Statement regarding Alpac Capital's entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina

In a statement to the media, Vargas David stated that this is an important strategic investment representing part of a long-term vision for developing media operations across Southeast Europe, while specifically emphasizing the importance of media independence and professional journalism.

Vargas David stated that Alpac Capital, as the new owner, will adhere to the highest journalistic standards and protect the independence of newsrooms, editors, and journalists from any inappropriate internal or external influence.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a European country. Its people share our common European past, but most importantly they aspire to our joint European future. More than 75% of the citizens of this country show, in all opinion polls, their full support for EU membership. And this is not just out of a wish for economic growth and prosperity; it is deeply rooted in a sense of belonging and shared values.

The road to full membership for Bosnia and Herzegovina is still long and not without challenges. State building, rule of law, and a functioning market economy are still areas that will require the effort of both the authorities but also the people. Reforms will sometimes be painful and will not present results overnight for the daily life of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the longterm impacts are well proven and sound.

From Sarajevo, Baja Luka, or Mostar, from the mountains and the villages, from its natural wonders and its superb squares, from its different religions and ethnicities, Bosnia and Herzegovina must be the shining example of all the best our continent has to offer. Where History, Culture and Religion intertwine with a passion for sports and a passion for life. From cejf to merak, Bosnia and Herzegovina has much to give to Europe and Europeans.

With that in mind, I would like to inform the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina that our group has received all different approvals required for the acquisitions of Nova and N1 in Bosnia and Herzegovina issued by the relevant local authorities (Media and Competition).

For us, this represents an important strategic investment and forms part of our long-term vision for the development of media operations across Southeast Europe. We expect all remaining steps necessary to formalize the transaction to be completed in the coming days.

The future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is deeply interconnected with the future of its media. In a land that was once desecrated by war and devastation, media can be a force for Good, or the start of all problems. Radicalization or segregation will only lead to further violence physical or verbal. And this country and this region have seen enough of that.

High ethical and journalistic standards, independent newsrooms without political agendas or interference of any kind and soundly financial companies with good management are the recipe for success not just for the individual companies but also for Democratic societies.

Nova and N1, that operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina with full local licenses, are a good example of what independent, non-sectarian, non-partizan and profitable financially media can achieve. The leadership position both channels have is a statement and a recognition by the people of this country for the work that our journalists, technicians and support staff give wholeheartedly.

As a new owner, we will adhere to the highest standards of journalism. Actively promoting the independence of the newsrooms its editors and its journalism, protecting them from any form of internal or external undue influence, ensuring pluralism of opinion, and accountability to audiences. These values form the foundation of our operations in every market where we are present.

At the same time, as we did in many other instances, in terms of editorial policy, we guarantee one thing: a clear pro-European orientation grounded in the values of democracy, rule of law, media freedom, institutional accountability, and European integration. As we said, this shall never be seen as support for any political party, government, or individual. Rather, a commitment to the European system of values to which we believe Bosnia and Herzegovina is already part of.

Everything else remains in the hands of professional journalists and editors, whose responsibility is to work freely, independently, and in the public interest. With this we would like to inform that we have re-appointed Mr Amir Zukic as head of News of N1 Bosnia and Mrs Dzelila Mizdrak as head of Nova BH.

Our objective is not to alter the identity of successful local media brands, but to provide them with additional resources, technological support, international expertise, and new opportunities for growth and development.

We know the History of this country and region, we remember the destruction and the horrors of war. We all thought this would have been the last war we would see in our dear Continent, unfortunately the irresponsibility of some is here to prove us wrong.

We know the responsibility that lies on the shoulders of our staff. They can always count on our full support and protection for independent high standard journalism. And we are also well aware of the responsibility that now also lies on our shoulders.

We, believe in the Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we believe in its European Future, we believe that its unique combination of people, religion and culture can be the basis for its success and we felt welcomed by the affection we have received in this new stage for us. We look forward to many years of cooperation and shared success,” Pedro Vargas David, CEO of Alpac Capital, stated this in the press release.

Alpac Capital is an investment firm headquartered in Portugal. It is already present in the European media sector through investments in Euronews, and entering the ownership structure of N1 and Nova is part of expanding its operations into the Southeast European market. The acquisition encompasses media operations in countries across the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.