Serbia’s public broadcaster, RTS, opened its main evening news programme on Thursday with an apology to viewers, expressing its intention to restore public trust in the public service broadcaster.
“This is the first step towards the recovery of RTS and an initial apology for everything that has been left out during the previous period. We have a great deal of work ahead of us when it comes to programme content, always in the public interest. We want to regain your trust,” read the message delivered by the presenter on behalf of the new news editorial team.
The message was broadcast following a decision by acting News Programme Editor Borivoje Uskoković to dismiss eight television editors.
Changes at RTS come after the resignation of its Director-General, Manja Grčić, on October 28. Her resignation letter was read out the following day during the second edition of the news programme.
Developments at Serbia’s public broadcaster follow the parliamentary elections.
According to preliminary results from the Republic Electoral Commission, the Student List won 140 seats, while the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, secured 104 seats.
Similar changes have also been observed at several other television stations that have faced criticism for reporting in favour of Vučić.
