Nova.rs journalists protest management changes and staffing impositions

editorial independence media ownership change journalism standards staffing disputes Serbia media

Journalists and employees at the Serbian news portal Nova.rs, along with staff from N1 television, have issued statements protesting management decisions by Adria News Network (ANN) following a change in ownership to Alpak Capital.

Staff allege that new management, led by Pedro Vargas Santos David and Brent Sadler, is attempting to undermine editorial independence. Key grievances include the removal of former editor Mihailo Jovićević and the imposition of new staff members from pro-government media outlets without consultation with the existing editorial team.

Employees also expressed concern over financial decisions, such as the elimination of social media marketing budgets and the implementation of high advertising rates for political entities, which they claim may favor the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS) has called on the new management to respect legal standards and maintain editorial autonomy during this transition period.