**Serbian Public Broadcaster Employees Protest Against Censorship**
In a bold move, employees of Serbia’s public broadcaster RTS have gathered under the initiative “Our pRoTeSt” and submitted a petition to the Serbian Parliament. The petition, signed by over 23,000 people, demands the launch of a new procedure to elect members of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) Council.
This move comes as a response to the alleged censorship and hate speech spread through anonymous email addresses during RTS news programs. Journalists and staff at the broadcaster are calling for their institution to be unblocked as soon as possible, citing the support from major journalist associations.
According to Marija Miladinovic Lisov, a journalist with the RTS news program, the situation is dire. “Our institution is currently held hostage by an anonymous editor, who uses an unidentified email address to spread hate speech during our news programs.” She emphasizes that comparing students to Nazis or describing the area around the RTS building as a ghetto are blatant forms of hate speech.
**A Call for Action**
The petition’s submission coincides with the scheduling of a committee meeting on REM Council election for April 28. Miladinovic Lisov expressed hope that this meeting would result in a new call for REM Council candidates, stating that such a move would be in the best interest of both the public and authorities.
She emphasizes that a free public media service is essential for all voices to be heard. “Without free journalism, there can be no progress in any area of society.” The RTS employees are not just fighting for their rights but also for the citizens’ right to access unbiased information.
**The Importance of Independent Media**
Miladinovic Lisov’s comments highlight the significance of independent media in a democratic society. As she puts it, “RTS employees ultimately answer to all the citizens of Serbia, and only to them.” This sentiment is crucial in today’s world where the role of journalists as watchdogs and guardians of truth is more vital than ever.
The battle for an unbiased public broadcaster is not just about RTS but also about the democratic values that underpin any society. As the petitioners say, “It’s time to stop turning a blind eye to what everyone can see.”
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