started · updated
Serbia's REM sanctions TV Informer and TV Prva
The Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) in Serbia has issued sanctions against several television stations following the recent elections. TV Informer was ordered to suspend its “Prva info” program for seven days due to a serious violation of the law involving a presenter expressing political views during the election campaign. Additionally, REM imposed a one-day ban on the “Vesti” program for TV Prva and a five-day ban on its morning program.
REM has also launched investigative proceedings against several other media outlets, including Kurir, K1, and V5 from Valjevo, for potential violations of media service rules. The sanctions against TV Informer follow reports of offensive comments directed at Zoran Gavrilović and REM Council member Rodoljub Šabić, as well as the broadcasting of a state documentary during the “Kolegijum” show.
The decisions have sparked significant political tension. Dragan Vučićević, editor-in-chief of TV Informer, accused REM of political persecution and acting under the influence of the Studentska Lista. Conversely, Ana Brnabić and Miloš Vučević participated in a protest in support of the media outlets, characterizing the regulatory actions as an attempt to silence dissent and dismantle media freedom.
Separately, the management board of Radio-televizije Srbije (RTS) has requested clarification from REM regarding its legal status. This follows the resignation of General Director Manja Grčić and concerns over whether the current board, whose mandates have expired for most members, maintains the authority to appoint an acting director and manage public procurement.
Entities
Ana Brnabić · Association of Journalists of Serbia · Branislav Klanšček · Dragan Vučićević · Manja Grčić · Ministry of Information and Telecommunications · REM · Radio Television of Serbia · Radio-Television of Serbia · Regulatory Body for Electronic Media · Serbian Progressive Party · Stevica Smederevac
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 13 SOURCES] REM ordered TV Informer to suspend its news program for seven days. www.dnevno.hr · www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.telegraf.rs · media.ba · novasloboda.ba · +8 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Dragan Vučićević accused REM of attempting to shut down the most-watched cable television in Serbia. www.telegraf.rs · www.b92.net · novi.ba · www.dnevno.hr · nezavisen.mk · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Information and Telecommunications stated that existing board members can continue their duties until new ones are appointed. vojvodjanskireporter.rs · www.danas.rs
- [● 8 SOURCES] REM banned TV Prva's news program for one day and its morning program for five days. nova.rs · www.sd.rs · novasloboda.ba · www.sjevercg.me · www.24ur.com · +2 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] REM launched investigative proceedings against Kurir, K1, and V5 from Valjevo. www.dnevno.hr · nova.rs · www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.sjevercg.me · mojdoboj.info · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] 32 media organizations and civil society groups submitted an initiative to revoke TV Informer's license. www.b92.net · 24-ore.com · lat.sputnikportal.rs · www.oslobodjenje.ba · srpskacafe.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Ana Brnabić called for a protest in front of REM to defend media freedom. srpskacafe.com · 24-ore.com · www.b92.net · lat.sputnikportal.rs
- [● 2 SOURCES] The RTS Management Board requested clarification on its authority from REM. vojvodjanskireporter.rs · www.danas.rs