Tens of thousands of Serbian protesters have forced state media to re-evaluate its reporting amid ongoing demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vucic, marking a notable shift in the political landscape.
Serbia's State Media Faces Backlash as Protests Gain Traction
Serbia's State Media Faces Backlash as Protests Gain Traction
State-controlled broadcasters shift coverage of massive protests, startling the ruling party
In a remarkable turn of events, state-controlled Radio Television Serbia (RTS) has begun airing significant coverage of massive protests that erupted over the weekend in Novi Sad, challenging the government narrative that has characterized these demonstrations as espionage in disguise. Activists and students mobilized tens of thousands of participants, resulting in the blockade of three major Danube bridges, effectively paralyzing Serbia’s second-largest city.
For the past three months, RTS remained mostly silent regarding these student-led protests, which aimed to confront the government's perceived disregard for public safety following a fatal train incident in November. However, the governance of President Aleksandar Vucic, who has maintained power through media control and disinformation, was rattled when the broadcaster reported on the protests honestly and without its usual derogative spin.
In a sharply-worded statement, the ruling Serbian Progressive Party condemned the "scandalous reporting" from RTS, claiming it had betrayed journalism's integrity by favoring political factions seeking to undermine Serbia's constitutional order. This sharp rebuke underscores the party's reliance on media domination to neutralize dissent.
Historically, Vucic's administration has thrived on portraying protesters as traitors or opposition puppets, using state media as a tool for public manipulation. However, as protests swell in size and intensity, this media strategy seems to be undergoing critical scrutiny, indicating a potential shift in public sentiment and the political landscape in Serbia. The developments warrant focused attention as they unfold, suggesting the possibility of a more informed citizenry demanding transparency and accountability from their government.
