Viennese Newspaper Editors Surprised by Executive's Interview with Serbian President

The editorial staff of the Viennese newspaper "Die Presse" have distanced themselves from an interview conducted by their executive director, Rainer Nowak, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. In an internal email obtained by "Der Standard," the newsroom expressed surprise and confusion regarding the "Masterclass" podcast format, stating they were not informed about it in advance.

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The editorial team is, like many of you, surprised and confused by the new format Masterclass with Rainer Nowak. We were not informed about it in advance. We consider it problematic regarding editorial guidelines, as it appears as editorial content, although it does not originate from the editorial team. It is also unclear what kind of cooperation this is.

The editorial team found the interview problematic, deeming it to be in conflict with their editorial guidelines. They noted that the podcast appears as editorial content but does not originate from the newsroom, raising questions about the nature of the collaboration. The email indicated that "several people" had contacted the newsroom about the interview, and that the "entire case" would be investigated.

Nowak, however, defended the interview, asserting that the "Masterclass" format does not grant interviewees a clean bill of health. He explained that the podcast aims to delve into the decisions that shape exceptional careers and leadership, rather than serving as a platform for uncritical praise or confrontational questioning. He stated that Vučić was interviewed about "decisions behind exceptional careers," not his "authoritarian politics."

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The fact that the show is called Masterclass does not mean we are declaring someone a master in advance.

According to "Der Standard," the interview largely featured Vučić discussing alleged campaigns against him, praising Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, and highlighting his own economic successes and reforms. Critical questions were reportedly minimal. The report also noted that Serbia's EU accession process is stalled, and such media appearances could benefit Vučić amidst domestic and international criticism regarding reforms, corruption, and his governing style.

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Vučić has led and shaped his country for years like few European politicians.