The Serbian investigative journalism network KRIK has released an audio recording of a conversation between Stan Miller, General Manager of United Group, and Vladimir Lučić, CEO of Telekom Serbia. Lučić is considered a close ally of President Aleksandar Vučić, BGNES reported.

In the recording, Lučić tells Miller that the Serbian president demanded the replacement of Aleksandra Subotić, one of the key figures in United Media. Subotić oversees several independent outlets in Serbia — including N1 TV, Nova S, and the newspapers Danas and Radar, KRIK noted.

Miller responds that before replacing Subotić, he must first weaken the company she runs. “I need to make this company very small in Serbia,” he says.

“I understand that your president called you and is very upset — I can understand that — but I need to find a way to do it quickly and effectively,” Miller adds in the conversation, which reportedly took place in mid-August.

Miller took charge of United Group just two months ago. The “problem” he was asked to resolve, according to the recording, is Subotić herself — the head of United Media, whose outlets are among the few that critically cover the Serbian government. Of these, N1 TV appears to be the sharpest thorn in Vučić’s side.

“When I promise something, I deliver. I keep my word,” Miller insists. “The problem is that too many things are happening too fast on too many fronts — including this issue in Serbia. (…) I can’t fire Aleksandra today, as we discussed, right? I need to make this company very small in Serbia, if you know what I mean. Separate it out… That takes time, and that’s what we agreed on.”

Lučić then informs Miller that President Vučić has already discussed Subotić’s dismissal with Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of BC Partners, the private equity firm that holds a majority stake in United Group.

“So, the president asked Nikos to quickly replace only Aleksandra Subotić, not any of the directors at N1 or Nova S. He understood that, right now, replacing anyone else would be difficult without a full reorganization,” Lučić explains.

Miller replies: “Nikos is my friend. I’ve known him for a long time. But in the end, I run this damn company. And I love Nikos — he’s very dear to me, a good friend. I know his family, everything. But on the other hand, I have to finish the job. And I will finish it as soon as possible, Vlado.” He assures Lučić of his loyalty, adding: “Remember when we shook hands? From that moment, we were together. When I met you on the first day, we became friends. You don’t need a hundred years with someone to become friends. I trust you one hundred percent.”

Beyond Subotić’s replacement — the central topic of the discussion — the two also touch on Shoppster, United Group’s e-commerce platform, which Telekom Serbia reportedly plans to acquire. “There’s something else I need to ask you. About the acquisition of Shoppster and the other things we discussed. I’m so busy. Can you postpone it for a week?” Miller asks.

He concludes the conversation by saying: “I’ll fly to Serbia and we’ll finish it. Then we’ll have a nice lunch at the club, like last time”. | BGNES