United Group implements a new governance framework to safeguard independence of its’ news operations

United Group today announces a new governance framework for its news assets, delivering on its commitment to safeguard editorial independence and protect journalistic freedoms.

Under the new framework, news operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia will report into Adria News Network, with its own governance, a fully independent board and an Editorial Council composed of senior international media professionals. The Editorial Council will provide external oversight and guidance on editorial standards, ethics and best practice.

Adria News Network brings together a diversified portfolio of established and award-winning television, print and digital media outlets, including N1, Nova S, Vijesti and Danas. Operating for over a decade - 28 years in the case of Danas - these outlets serve a collective market of more than 16 million people and employ over 1,000 journalists and staff. News assets in Greece and Bulgaria do not sit within this structure.

Following extensive analysis of global best practice in governance, market conditions and long term sustainability provided by world-class firms, this framework was identified as the most effective way to protect editorial independence in practice, while providing stability, transparency and resilience for the business.

Stan Miller, CEO of United Group, said:

"The introduction of a new governance framework and reporting lines under Adria News

Network will strengthen and formalise editorial independence of the news assets. This ensures a future in which journalistic freedoms will continue to be protected and insulated from Group management, shareholder and external influence."

Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of BC Partners Europe, United Group's majority shareholder, said:

"We welcome and support these changes, which implement a clear and deliberate choice to safeguard editorial independence, while providing clarity for the business and its people.

Protection of editorial integrity from external interference is embedded into the new governance of Adria News Network."