The Croatian Journalists’ Association (CJA) is concerned about the situation at N1 Croatia following the company’s announcement of a “business reorganization to ensure sustainability and future development,” which, as it turned out, involved layoffs for around twenty journalists, editors, hosts, producers, and camera operators, as well as the cancellation of several key programs. This development raises concerns about the remaining jobs and the future of the programming.
The CJA wants to emphasize that the closure of N1 would be a significant blow not only to the journalistic profession and the entire media sector but also to democracy in Croatia.
We believe that the survival of a media outlet that celebrated its 10th anniversary late last year is of exceptional public interest. Over the years, our colleagues at N1 Croatia have effectively acted as a public media service, creating space for media pluralism and becoming one of the most important sources of independent journalism, professional standards, and public information. If those who ask questions leave, we all lose.
The CJA supports the efforts of the Croatian Journalists’ Union in their fight for the labor rights of N1’s staff and calls for a solution to preserve this vital media outlet, whose journalists consistently demonstrated what true journalism looks like and why it matters.
On behalf of the CJA Executive Board
Hrvoje Zovko, President of the Croatian Journalists’ Association
Chiara Bilić, Vice President of the Croatian Journalists’ Association
Dragutin Hedl, Vice President of the Croatian Journalists’ Association