IPI joins the partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) in expressing serious concern over the threat of political interference in the operations of the United Group’s media outlets in Serbia, which owns the major independent television news channels that are active in Serbia, N1 and Nova TV.

On 27 August 2025, new information revealed by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and published in collaboration with the investigative outlet KRIK suggested that Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić intends to undermine the independence of N1 and Nova TV.

A leaked recording emerged of a conversation between Vladimir Lučić, CEO of Telekom Srbija, and Stan Miller, the CEO of United Group, newly appointed by the British private firm BC Partners, a major owner of United Group, in which the two can be heard discussing Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s demand for the dismissal of United Media’s executive director, Aleksandra Subotić, as he is “aware that it is difficult now to change the director of N1”. This conversation clearly suggests a plan to first replace the executive chief of the United Group, who had resisted commercial and political pressure over the years, before interfering with N1.

The authenticity of the recording has been confirmed by the United Group. Meanwhile, the President’s spokesperson denied Vučić’s intent to interfere with the management of N1.

The MFRR consortium is appalled by the content of the audio recording and condemns any political interference within the United Group that would have a significant impact on independent broadcasters, starting with N1. In July, the MFRR had already expressed concern in a letter to BC Partners regarding the recent change in leadership at United Group.

This information is particularly concerning amidst intensified political pressure on independent journalism in Serbia. Back in April, N1 and Nova TV were removed from the satellite television service, leaving viewers with no choice but to watch these channels on the internet. N1 was the most-watched TV channel on the SBB network.

In addition, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his allies have engaged in relentless smear campaigns against the independent reporting of N1 on the student-led protests that emerged since the collapse of the canopy of the railway station in Novi Sad on 1 November 2024. N1, which was labelled by President Vučić as “doing pure terrorism”, is constantly portrayed as an opponent of the state, along with United Media journalists in Serbia. These state rhetorics are also widely and dangerously taken up by private individuals sending regular threats online, including death threats and threats of physical violence. Since January 2025, Mapping Media Freedom has documented 26 instances of intimidation and threats against N1, predominantly online.