A TV channel in Serbia apologized for remaining silent for years
A news program presenter admitted that during the era of former President Aleksandar Vučić, problems were turned a blind eye to and events were covered in a one-sided manner.
TV channel in Serbia apologized for years of silence
The Vojvodina Radio and Television (RTV) in Serbia apologized to viewers on air for not broadcasting footage of the "Student List" celebrating its parliamentary election victory during the previous evening's program.
At the beginning of the October 26 evening edition of the Dnevnik news program, presenter Goran Eror admitted that the TV channel had failed to perform its functions for many years.
"There was silence about problems, many things were turned a blind eye to, events were covered one-sidedly, and critical reports were not published. Necessary questions were not asked or no questions were asked at all. For this, we must apologize to the viewers," the presenter said.
The news opened with footage of celebrations in Novi Sad and other Serbian cities. According to the Vreme publication, RTV management had decided the day before not to show footage of the festive atmosphere in the streets, despite objections from staff.
The presenter noted that some employees of the TV channel had fought to ensure that journalists and editors could work freely and adhere to ethical principles:
"Unfortunately, we could not achieve this in time. But we believe this fight must continue."
On the same day, it was announced that Nenad Chačić, editor-in-chief of the channel's First Television Program, was dismissed. Blajo Popović was appointed to the post following negotiations between journalists and representatives of the "Nezavisnost" trade union with Goran Karadžić, director general of RTV. The resignation of the former editor-in-chief was one of the trade union's demands. A year ago, they had also demanded his resignation, emphasizing that RTV had lost its professional independence and was covering events in the interests of the government.
Snap parliamentary elections were held in Serbia on October 25. Former President of the country Aleksandar Vučić also took part in them — he had resigned from the presidency in early September, aiming to win the upcoming elections and return to power as prime minister. However, according to the election results, the Serbian Progressive Party led by him lost to the movement named "Student List", which emerged during the protests that began in 2024.