Alpak Kapital media changes spark concerns over editorial independence in Serbia

The Institute for European Affairs has raised concerns regarding recent programming changes made by Alpak Kapital, the new owner of media outlets including N1, Nova, Nova.rs, Danas, and Radar. The institute noted that the removal of the show ‘24 minuta sa Zoranom Kesićem’ and the relocation of ‘Utisak nedelje’ from Nova to N1 are significant developments occurring as Serbia approaches an election campaign.

The Institute argues these moves should not be viewed merely as commercial decisions but as potential threats to media pluralism. They drew parallels to previous media shifts in the region, citing how the removal of ‘Utisak nedelje’ from B92 in 2014 led to a significant decline in that station's viewership.

As Serbia prepares for potential parliamentary elections, the Institute has called on Alpak Kapital and its director, Pedro Vargas David, to provide clear assurances regarding the protection of editorial independence for these outlets.