Journalist associations condemn ruling SNS pressure on RTS

NUNS recalled that SNS accused "those who should represent the public service of Serbian citizens" of "taking the side of politicians who seek to undermine Serbia’s constitutional order, thus grossly violating all journalistic codes and abusing the profession."

The ruling party is dissatisfied because RTS’s news department, after nearly three months of student protests and demonstrations in front of the public broadcaster’s headquarters, finally acknowledged the events as being of exceptional public interest and began reporting in a more objective and impartial manner, NUNS stated.

UNS also condemned the SNS statement, calling it an unacceptable form of pressure on the public broadcaster.

"UNS protests and considers the SNS’ vague accusations against RTS—calling its coverage ‘scandalous’ and claiming it sided with politicians seeking to overthrow Serbia’s constitutional order—an unacceptable pressure on the public broadcaster," the Association stated.

They added that RTS’ coverage of the Novi Sad blockade was professional but was disrupted by some protesters, which, along with SNS’ unfounded accusations, further complicates the broadcaster’s duty to provide timely and impartial information to the public.

The NGO Bureau for Social Research (BIRODI) also responded, describing the SNS statement on RTS’s reporting as an example of an ignorant and threatening announcement.