United Nations on Nove.rs case and the takeover of ANN: Changes in media ownership must be transparent

United Nations experts have issued a written statement expressing serious concern over escalating pressure on journalists and interference in the management of independent media in Serbia ahead of key parliamentary elections. The group specifically highlighted recent events at the online portal Nova.rs and the broader acquisition of the Adria News Network media group by the investment fund Alpac Capital. The specialists emphasized that changes in media ownership must remain transparent and subject to appropriate regulatory oversight, with safeguards established to protect editorial autonomy. They warned that measures affecting entire newsrooms require particular attention when implemented immediately before voting periods. The UN panel noted that continuous pressure on reporters and meddling in the leadership of independent Serbian outlets threatens press freedom during a critical democratic period. Independent journalism is described as essential for fair elections because voters need access to diverse information sources. Reporters must be able to work freely without editorial interference. The experts pointed to specific incidents at Nova.rs, where staff were given less than 48 hours to decide whether to continue working under new editorial leadership or accept severance packages. Journalists at the portal characterized this ultimatum as pressure on the newsroom and an attempt to discipline their reporting before the polls. The ownership changes followed administrative shifts impacting several media houses, including N1, Nova, Danas, and Radar, within the wider takeover by Alpac Capital. Regulatory procedures reportedly took place in Luxembourg regarding these transactions. Various organizations had previously warned that such acquisitions jeopardize media pluralism and editorial independence. The UN statement also expressed concern over a public letter from the Serbian Ministry of Information and Telecommunications. In that document, the ministry criticized certain media houses and urged N1 and Nova.rs to register in Serbia after the takeover. The experts stated that interventions by public authorities can be interpreted as undue influence on media organizations or their editorial policies. For more than a year, the UN team has voiced concerns about restrictions on judicial independence, fundamental freedoms, and civic space in Serbia. They asserted that no media outlet should face political or other pressure for publishing reports critical of those in power. Media pluralism requires a varied and independent landscape. Serbia must protect journalists' freedom to report and ensure public access to diverse viewpoints. The experts called on media owners to maintain editorial independence and establish protective measures separating business interests from editorial decisions. Authorities are urged to safeguard human rights, media freedom, and civic space, ensuring that journalists, civil society, student movements, and human rights advocates can participate in public debate without intimidation. In Slovenia, solidarity actions supported the Serbian colleagues. A press conference was held outside the N1 Slovenia building on October 20 to show support for the Serbian journalists. Mojca Zabukovec, secretary of the Journalists' Union, stated that such intervention raises questions about who truly decides media content and whether editors can work professionally without pressure. She noted the timing is particularly worrying given the proximity to Serbian parliamentary elections scheduled for Sunday, October 25. The new owner of Nova.rs, part of the same group as N1 Slovenia, is Alpac Capital. The proposed new editors, Marko Stjepanovic and Ivana Mastilovic Jasnich, faced opposition from most employees because they previously worked for a pro-government television station. Pedro Vargas David, owner of Alpac Capital, also owns the pan-European portal Euronews. It was later determined that Hungarian state capital co-financed the purchase of Euronews. Media investigations linked Vargas David to Viktor Orban through other cases. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told Euronews in an interview that he and Vargas David's father are friends, noting they know each other through the European People's Party group in the European Parliament. The new ownership structure has also affected operations at N1 Slovenia. Katja Seruga, director of the company and chief editor, left the firm about six weeks ago without publicly explaining her reasons. Sarah Neubauer, an N1 journalist, explained that the departure created uncertainty. She suggested the owners targeted Serbia first due to the upcoming elections but implied similar actions could occur in Slovenia. She added that N1 content stopped being advertised on social media and the web following the takeover, reducing its reach. Suzana Lovec, editor of the Deep Dive section at N1 Slovenia, described the situation as a fight for the survival of independent journalism. The Slovenian government previously attempted to undermine independent public broadcasting, though a consultative referendum voted against removing the broadcaster fee. Critics draw parallels to previous attempts to weaken state news agencies and public television programs during prior coalition governments.