Student Protests Against RTS Spark National Dialogue on Media Integrity
The president of the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia supports student actions demanding reform at the public broadcaster.
Željko Bodrožić, president of the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS), has voiced support for the student protests aimed at the Radio-Television of Serbia (RTS), which have recently escalated into a blockade of the broadcaster's headquarters.
In comments made during a live television appearance, Bodrožić described the students' actions as 'justified' due to the long-standing issues with RTS's programming and its response during recent crises.
He stated that the public is financially supporting RTS, yet receiving what he termed as propaganda in return.
Bodrožić further emphasized the students' demand for RTS to open its studio to a diversity of opinions, highlighting a perceived stagnation within both the public broadcaster and its services.
He expressed hope that there are still individuals within RTS who aspire to uphold professional standards and serve the public responsibly.
'Every day, we hear accounts of individuals rebelling against directives, and we notice changes in the presentation of news broadcasts,' he commented.
The NUNS president characterized the atmosphere within RTS as heavily influenced by security forces, stating that the presence of both uniformed and plainclothes police is unprecedented.
He remarked on the students' ability to mobilize support from the broader citizenry, stating that their cause resonates widely across the public.
Bodrožić noted that the recent days illustrate a movement towards 'some finale,' referencing the impact of student-led actions in various regions throughout Serbia.
He remarked that students have consistently demonstrated the validity of their claims, urging them to capitalize on their popular support.
In relation to the government's calls for dialogue, Bodrožić critiqued the administration's approach, asserting that the authorities often seek discussion only when facing crises and have missed previous opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue.
As protests continue, the national conversation on media integrity and the role of public broadcasters in Serbia gains momentum.
In comments made during a live television appearance, Bodrožić described the students' actions as 'justified' due to the long-standing issues with RTS's programming and its response during recent crises.
He stated that the public is financially supporting RTS, yet receiving what he termed as propaganda in return.
Bodrožić further emphasized the students' demand for RTS to open its studio to a diversity of opinions, highlighting a perceived stagnation within both the public broadcaster and its services.
He expressed hope that there are still individuals within RTS who aspire to uphold professional standards and serve the public responsibly.
'Every day, we hear accounts of individuals rebelling against directives, and we notice changes in the presentation of news broadcasts,' he commented.
The NUNS president characterized the atmosphere within RTS as heavily influenced by security forces, stating that the presence of both uniformed and plainclothes police is unprecedented.
He remarked on the students' ability to mobilize support from the broader citizenry, stating that their cause resonates widely across the public.
Bodrožić noted that the recent days illustrate a movement towards 'some finale,' referencing the impact of student-led actions in various regions throughout Serbia.
He remarked that students have consistently demonstrated the validity of their claims, urging them to capitalize on their popular support.
In relation to the government's calls for dialogue, Bodrožić critiqued the administration's approach, asserting that the authorities often seek discussion only when facing crises and have missed previous opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue.
As protests continue, the national conversation on media integrity and the role of public broadcasters in Serbia gains momentum.
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