In brief
Amid significant protests blocking key infrastructure in Novi Sad, Serbian state-run media has transitioned from ignoring the demonstrations to prominently covering them, raising concerns within the ruling party and suggesting a shift in the media landscape.
In a dramatic turn of events in Serbia, the ongoing student-led protests against President Aleksandar Vucic recently garnered unexpected attention from state-run media, signalling a possible shift in the country’s political narrative. Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets this weekend, disrupting traffic and blocking three major bridges over the Danube River in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city. Previously, the Radio Television Serbia (RTS) had largely dismissed the popular unrest that has persisted for over three months. The government-controlled broadcaster, once a staunch advocate for the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, began prioritizing coverage of the protests, deviating from its usual portrayal that characterized demonstrators as foreign-funded agents or opposition puppets. In response to the media’s newfound approach, the Serbian Progressive Party issued a forceful statement decrying what they deemed a "scandalous reporting" that aligned with the protesters’ agenda. The ruling party accused RTS of compromising journalistic integrity by allegedly promoting narratives that could undermine Serbia's constitutional order. Control over the media has been a crucial tool for President Vucic, facilitating his administration's capacity to cope with waves of dissent over his 12-year reign. The recent developments in media coverage raise questions about the stability of Vucic's grip on power and the broader implications for civic engagement in Serbia. As protests continue to simmer, the landscape of public discourse appears to be in flux, with potential repercussions for both the government and its critics.
