Media “unchecked”: No REM Council for over 18 months

Serbia’s electronic media sector has functioned without formal oversight for more than eighteen months due to the prolonged vacancy of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) Council. This extended leadership gap has left the regulatory body unable to effectively monitor broadcasting standards or address complaints regarding media conduct. Critics argue that the absence of a functioning council creates a regulatory vacuum that undermines the accountability of television and radio outlets. Despite the critical nature of these duties, the process to appoint new council members has remained stalled, leaving the industry effectively self-regulated during a period of significant political and social tension. The lack of institutional supervision raises concerns about the long-term impact on media integrity and public trust in the country's information landscape.

The absence of a functional regulatory body prevents the enforcement of professional standards and accountability within the national media landscape.