Serbian RTV Anchor Issues Apology for Years of Bias on Air
In a historic broadcast, RTV anchor Goran Eror apologized for the station's long-standing biased coverage following a significant electoral defeat.
RTV publicly apologized for years of pro-government news coverage.
The apology came after the opposition Student List won over 52% of the vote in recent elections.
RTV's acting editor-in-chief resigned immediately after the broadcast.
In a remarkable turn of events, Goran Eror, a news anchor for Serbia's Radio Television of Vojvodina (RTV), delivered a live on-air apology on October 26, 2026, acknowledging the station's history of biased reporting. This apology was made during the 5:00 PM news bulletin, shortly after the ruling alliance led by Aleksandar Vučić faced a significant electoral defeat in the parliamentary elections held the previous day.
The context of this apology is rooted in the recent elections where the opposition movement, known as the Student List, secured more than 52% of the votes, marking a pivotal shift in Serbia's political landscape. RTV admitted to failing its public service role by providing one-sided information and neglecting to ask critical questions, which Eror emphasized during the broadcast. He stated, "We owe viewers an apology for that," highlighting the station's shortcomings.
Following the broadcast, Nenad Ćaćić, the acting editor-in-chief of RTV, resigned from his position. He was succeeded by journalist Blažo Popović, signaling a potential shift towards more independent journalism within the organization. This change comes in response to long-standing demands from the Nezavisnost trade union, which has called for an end to state influence over media operations.
The implications of RTV's apology extend beyond the station itself, as it reflects a broader movement within Serbia against government propaganda. Protests erupted in other media outlets aligned with the government, where demonstrators demanded similar admissions of bias. This unprecedented event parallels a recent occurrence in Hungary, where the state broadcaster also issued an apology for years of misleading coverage following a change in government.
Looking ahead, the political landscape in Serbia may continue to evolve as the Student List movement gains momentum. The RTV's commitment to rectify its past mistakes could pave the way for a more balanced media environment. Observers will be watching closely to see how these changes impact public discourse and the relationship between the media and government in the coming months.
