate of fear and uncertainty, with the state acting as a generator of instability and conflict within the media landscape, Vojkan Kostić, editor-in-chief of the Beta news agency, stated in an interview.

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Independent and free journalists in Serbia work in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, and the state is the generator of instability and conflicts present in the media scene.

Kostić noted that while the pressures are not at the extreme levels seen in the 1990s, such as the murders of Slavko Ćuruvija and Dada Vujasinović, or the killing of journalist Pantić, they manifest differently today. Journalists are frequently targeted, and some pro-government media outlets openly broadcast surveillance of independent journalists in Belgrade.

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Pressures are of a different kind today. Journalists are very often targeted, some pro-government media without any hesitation show on their televisions the tracking of free journalists around Belgrade.

Political pressure prevents media from functioning normally. Kostić recalled that as a young journalist, he conducted interviews with high-ranking Serbian officials, a feat he believes would be impossible now due to state institutions' unwillingness to communicate. He emphasized that Beta does not consider itself an opposition media outlet but rather one working in the public interest, aiming to assist authorities in serving the public.

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Political pressures lead to media not being allowed to work normally, stating that as a young journalist for Beta, he conducted several interviews with the presidents of Serbia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia - numerous ministers, countless state secretaries, but that at this moment such a thing would not be possible because state institutions do not want communication.

Economically, independent media struggle to secure advertising and subscriptions from state institutions. Funds allocated through public tenders often go to pro-government media and even to non-existent non-governmental organizations. Kostić also recounted being called for an "informative interview" by the criminal investigation police regarding an investigation into a "sound bomb" case, which he found surprising given the alleged offense of undermining the constitutional order. He expressed that while the police procedure was routine and he felt calm due to his innocence, the experience was unpleasant, highlighting that innocence does not always prevent consequences in Serbia. He also criticized the police's inaction in cases of attacks on journalists.

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We do not perceive ourselves as an opposition medium. We perceive ourselves as a medium that works in the public interest and wants to be a kind of help to the authorities to do things in the public interest.