Serbian Protests Ignite Media Scrutiny Amidst Government Warnings

Thousands took to the streets of Novi Sad, blocking key bridges, leading to an unexpected shift in how state media covered the unfolding protests, resulting in strong backlash from the governing party.

When tens of thousands gathered in Novi Sad over the weekend, blocking bridges across the Danube River, the Serbian government found itself confronted not just by the demonstrators but by its own state-controlled media. For months, Radio Television Serbia (RTS) had almost entirely ignored the ongoing protests against President Aleksandar Vucic, primarily led by students. However, this weekend, the broadcaster made a significant pivot, placing protests front and center in its news coverage.

The decision to highlight these protests drew immediate ire from Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which issued a rare statement calling the coverage "scandalous." They accused RTS of betraying its journalistic integrity by giving credence to what they described as a faction aiming to "destroy the constitutional order of the Republic of Serbia."

Serbia has seen a wave of protests over the past three months, protesting various issues, including a tragic incident at a train station that left several dead. Demonstrators have accused the government of mishandlings and a disconnect with public sentiment. In stark contrast to its previous dismissive reporting, this sudden airtime marks a notable shift in how state media engages with and portrays popular dissent.

Control of media narratives has long been a key strategy for Vucic, allowing his administration to navigate public discontent by demonizing opponents and framing protests as threats to national stability. However, the recent coverage from RTS not only highlights the discontent among citizens but also puts pressure on Vucic’s administration, raising questions about the effectiveness of their longstanding media strategy.

This development underscores the evolving landscape of political discourse in Serbia, where public sentiment is becoming increasingly difficult to contain, even amidst governmental efforts to shape the narrative.