Matić: Journalist intimidation part of wider effort to destroy professional media

Intimidation of journalists in Serbia is not an isolated issue but a component of a larger strategy to threaten and dismantle professional media outlets, according to Veran Matić, president of the Administrative Board of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM).

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Intimidation of journalists is part of a broader process of endangering and destroying professional media.

Matić described the situation for journalists in Serbia as dire, with attacks, threats, and insults becoming a daily occurrence. He cited statistics indicating that in July alone, state officials, government representatives, and members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) launched 106 verbal attacks against journalists and media organizations. Over the past two and a half years, more than 250 threats and attacks have been reported.

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Attacks, threats, and insults have become commonplace for journalists in Serbia.

Beyond direct intimidation, professional media face significant financial challenges. Matić pointed out that for two years, independent media have been largely cut off from project-based co-financing. This year, 95% of such funds reportedly went to tabloids. He also warned of a proposed "foreign agents" law, which he believes would sever ties between media organizations, civil society groups, and their donors. Matić suggested this initiative, initially promoted by an individual and later discussed with parliamentary leadership, aims to eliminate funding sources for critical voices.

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Professional media have been cut off from sources of financing through project co-financing for two years, and this year 95 percent of the funds went to tabloids.

Financial pressure extends to local media, with Matić noting that outlets like Informer and Alo are expanding their reach to local markets, and local advertisers are being intimidated into withdrawing support. The long-term impact of such sustained pressure, he emphasized, is severe, affecting journalists' mental health and the very existence of many media outlets. In some cases, journalists have been forced to flee the country due to safety concerns, with Matić himself involved in their relocation, sometimes extending to the safety of their families.

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The goal is to completely cut off everyone from any sources of financing – including donations that have decreased in recent years, including from the European Commission – in order to destroy the voices that resist, the voices that warn about corruption, crime, and the destruction of the country and the collapse of institutions.