Until recently, program director of television N1 Igor Božić he received the Solidarity Award for journalists from Southeast Europe awarded by the German Society for Southeast Europe (SOG).
Receiving the award, he said that he does not perceive the recognition as personal, but as recognition for all journalists in Serbia who, despite pressures and threats, remain consistent with professional standards, writes "Danas".
Božić assessed that last year, apart from the mass protests, was also remembered for the dramatic deterioration of the position of journalists.
He reminded that 344 incidents against journalists were recorded, including 44 physical attacks for which only three convictions were handed down.
Impunity for attackers of journalists
Božić said that journalists face slander campaigns, pressure from the authorities, threats to editorial independence and intimidation, and that those responsible for threats and attacks usually remain unpunished.
As examples, he cited recent threats to journalist Danica Vučenić, damage to the car of the son of professor and journalist Dink Gruhonjić, as well as threats addressed to local media journalists, BIRN journalists and university professors, including messages signed "Crna ruka".
Although the protests are less intense today, he warned, the pressure on journalists has not stopped, and individuals have even been summoned to hearings for reporting on the alleged use of sound weapons during the protests in March last year. The goal of such pressures, Božić believes, is to silence the independent media, prevent the discovery of corruption and crime, and prevent citizens from accessing true information.
He pointed out that solidarity among journalists today is much more than a professional value, that it is one of the foundations of a democratic society and said that an attack on a journalist represents an attack on the public's right to be informed, that the fight for free and independent journalism in Serbia is yet to come.
Serious concerns about Christmas leaving the N1
Bundestag MP Boris Mijatović said at the ceremony that after the fall of the canopy in Novi Sad, N1 was one of the media that provided continuous coverage at a time when many citizens were looking for reliable information.
"After years spent at the head of one of the most respected independent newsrooms in Serbia, your departure from N1 caused serious concern due to the pressures to which independent media in Serbia are exposed. But your legacy cannot be measured only by function or title, it is measured by the standards you defended. The journalists you supported," Mijatović said.
He added that leadership in journalism is often not visible, because editors are not always in front of the cameras.
"Their names are not always on the front page, but they create the conditions in which journalism can exist. They protect editorial independence. They defend professional standards. And they stand by their colleagues when the pressure becomes stronger. Throughout your career, you have shown that credibility is built by consistency. Not by political loyalty. Not by opportunism. But by integrity," said Mijatović.
The Solidarity Award for Journalists from Southeast Europe is awarded as recognition to brave journalists from partner countries, who often expose themselves to great personal risks for their critical reporting. The aim of the award is to recognize their exceptional work and contribution to the advancement of democracy, the rule of law and freedom of the media.
Source: Today
Real journalism costs money, and we will not be bought by tycoons and corporations. Support us with a one-time or monthly donation. The time for it is now!
