As the world marks WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY on May 3, alarming new data reveals a deepening crisis in media freedom — both in Serbia and across the globe.
The JOURNALISTS’ ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA (UNS) issued a public proclamation highlighting the deteriorating status of journalists in the country. Among its demands, UNS called on STATE AUTHORITIES TO EFFICIENTLY INVESTIGATE ALL THREATS made against journalists and media workers and to ensure STRONG INSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION from pressure by public officials, media owners, and other powerful actors.
In a symbolic call to action, the association invited journalists and media professionals to read the proclamation aloud or display it across PRINT, ONLINE, AND BROADCAST PLATFORMS BETWEEN 11:55 AM AND 12:00 PM on May 3.
According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS (RSF), Serbia is ranked 96th out of 180 countries — an improvement of two spots compared to 2024. However, experts warn the advancement is MISLEADING, as it largely stems from DECLINING SCORES IN OTHER COUNTRIES, rather than genuine improvements in Serbia. RSF noted that Serbia’s POLITICAL INDICATORS HAVE DETERIORATED, and concerns remain over mounting pressure on the press.
Pavol Szalai, head of RSF’s EU and Balkans desk, described Serbia’s improved ranking as an “ILLUSION,” emphasizing that the country’s media environment continues to suffer from institutional weaknesses and political interference.
FIND OUT MORE:
Most strikingly, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, RSF’s global index categorizes the overall STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM WORLDWIDE AS A “VERY SERIOUS SITUATION” — the lowest possible classification.
While PHYSICAL ATTACKS against journalists remain the most visible violations, RSF warns of increasingly SUBTLE AND SYSTEMIC ECONOMIC PRESSURES, which threaten journalistic independence just as severely.
World Press Freedom Day, established by the UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, serves as a reminder of governments’ responsibility to uphold FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, as enshrined in ARTICLE 19 OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
MORE TOPICS:
COLUMN, KOVAČEVIĆ: On the police, batons, revolution and its children…
ALL MEMBERS OF OUR TEAM WON MEDALS: Six medals for Serbia at the Balkan Mathematical Olympiad!
Source: RTS Foto: Telegram