#None #United Group #N1 #Telekom Srbija

United Group Addresses Misinformation on Serbian Media Independence

United Group has publicly refuted any misleading claims suggesting that the organization intends to undermine or compromise the editorial independence of its Serbian news channels, N1 and Nova. This statement follows a wave of false allegations that have arisen, particularly alleging that the company plans to sell these assets to Telekom Srbija or any government-related entities.

Commitment to Editorial Independence

The integrity of editorial independence is of utmost importance to United Group’s management and major shareholder, BC Partners. The company operates with a clear demarcation between commercial management and editorial decision-making, reinforcing a system where editorial staff maintain autonomy from executive influence. Decisions concerning news content for channels like N1 and Nova are made solely by their respective editorial teams without interference from the management at United Group. This principle was recently evidenced by the editorial practices of both channels, which continued to deliver independent reporting.

A concerning narrative has emerged, attributing political agendas and exerting pressure on editorial teams, reflecting past management's influence that is now under scrutiny. United Group has responded without hesitation to allegations that its current leadership has attempted to dilute the independent reporting of N1 and Nova.

Transparency in Operational Practices

In a bid to preserve and enhance editorial independence, the current management, along with BC Partners, is actively developing a framework that reinforces these values. Plans encompass implementing robust editorial charters, non-interference clauses, and potential engagement of an external mediator to ensure transparency and neutrality in editorial operations. Notably, two international advisors have been engaged since early July to lend their expertise and formulate strategies aimed at fortifying editorial independence.

Despite speculations in the media, there has never been an intention to sell N1 or Nova to Telekom Srbija or any state-affiliated individual or entity. Historical context reveals past leadership inciting discussions about potential asset divestment, but these do not reflect the current management's commitment to maintaining and strengthening the independent media landscape in Serbia.

Recent Developments and Financial Strength

Significantly, recent reports have alluded to shareholder conflicts impacting operational transparency within United Group. Documented correspondence from early 2025 indicated that the group’s founder, Dragan Šolak, reached out to Telekom Srbija proposing measures that included removing N1 and Nova from the Serbian television market in exchange for potential financial compensation. While these speculative actions were raised, they were not adopted by the current management.

The integrity of United Group’s operations remains uncompromised, with the current leadership committed to running a disciplined, ethically governed organization. The performance of portfolio companies has remained steady, with first-half results for 2025 indicating a 5% increase in revenue and a nearly 7% growth in EBITDA, attesting to their strong operational foundation.

Conclusion

In summary, United Group stands firm in its dedication to editorial independence for N1 and Nova, reassuring stakeholders that editorial decisions rest solely with newsroom teams insulated from managerial influence. The current leadership pledges not to engage in tactics that might compromise the vital freedom of its media outlets, countering any persistent speculation and ensuring that rigorous operational standards are upheld throughout the organization.

With rigorous governance and a clear separation of duties, United Group aims to mitigate any form of external pressures, thereby preserving the journalistic integrity of its media entities, which is essential for the public trust and credibility of news reporting in Serbia.

About United Group

United Group is a prominent telecommunications and media company based in Southeast Europe, with an annual revenue of €2.7 billion and an EBITDA of approximately €1 billion. Recent leadership changes aimed at fostering value creation and robust governance reflect the company's strategy to streamline operations while focusing on core telecommunications, media, technology, and cloud service activities across its major markets in the EU.