Serbian media unions condemn takeover, demand guarantees

Trade unions representing journalists at several prominent Serbian media outlets have jointly condemned the recent takeover of their organizations by the Portuguese company "Alpak Kapital." The outlets include Nova.rs, Radar, N1, and Forbes, all part of the "Adria News Networks" group, which remains affiliated with the "United Group."

In a joint statement, the unions highlighted their alarm over the rapid registration of "Alpak Kapital's" owner, Pedro Vargas Santos David, as the director of all media within the group. This move, they noted, occurred during the summer holiday period and without any prior notification to the employees, intensifying their concerns. The unions pointed out that Vargas Santos David is listed as the new director, while the ownership is still attributed to "United Fiber Sarl," a company operating within the "United Group."

“

We will not accept that journalism becomes anyone's prey.

The unions interpret this haste as an attempt by the Portuguese company to quickly assume control of N1, Nova, Danas, and Radar before obtaining necessary approvals from regulatory bodies. They allege that with the support of "BC Partners," a co-owner of the "United Group," leadership changes are already underway in the newsrooms.

“

It is precisely the public that will judge.

Journalists at these media outlets fear that the changes will not stop at leadership, but will extend to editors, aiming to align the remaining independent and professional media with the desires of the current regime. The editorial stance, however, remains firm: changes in leadership or ownership structure will not affect editorial policy, professional conduct, or integrity as long as the newsrooms operate with their current staff.

Emphasizing that media outlets serve the public and public interest above all else, the unions stated that their actions over the years have been to operate independently and professionally. They have resisted all pressures and attacks and intend to continue doing so. Consequently, they demand an urgent meeting with the new director to receive written guarantees that editorial policy and the positions of editors and journalists will remain untouched.

“

We demand from the new director an urgent meeting with representatives of the representative unions and written guarantees that the editorial policy and the positions of editors and journalists will not be touched.