politics
April 1, 2026
Reality Television in Service of State Operations
Informer's reporting on the entry of the UKP into the Rectorate is another paradigmatic example of media activity in the service of power, mixing facts with criminalizing language of insinuations and impressions, selective shots with imputed intentions, and dramatized visuals devoid of any contradictory voice.
TL;DR
- Informer's reporting on the UKP's entry into the Rectorate is criticized for mixing facts with criminalizing language and insinuations.
- The media outlet allegedly created a narrative portraying the Rectorate as a 'nest of crime' and students as 'extremists'.
- Informer's live broadcast of the police operation is compared to 'embedded journalism', compromising its independence.
- Broadcasting footage during a police search raises concerns about evidence tampering and selective leaks.
- The reporting is described as resembling reality television, using 'performative authenticity' to influence viewers.
- This media model combines exclusive access, reality format, and political engagement to create a 'trap' for viewers.
- The article suggests this practice is not unique to Serbia and has parallels in Hungary, Turkey, and Russia.
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