Students continue blockade of Serbian national TV amid calls for media reform

The blockade of Serbia’s national broadcaster RTS entered another day, as students and citizens press demands for media transparency and accountability following a deadly tragedy in Novi Sad.

Students and citizens in Serbia have continued their blockade of the buildings of Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), demanding either the launch of a new competition for members of the Council of the Serbian Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media or the closure of the broadcaster altogether, national media reported on Thursday.

The protest, which began on April 14, has seen demonstrators block access to RTS headquarters in central Belgrade as well as studios in Kosutnjak Park. The broadcaster said its journalists, producers, and technical staff are making significant efforts to maintain the regular production of news and cultural programming despite disruptions.

Due to the blockade, RTS has been forced to alter its programming schedule. The outlet has filed a court complaint against unknown individuals over the blockade.

The wave of demonstrations was sparked by the collapse of a station canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad on November 1, which killed 16 people. Protesters claim corruption and poor infrastructure maintenance caused the tragedy, and they are calling for accountability, political resignations, and an end to political interference in state institutions.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has condemned the blockades, calling them an act of violence, while the European Union’s Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and ensure institutional stability.

Student groups say they will continue the blockade until their demands are met, maintaining pressure on both RTS and government authorities.

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