N1’s Bozic: Because of insults against our journalists, we will not cover Sapic’s events

He said the Serbian media scene includes private media loyal to the government and the president on the one hand, while, on the other hand, all efforts are made to crush and prevent the work of those who are not dependent on the government's money and influence.

Speaking on the occasion of the May 3 World Press Freedom Day, Bozic said that, in Serbia, tabloids, press and electronic media are used as heavy artillery to shoot at those who dare to criticize the government. This is why, year after year, there are increasingly fewer people who want to be on this battlefield, as they do not want to die for freedom of speech, he added.

He said the media cooperating with the regime are provided with unlimited funds for propaganda, and the will for any rebellion in defense of the profession is destroyed.

Bozic said N1 reporters have been exposed to all kinds of pressure over the past ten years. Without singling out any specific event, he explained that they are constantly targeted by the president and his subordinates, that N1 and its staff have been labeled CIA TV, local traitors, foreign mercenaries, tycoon media.

An atmosphere of lynch against N1 has been created in the tabloids, TV stations with national coverage and some new cable channels, which then spreads and it may seem to the people in Serbia who have no access to N1 TV that we are working against Serbia, he said. However, whatever we report on and do is aimed at improving the situation in this country, ensuring that it is organized and that no one has the opportunity to abuse their position of power, Bozic added.

Since the Serbian president constantly belittles N1 journalists at press conferences and the former and possibly future Belgrade mayor, Aleksandar Sapic, refuses to answer their questions, Bozic said that, following the latest insults by Sapic, N1 will no longer be covering his public appearances.

“If someone tells a journalist that he is all twisted from hatred, then there is no normal conversation,” said Bozic, adding that Sapic has repeatedly refused to answer N1 questions, thus breaking the law, and has insulted N1 reporters on many occasions.

N1’s program director said that, although the international community criticizes the situation in the media, it does very little to help change it. Diplomats are diplomats and have other interests, but if they advocate for media freedom, we expect them to have a much more concrete impact on what is happening, that they do not turn a blind eye and do not seek excuses for the government.

Regarding the threats that N1 frequently receives on social networks or in its comments section, Bozic said the senders are almost never identified.

My impression is that no one really cares about these threats, as if they are unimportant, which only empowers those who want to plant bombs, kill and expel us, said Bozic, stressing that the sole responsibility for the impunity of such acts lies with the institutions, which are practically the government’s accomplices in creating a society where it is desirable to threaten someone.