Nova, Radar unions call Alpac to reconsider closure of print media

The union representing the Nova newspaper, Nova.rs portal and Radar weekly is demanding the immediate review of Alpac Capital’s decision to shut down those Adria News Network (ANN) print media. Alpac and ANN also want to dismiss freelance contributors at Nova.rs and Radar. The decisions, announced verablly by ANN Chief Financial Officer Joao Clara Pinto do Rosario, are due to take effect on November 1 and also include the closure of the Dobar, Los, Zao and Pick and Roll podcasts and the withdrawal of Profimedia and EPA photo services used by the newsrooms. The union said the decisions were made without prior consultation, written documentation or an adequate explanation beyond cost-cutting, and that it remained unclear what would happen to 10 permanent employees at the newspaper, including editor-in-chief Ranko Pivljanin.