Definition
Večernje novosti (Serbian Cyrillic: Вечерње новости, English: “Evening News”) is a Serbian daily newspaper published in Belgrade. It is primarily a tabloid-format publication that covers a range of topics including politics, society, culture, sport, and entertainment.
Overview
Founded on 4 June 1945 as a government‑owned newspaper, Večernje novosti became one of the most widely read dailies in the former Yugoslavia and, after the breakup of Yugoslavia, in Serbia. The paper is published in the Serbian language using both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets, with the majority of its print circulation distributed in the capital city of Belgrade and surrounding regions. Ownership has shifted over the decades; since the early 2000s the newspaper has been part of the “Novosti” media group, which is controlled by Serbian businessman Stanko Subotić.
In terms of editorial stance, Večernje novosti is generally considered to occupy a centrist to centre‑right position, though its reporting style is characterized by a popular‑tabloid approach that emphasizes sensational headlines, human‑interest stories, and extensive coverage of celebrity news. The daily has faced criticism and legal actions over alleged defamation and the publication of politically sensitive material, reflecting the broader challenges faced by Serbian print media.
The newspaper's circulation has declined in the 2010s, mirroring global trends in print journalism, but it maintains a significant online presence through its website (www.novosti.rs) and social‑media channels. The digital edition provides real‑time updates and multimedia content, supplementing the traditional print edition.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Večernje novosti” is derived from two Serbian words:
- Večernje – the neuter plural adjective meaning “evening” or “evening‑time.”
- Novosti – the plural noun meaning “news” or “new items.”
Together, the title conveys the concept of “evening news,” indicating the paper’s original intent to provide updated information later in the day.
Characteristics
- Format: Tabloid (approximately 40 cm × 28 cm).
- Language: Serbian, presented in both Cyrillic and Latin scripts.
- Frequency: Daily publication, Monday through Saturday; a reduced weekend edition is common.
- Sections: Politics, Economy, Society, Culture, Sports, Crime, Entertainment, and a dedicated “Lifestyle” supplement.
- Circulation: Exact recent figures are not publicly disclosed; estimates from media monitoring agencies place the print circulation in the range of 50,000–70,000 copies per day as of the late 2010s.
- Ownership: Part of the Novosti media group, owned by Stanko Subotić.
- Digital Presence: Operates a continuously updated website, mobile applications, and active profiles on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Related Topics
- Serbian Media Landscape: Overview of press freedom, ownership structures, and the transition from state‑controlled to privately owned outlets in Serbia.
- Politika: The oldest continuously published Serbian newspaper, also based in Belgrade.
- Blic: Another major Serbian daily tabloid, often compared with Večernje novosti for market share and editorial style.
- Media Regulation in Serbia: Role of the Serbian Broadcasting Agency (RRA) and the Press Council in overseeing journalistic standards.
- Post‑Yugoslav Press History: Evolution of newspapers in the Balkans following the dissolution of Yugoslavia.