Despite repeated announcements and postponements of the interview, Balenović ultimately refused to speak with a journalist from the Istra24 portal, comparing the outlet to a regime-controlled publication and alluding to the Serbian pro-government tabloid Informer.
The Istrian branch of the Croatian Journalists’ Association (CJA) condemns the inappropriate and unacceptable conduct of the newly appointed director of the Istrian National Theatre, Jasminko Balenović, towards journalist Zoran Angeleski and the editorial team of the Istra24 portal.
Despite repeated announcements and delays of the interview, Balenović ultimately refused to speak with the journalist, comparing the media outlet he works for to a regime publication, alluding to the Serbian pro-government tabloid Informer.
Particularly concerning is the fact that he was simultaneously giving interviews to other media, evidently under conditions that suited him better, which confirms his selective approach and shows that he chooses with whom and how he communicates. In doing so, Balenović forgets that he has been appointed to a public position that, above all, implies openness, professionalism, and accountability to the public.
His latest conduct—when a fellow journalist contacted him regarding an already agreed interview, which he ultimately cancelled—is contrary to the role of director of an important cultural institution. At the very least, it is not appropriate.
The trigger for Balenović’s reaction was likely an open letter by young director Patrik Lazić, published by Istra24 the day before, in which Lazić, among other things, stated: “Institutions are being seized, the City of Pula resembles Serbia under Aleksandar Vučić,” comparing the actions of the SDP-led local government in Pula with certain practices of the authorities in Serbia. Labeling a local media outlet as “Informer,” deliberately alluding to a propaganda outlet of Vučić’s Serbia, is not only a cheap insult, but also clear evidence of an inability to handle a public function. If Balenović looks up to environments where the media are silenced through insults from positions of power, then he has seriously misunderstood the role he has just assumed.
We remind that the position of theatre director also entails openness to all media, readiness to accept criticism and exchange opinions, and transparent presentation of plans and future work. Balenović’s role carries additional responsibility, as the theatre must be a space for open dialogue and critical reflection.
The public certainly has the right to know how the new director intends to lead the institution, especially at a time when the Istrian National Theatre is going through a sensitive period marked by the recent departure of its artistic director, alongside announcements of further departures of key figures from this city institution.
Additional concern arises from the context of the director’s appointment, which Balenović may have wished to avoid addressing in the cancelled interview. Namely, he was selected through a process preceded by changes in the composition of the Theatre Council, including the dismissal of an expert member without explanation and the appointment of a new member and coalition partner of the SDP-led government, who herself stated that she “has no experience in the field of culture.” Precisely because of such circumstances, transparent and accountable conduct by the director—one who will respond to questions even from what he evidently considers a “hostile media outlet”—is essential.
The director of the Istrian National Theatre is expected to ensure open, professional, and equal communication with all media in his future work, and to provide the public with full insight into plans and decisions related to the management of the theatre. Perhaps he is not yet aware that journalists are not, nor should they be, anyone’s PR service.
On behalf of the Istrian branch of the Croatian Journalists’ Association
Danijela Bašić-Palković, President of the Branch
On behalf of the Executive Board of the Croatian Journalists’ Association
Hrvoje Zovko, President