The popular satirical television show “24 minuta sa Zoranom Kesićem” will no longer be broadcast on Nova S, following a failed agreement between the show’s team and the new management of Adria News Network (ANN), which owns the channel. This development comes after the Portuguese investment fund Alpac Capital recently acquired ANN, leading to changes in management and programming strategies.
The decision to cancel the show, which was initially set to return from a summer hiatus on September 19, was primarily driven by financial considerations. According to ANN, the production costs of “24 minuta sa Zoranom Kesićem” exceeded half a million euros annually, despite the show delivering less than 30 hours of programming each year. The new management, led by Pedro Vargas David, emphasized the need for careful analysis of costs and benefits as part of their decision-making process. They stated that the silence regarding the show’s future was due to the necessity for thorough evaluation of inherited management issues.
In a statement, ANN highlighted that the show was one of the most expensive items in their programming schedule. They noted that the costs included not just the host’s fees but also the entire production in their studios, using their equipment and staff. The management concluded that the commercial performance of the show did not justify its high costs, leading to the decision not to renew the contract.
Zoran Kesić and his team expressed their disappointment through a social media post, acknowledging both the logical and “illogical” reasons that might have contributed to the show’s cancellation. They criticized the lack of communication from the new owners, describing the situation as a transformation of something into nothing, a process they metaphorically referred to as “alchemy.”
The cancellation of “24 minuta sa Zoranom Kesićem” underscores the financial challenges faced by media outlets in Serbia, particularly under new ownership. The show had been a significant part of Nova S’s programming and was considered one of the most popular on the channel. Its absence raises questions about the future of media diversity and freedom in the country, especially given the broader context of media ownership changes.
Alpac Capital’s acquisition of ANN, which includes Nova S, N1, and other media outlets, has been marked by uncertainty and tension within the newsrooms. Employees have been concerned about potential changes in editorial direction and management, as well as the implications for critical journalism in Serbia. The new management has promised to maintain professional and economically rational decision-making, avoiding pressures from any authorities or interest groups.
The public’s reaction to the show’s cancellation and its impact on Nova S’s viewership and advertising revenue remains to be seen. As the media landscape in Serbia continues to evolve, the cancellation of “24 minuta sa Zoranom Kesićem” serves as a reminder of the financial and editorial pressures that can influence programming decisions. Zoran Kesić has indicated that he will comment further on the decision in the coming days.
