Television is still the dominant media and represents an important pillar of power, because it creates public opinion, which is why the Ministry of Culture and Media and the Government will do everything to improve the media market, especially protecting national public broadcasters and content from Montenegro, said the Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović.
On the occasion of November 21 - World Television Day, she visited the new premises of Radio-television Nikšić.
"Television occupies an important place in the lives of people, families and collectives. Although it is often said that it is losing the battle with social networks, it still plays a key role in presenting important global, national and local issues, as well as spreading social ideas. "Television is still the most important creator of public opinion, calls to action and changes the world, because the citizens trust it," said Vujović, as announced by the ministry.
She said that through its work, as well as the trust of citizens, it was Television Nikšić that "long ago overcame the limits of the local media".
"Nevertheless, because of other local broadcasters, I have to say that both the smallest and the largest are equally important to us precisely because their primary role is to serve the citizens of their city and deal with topics of importance to the local population. Of course, if some shows are great, good, journalists are professional and active, then they will go beyond local borders and will be watched all over Montenegro. Television Nikšić proved that. I am impressed by what I saw, the speed with which work is being done, and the plans for the next period. I see that these are big projects, the television building looks imposing," said Vujović.
She pointed out that it is the obligation of the Ministry of Culture and Media, as well as the Government, to support TV broadcasters and thus contribute to the strengthening of the media community, better conditions in which media workers work, pluralism of the media, as well as better, more innovative programs, as well as interactive content, because television cannot be just a one-way channel.
"We are committed to creating a better environment in the media space, which means providing support to the media community, through the improvement of the media environment, which ensures the sustainability and free operation of the media. New draft laws on the media, the public media service of Montenegro and audiovisual media services have been established, and the key changes in the texts have been harmonized with all the recommendations of international partners", Vujović believes.
She explained that the new draft law on audiovisual media services stipulates a mandatory minimum percentage with which municipalities, in relation to their budgets, finance local public broadcasters, just as the state budget stipulates that three percent of the gross social product must be provided each year for the functioning of the Public Service Radio - Television of Montenegro.
Vujović added that due attention will be paid to the rights and freedom of the media, but that it is their obligation to respect ethical principles and report professionally.
"What is expected from the media is that they also have principles in reporting, that it be accurate, objective, professional and to everyone's satisfaction. In my mandate, you will have all the rights and freedoms, but I expect a journalist to really be a journalist and to respect the principles and professionalism in reporting, and I hope that we will have a very successful cooperation and that we will succeed in achieving the goal that I set out," said Vujović.
The minister visited the old building of Radio-television Nikšić with representatives of the Directorate for Media, general director of RTV Nikšić Nikola Marković and members of the newsroom, and the meeting also discussed the working conditions of journalists, salaries, education, as well as media laws.
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