If we want our European path in the field of media to be characterized by a genuine alignment with EU values, and not by party activism wrapped in ribbons from Brussels, Montenegro must prepare and adopt its own Media Freedom Act.
The granting of the IBAR, which followed the adoption of several laws (including the set of media laws), is a direct signal that Montenegro has made significant progress in important areas and can continue further alignment with EU standards.
Therefore, taking into account the overall state of the media sector, UZOR and the Association of Professional Journalists of Montenegro (DPNCG) once again call for the Montenegrin Media Freedom Act to be prepared as soon as possible, in accordance with the European Media Freedom Act adopted by the European Parliament in March this year.
The adoption of the Montenegrin Media Freedom Act would formally define the respect for editorial freedom and the independence of media service providers.
Through transparent procedures for the appointment and dismissal of directors and heads of administrations, the independence of public broadcasters would be ensured and their exploitation for political purposes prevented.
Among other things, better protection of journalistic sources would be ensured and media ownership transparency guaranteed, which implies all information about actual owners so that citizens know who controls the media and whose interests may influence their reporting.
Also, following the example of the document adopted by the European Parliament, the Montenegrin Media Freedom Act should lead to media outlets being required to report all funds received from state advertising, state financial support, and financial support from third countries.
By adopting the mentioned act, Montenegro would make significant progress on its European path in the area of media freedom, clearly emphasizing that independent media services have an important critical as well as economic role in society.
UZOR and DPNCG, in cooperation with the Hanns Seidel Foundation and with the support of the European Commission, will provide every kind of support in the preparation of the Montenegrin Media Freedom Act.
Maja Nikolić, UZOR
Mila Radulović, DPNCG
