Serbia
98
The RSF index annually assesses press freedom worldwide by analyzing pluralism, media independence, and the pressures faced by journalists. In 2024, Serbia ranked 98th out of 180 , dropping seven places compared to 2023, and is among the countries in difficult situations.
13
IREX Vibrant Barometer
The Vibrant Information Barometer analyzes the production, dissemination, consumption , and use of information. In 2024, Serbia is classified in the “Slightly Vibrant” category (11-20) : quality information exists, but disinformation and hate speech remain influential.
31
Media Education
The 2023 Media Literacy Index ranks countries based on their resilience to disinformation and misinformation.
Serbia is ranked among the countries moderately vulnerable to disinformation .
105
Perception of corruption
The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, scoring them on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). In 2024, Serbia scored 35/100 (–1 compared to 2023
An increasingly hostile media climate
In Serbia, the media landscape is marked by excessive concentration and increasing political interference. Public media and several major private channels are largely aligned with government positions, limiting the diversity of viewpoints. While there is quality journalism in Serbia, awarded for its investigations into crime and corruption, it is caught between fake news and propaganda.
Freedom of expression in decline
Despite being guaranteed by the Constitution, freedom of expression in Serbia is in sharp decline: Since 2022, Serbia has fallen 19 places in the global rankings. Journalists face threats, attacks, and smear campaigns orchestrated by political figures. This constant pressure encourages self-censorship and limits investigative journalism.
Insufficient protection for journalists
While efforts have been made to improve the safety of journalists through the creation of two working groups and a media hotline, Serbian journalists are far from feeling protected. Emblematic of the impunity for crimes committed against journalists, an appeals verdict in 2024 acquitted those accused of the 1999 assassination of Slavko Curuvija .
fact-checking site in Serbia
Center for Investigative Journalism of Serbia (CINS)
A non-profit organization committed to investigative journalism, adhering to recognized international standards.
Crime and Corruption Reporting Network (KRIK)
A non-profit organization dedicated to investigative journalism, focused on exposing crime and corruption in Serbia.
Istinomer
A project of the Center for Research , Transparency , and Accountability (CRTA), dedicated to verifying the statements of public officials and monitoring the fulfillment of their promises.
FakeNews Tragač
An initiative of Novi Sad School of Journalism, focused on monitoring and debunking fake news, analyzing media content, and deconstructing manipulative information.
Raskrikavanje.rs
A fact-checking platform operated by KRIK, aimed at debunking fake news in the media and promoting media literacy.
