Journalist Association: Yettel’s Removal of N1, Nova Channels from Lineup Threatens Media Pluralism

Cameramen(Beta/Armenija Zajmi Besevic)

The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia on Sept. 2 expressed concern over the decision by the Yettel telecommunications company remove the N1 and Nova channels from some subscribers' bundles and charge them RSD300 less, as part of a stated pilot project.

The Association said it is especially worrisome that this decision was taken in a concentrated media content distribution market and at a time when N1, Nova and other outlets of United Media have been exposed to political and economic pressure and uncertainty about their future over an extended period.

The Association said the case should also be considered in the broader context of changes on the media and distribution market in Serbia, including the disappearance of N1 and Nova from the lineup of Total TV after it was taken over by Telekom Srbija, and the earlier documented reports and conversations about narrowing the operation of United Media outlets in Serbia.

"The fact that it is N1 and Nova, recognized in the public as important sources of information, that the decision applies to justifies additional scrutiny of its possible effect on pluralism and people's right to be informed from different sources," the Association said.