Zoran Gavrilović, executive director of the Bureau for Social Research (BIRODI), has called on major cable operators in Serbia to reevaluate their contracts with Informer TV, citing the channel’s distribution of hate speech. In an open letter, Gavrilović addressed the management of SBB, Yettel Serbia, and Telekom Serbia (MTS), urging them to publicly declare whether the content and rhetoric of Informer TV align with their ethical standards and corporate social responsibility policies.
Gavrilović emphasized that these cable operators play a significant role in shaping the public information environment, a responsibility that extends beyond the mere technical distribution of content. “You represent key communication channels through which the informational environment is shaped,” he stated, highlighting the daily broadcast of content on Informer TV that allegedly violates basic journalistic and ethical standards, media laws, and the constitutional rights of Serbian citizens.
The BIRODI director pointed out that while operators often claim technical neutrality and contractual obligations to content publishers, this neutrality ends where violations of the Law on Electronic Media, the Law on Public Information and Media, and related regulations begin. He criticized the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) for its dysfunctionality, arguing that this does not absolve cable operators of their responsibility to prevent the broadcast of content that infringes on constitutional rights and media laws.
Gavrilović’s letter underscores the ethical implications of distributing media content that includes hate speech, insults, dehumanization, and targeting of individuals. He stressed that the operators’ pursuit of profit should be aligned with respect for Serbian media laws, the Journalists’ Code of Serbia, and citizens’ constitutional rights to complete, timely, and truthful information. “Distribution of media content cannot be solely a matter of business profit at the expense of public interest,” he asserted.
BIRODI’s call to action includes a demand for an urgent review of the contracts and distribution conditions of Informer TV on the networks of SBB, Yettel Serbia, and Telekom Serbia (MTS). Gavrilović also called for a public statement from these operators regarding the compliance of Informer TV’s content with their internal ethical codes and standards of social responsibility. He suggested that mechanisms for warnings and sanctions against the publisher of Informer TV should be initiated, including the possibility of temporarily or permanently removing the channel if it continues to violate laws and decency standards.
The issue of media ethics and responsibility in Serbia has been a longstanding concern, particularly regarding the role of media in shaping public discourse. Past discussions have highlighted the challenges of regulating media content and the impact of hate speech on Serbian society. The effectiveness of BIRODI’s call for accountability remains uncertain, as it hinges on the willingness of cable operators to address these concerns. There is a risk of a lack of response from the operators, which could raise questions about accountability and the enforcement of media laws.
Gavrilović’s open letter also noted his personal experience with Informer TV, where he appeared as a guest to give the channel’s editors a chance to demonstrate adherence to constitutional rights and media laws. However, he concluded that Informer TV is unwilling or unable to create content within these frameworks. He urged cable operators to ensure they do not serve as amplifiers for hate speech, insults, and misinformation, as doing so undermines their corporate standards and indirectly contributes to the toxicity of the public space.
In response to BIRODI’s statement, the broader public and media landscape in Serbia may witness increased scrutiny of cable operators’ roles in content distribution. The outcome of this call to action could potentially influence future media practices and the enforcement of ethical standards in the Serbian media industry.
