Reporters Without Borders criticizes media freedom in Serbia

Pavol Salaj, director of the Prague bureau for Reporters Without Borders, has criticized the recent developments within the Adria News Network (ANN) following its acquisition by Alpak Kapital. Salaj described the situation as a “scenario of a bad thriller,” noting that despite promises of editorial independence from owner Pedro Vargas Santos David, there has been interference in editorial appointments.

Salaj highlighted that Serbia currently ranks 104th on the Reporters Without Borders media freedom index, making it the last country in Europe in this regard. He stated that media freedom in the country has become “prey to the predator of media freedoms,” referring to Aleksandar Vučić.

The organization has called on Alpak Kapital to establish protective mechanisms between owners and editorial boards to ensure independence. Salaj also expressed uncertainty regarding the company's business model and the financing behind the acquisition of ANN, which includes outlets such as N1, Danas, and Forbes Serbia.