DW: United Group says it won’t sell off media outlets

The UG sources said editorial staff would continue to have authority over content and take editorial decisions daily. According to them, the idea is to create a platform for independent journalism in the Balkans, not reduce the number of employees or cut down expenses. They said the executive news editor (according to DW Brent Sadler) is there to protect editorial independence in the entire organization and secure a balanced and fair product in line with standards of journalism. The new media framework was set up to make sure there is no inappropriate influence from the authorities, political players, shareholders or UG management.