United Group Denies Allegations of Compromising Editorial Independence and Sale of N1 and Nova TV
Amidst swirling rumors and leaked conversations, United Group has issued a staunch denial of allegations suggesting a potential compromise of the editorial independence of N1 and Nova TV channels in Serbia. The media conglomerate, operating across Southeast Europe, categorically refutes claims that it intends to curtail the autonomy of these news outlets or sell them to Telekom Srbija or any entity affiliated with the Serbian state. The allegations, stemming from a report by the Organized Crime and Reporting Project (OCCRP), have triggered a robust response from United Group, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of its news operations.
The OCCRP report centered on alleged discussions between United Group CEO Stan Miller and Telekom Srbija CEO Vladimir Lučić, purportedly regarding the removal of Aleksandra Subotić, former CEO of United Media, a subsidiary of United Group that owns N1. United Group maintains that these allegations are baseless and misrepresent the nature of any conversations that may have taken place. The company underscores its commitment to a strict separation between commercial management and editorial decision-making, ensuring that news content remains free from external influence.
In a comprehensive statement outlining its principles of editorial independence, United Group emphasizes its commitment to journalistic integrity as sacrosanct. The company highlights its adherence to a clear distinction between editorial and executive staff, safeguarding against undue influence from commercial interests. This commitment, according to the statement, is shared by both the current management and the majority shareholder, BC Partners, who prioritize the protection of journalistic autonomy from political interference or commercial considerations.
United Group, as a commercial enterprise, acknowledges its focus on value creation but stresses that editorial decisions for N1 and Nova are exclusively within the purview of the respective editorial teams. The company categorically denies any interference by current management in editorial matters, pointing to recent news reporting at both N1 and Nova as evidence of their continued independent operation. The statement, however, raises questions about the potential influence of previous management on editorial content, suggesting a possible agenda that may have shaped news coverage.
Regarding concerns surrounding the conduct of Aleksandra Subotić, United Group clarifies that she is not a member of the editorial staff at any of its news organizations. The company affirms that any concerns related to her conduct are being investigated in accordance with its established policies and procedures. This underscores United Group’s commitment to due process and accountability within its ranks, further emphasizing its commitment to transparency.
United Group and BC Partners are actively working on measures to further fortify the editorial independence of N1 and Nova. These measures, according to the statement, include the development of robust editorial charters, non-interference covenants, and the establishment of channel-level independent oversight mechanisms. Additionally, the company is exploring the implementation of an external ombudsperson function to further enhance accountability and transparency. To facilitate this process, two leading international advisors were engaged in early July, demonstrating the company’s proactive approach to safeguarding editorial independence. The ultimate objective, as stated by United Group, is to ensure that editorial decisions remain immune to non-business and political considerations.
The company categorically denies any plans under current management to sell N1 and Nova to Telekom Srbija or any other state-linked entity. United Group unequivocally states that any discussions regarding the potential sale of these news outlets occurred under previous management and are not reflective of the current leadership’s priorities. The company’s focus, according to the statement, remains on protecting the independence of its news organizations while enhancing their resilience, efficiency, and performance. This commitment to safeguarding journalistic integrity is underscored by the rejection of any sale that could potentially compromise the autonomy of N1 and Nova.
The allegations against United Group, though denied, raise critical questions about the pressures facing independent media outlets in an increasingly complex political and economic landscape. The company’s response, however, highlights its commitment to upholding journalistic principles and its dedication to ensuring that its news organizations remain free from undue influence. The ongoing efforts to strengthen editorial safeguards and establish robust oversight mechanisms demonstrate a proactive approach to protecting journalistic integrity and ensuring that N1 and Nova continue to provide independent and unbiased news coverage. As the media landscape continues to evolve, United Group’s commitment to editorial independence will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, particularly in light of the ongoing debate surrounding media ownership and its potential impact on journalistic freedom.