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Serbian prosecutors have launched an inquiry into an audio recording published by investigative journalism outlet KRIK, requesting the original or “best available copy” of a conversation that has raised serious concerns about media freedom in the country.
The recording, featured in a joint investigation by KRIK and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), captures a discussion between Vladimir Lučić, head of state-owned telecommunications giant Telekom Srbija, and Stan Miller, CEO of United Group. In the conversation, the executives appear to discuss strategies to undermine N1 TV, one of Serbia’s few remaining independent television networks.
KRIK has responded by pointing out that the recording is already publicly available on its YouTube channel. The outlet has suggested that prosecutors seem more interested in identifying the whistleblower who provided the recording than investigating the potentially troubling content of the conversation itself.
The recorded discussion took place against a backdrop of significant changes in Serbia’s media landscape. United Group, which is controlled by British private equity firm BC Partners, has recently sold several telecommunications assets throughout the Balkan region. Concurrently, Telekom Srbija has acquired numerous United Group companies and broadcasting rights in deals reportedly worth more than €650 million ($752 million).
Media experts have noted that under Lučić’s direction, Telekom Srbija has emerged as a crucial vehicle for state influence over Serbia’s media market. The company has systematically acquired or funded outlets that show support for the government, further consolidating control over information sources in the country.
N1 TV, the network discussed in the recording, stands as one of the few media outlets still providing independent coverage and criticism of the government—making any potential threat to its operations particularly significant for media plurality in Serbia.
In the recording, Miller is heard discussing plans regarding Aleksandra Subotić, the longtime CEO of United Media, United Group’s division that operates N1. “I cannot fire Alexandra today, as we discussed, okay? I need to make that company very small in Serbia, if you understand what I mean, and separate it,” Miller reportedly states in the conversation.
Neither Miller nor Lučić has challenged the authenticity of the recording or its contents. However, Vladica Tintor, the newly appointed director of United Group’s Serbia branch—who previously headed Serbia’s Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services—filed a criminal complaint against unidentified individuals on October 2, 2025. On the same day, prosecutor Aleksandar Milošević requested the recording from KRIK to “verify its authenticity.”
KRIK has highlighted the unusual speed of the response from the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade. The prosecutor’s letter states: “Please provide the original or ‘best copy’ of the audio recording, or, if possible, the device on which it was made,” adding that “urgency is required in this matter.”
The investigative outlet emphasized that Serbian law protects journalists from having to reveal their sources—which they believe is the prosecution’s underlying objective.
“Instead of examining the content of the conversation we published—and investigating whether there were elements of a criminal offense in the discussions between Miller and Lučić about removing the head of a Serbian media company and pressuring the press—prosecutors want to identify the source of the recording,” said Stevan Dojčinović, KRIK’s editor-in-chief.
Dojčinović added, “It’s clear from their letter that the goal is to uncover and punish the whistleblower rather than to investigate possible abuses of power. Unfortunately, this isn’t surprising in Serbia, where the prosecutor’s office often acts in the interest of President Vučić.”
When contacted by KRIK, United Group’s lawyer, Bogdan Gecić, stated that he was not aware of such a criminal complaint and would investigate further. As of Thursday, he had not provided any follow-up information.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about media independence in Serbia, where press freedom watchdogs have repeatedly warned about declining journalistic autonomy and increasing government influence over news outlets.
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18 Comments
The Serbian media landscape seems to be increasingly challenging for independent outlets. This audio recording highlights the need for strong protections for press freedom and whistleblowers.
Absolutely. Safeguarding media independence is essential for a healthy democracy. I hope this case leads to meaningful reforms to support journalistic integrity in Serbia.
This is a concerning development for media integrity in Serbia. State-owned enterprises should not be interfering with independent news outlets. Prosecutors must investigate this impartially.
I agree, the content of the recording is very troubling. It’s crucial that the authorities focus on the substance of the allegations, not just the source.
Interesting to see this audio recording exposing potential media manipulation tactics in Serbia. I’m curious to learn more about the context and implications for press freedom in the country.
Absolutely, this recording seems to raise serious concerns about the state of media independence in Serbia. Whistleblowers play a vital role in uncovering such issues.
The details in this audio recording are quite alarming. It’s critical that Serbian authorities investigate the allegations impartially and take steps to safeguard media independence in the country.
I agree. Protecting whistleblowers who expose potential wrongdoing is vital. The focus should be on the substance of the claims, not the source of the recording.
This is a concerning development in Serbia’s media environment. Prosecutors should prioritize investigating the substance of the allegations rather than targeting the whistleblower.
I agree, the focus should be on the potential misconduct exposed in the recording, not the source. Protecting whistleblowers is crucial for uncovering corruption.
Concerning to see state-owned enterprises allegedly trying to undermine independent media outlets in Serbia. This recording highlights the fragile state of press freedom in the country.
Yes, this case exemplifies the need for robust legal protections and a level playing field for all media organizations, regardless of ownership. Transparency and accountability are vital.
This audio recording points to serious challenges for press freedom in Serbia. It’s critical that authorities investigate the allegations impartially and protect media independence.
Absolutely. The content of the recording is deeply troubling and demands a thorough, unbiased inquiry. Safeguarding whistleblowers is essential for media integrity.
This recording raises serious concerns about media manipulation and the erosion of press freedom in Serbia. Prosecutors must approach this case objectively and prioritize protecting whistleblowers.
Absolutely. Maintaining a diverse and independent media landscape is essential for a healthy democracy. I hope this case leads to meaningful reforms to support journalistic integrity in Serbia.
The details in this audio recording are quite troubling. It’s crucial that Serbian authorities investigate the allegations impartially and take steps to strengthen media independence.
I agree. Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing wrongdoing, and they must be protected. The focus should be on the substance of the claims, not the source.