RTCG: We are not a party magazine, the guest appearance of the URE MP was canceled due to a change in the concept of the show and technical limitations

The guest appearance of the deputy of the Citizens' Movement URA Ana Novaković Đurović in the show "Argumenti" was canceled solely due to the change in the concept of the show and technical limitations that are part of regular production adjustments, announced the editorial office of Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG).

They say that GP URA's accusations that this was done under pressure from the Europe Now Movement, i.e. based on the request of the Minister of European Affairs and PES official Maida Gorčević, are completely unfounded.

"Currently, works are underway in a large studio, the dynamics of which we cannot influence on a daily basis, so the show is organized in a smaller studio with limited capacities," he wrote in the response.

They say that the Public Service is open to all actors of the social and political scene in Montenegro, which "is confirmed every day through the diversity and impartiality of our program", and that in this sense they will not allow "anyone to involve them in political calculations or to use RTCG as a tool for political struggles".

They also point out that the "forced change in the concept of the show" did not only affect the guest appearance of MP URA GP, but also the guest appearance of the parliamentary majority MP Anđela Peković from Democratic Montenegro, as well as the third guest from the academic sector.

"Despite the logistical challenges, the RTCG maintained a balance, providing an opportunity for discussion to representatives of the government, the opposition and the non-governmental sector. In this context, a representative of the strongest opposition party was invited, thus providing space for the confrontation of opinions", they add.

The editorial office of RTCG also says that the URA and MP Novaković Đurović were repeatedly invited to participate in other shows on the same topic, which they refused.

"We call on all political subjects to refrain from pressure and to contribute to the general social interest through constructive dialogue. RTCG, as a public service, is open to all voices that want to contribute to pluralism and democratic dialogue, which is why we refuse to accept selective interpretations of our work as pressure on integrity of the institution. In this behalf, we apologize to Mrs. Novaković, Peković, and the third guest, whose participation in the show was also canceled due to the explained circumstances. Our commitment to transparent information and responsible work remains unchanged, and all program decisions are made solely in the interest of the public."

They also said that RTCG does not act according to the dictates of any political option and rejects any attempt to use their "reputation and integrity for daily political interests".

"Our work is based on the rules of professional journalistic ethics, and we make all programmatic decisions independently, in accordance with the interests of the public. Therefore, we resolutely reject unfounded and unworthy accusations that we are under the influence of any party, including PES, and emphasize that RTCG is not and will not be newsletter of any political entity," he wrote in the reaction.