Fmr High Rep. in Bosnia Petritsch: N1 is crucial for region, urges EU to back independent media

His comments come amid heightened concern following leadership changes within United Group, the parent company of United Media. In response to growing uncertainty, the management teams of N1, Nova, Danas and Radar recently launched a management buyout initiative, submitting a market-based offer to acquire ownership from United Group with support from reputable external investors. The proposal has already received backing from numerous MEPs, politicians, academics and media associations across Europe.

Petritsch is among those alarmed by the developments. Speaking about the situation, he said he is deeply troubled by the mounting pressure on N1, a network he described as a key CNN affiliate in the region. He emphasised that N1 plays a vital role because of its consistently professional reporting, which he argued is indispensable for an open society. According to him, while propaganda is widespread, credible journalism remains the foundation of democratic resilience, particularly in countries such as Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as across the Western Balkans.

He added that EU institutions and member states take media freedom very seriously and view it as a core democratic standard. Petritsch said the EU is closely watching the situation and that both the Union and its governments should stand firmly behind free and independent newsrooms, noting that respect for media freedom is a fundamental requirement for EU accession.

Public concern escalated further after leaks, including an OCCRP-published recording, revealed discussions between the new United Group leadership and Telekom Srbija regarding potential changes within United Media, raising fears of covert political pressure. Serbian state officials, including President Aleksandar Vucic, have reportedly shown interest in decisions affecting N1’s future.

United Group has publicly denied any intention to sell or weaken its news channels, reiterating that its editorial independence “is not in question.”