OSCE Media Freedom Representative highly concerned by absence of N1 from Telekom Serbia network
VIENNA, 7 February 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today over the absence of the independent media outlet N1 among channels offered by cable operators affiliated with the Telekom Serbia network. Telekom Serbia is a joint stock company predominantly owned by the state.
In the beginning of this year, cable operators ceased transmitting the N1 channel, which is known for its independent reporting. The decision was reportedly justified by legal and economic disagreements with the United Group, the owner of N1 and a media provider.
“I am concerned by this latest development in the dispute between Telekom Serbia and United Media,” said Désir. “It is essential to allow unhindered access to information for citizens, in order to preserve media plurality in the country through safeguarding the role of independent and critical media outlets.”
N1 was suspended from another state cable provider, PostaNet, after its contract expired in December 2019. The Representative also recalled that journalists working for N1 had previously suffered threats and physical attacks, with their web portal having been the target of repeated cyber-attacks.
“At this time when media and journalism are under attack, there is a pressing need to produce good public interest media content accessible to citizens, and for the state to promote diversity in the media landscape,” added the Representative. “Pluralistic and accurate news are of vital importance for citizens to make informed decisions about their participation in democratic processes, including elections.”
See the Representative’s previous statements here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/410768; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/415565; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/436331; https://twitter.com/OSCE_RFoM/status/1222182418465030145
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.