Fears grow for Serbia's independent media after United Group reshuffle
Mar 10th 2026
United Group named veteran journalist Brent Sadler to lead its Adria News Network, which runs several of Serbia's few critical outlets, prompting worries about government influence after business ties with state-owned Telekom Serbia and a leaked executive call.
- Brent Sadler, a 75-year-old former CNN reporter, was appointed Chief News Executive of Adria News Network inside Netherlands-registered United Group.
- ANN oversees N1, Nova S, the daily Danas, and the weekly Radar, outlets known for criticism of President Aleksandar Vucic.
- United Group sold Serbian telecom assets and handed major sports rights to state-owned Telekom Serbia, which has spent about €2 billion expanding its media reach.
- A leaked recorded call between United Group and Telekom Serbia executives intensified concerns about potential backroom influence in Serbia's media market.
- United Group says the ANN structure and Sadler's appointment are intended to protect editorial independence and that no layoffs are planned.
- Editors say they received assurances but staff report keeping a low profile while largely continuing their work.
- Analysts warn the government may seek to further constrain independent reporting ahead of possible early elections prompted by a rising student protest movement.
- President Vucic has described ANN problems as financial and has publicly suggested staff reductions while offering to place some reporters in other roles.