We notice that the media strategy and laws proposed by the Directorate for Media have already been overcome and that, unfortunately, the Directorate remained in the past, and even in the prepared drafts of the law, it did not take into account some of the recommendations of experts that were pointed out by international partners, she said. is Amina Murić from the Civic Alliance.
"That's why it's a shame that the Ministry of Culture and Media didn't take the opportunity to take into account constructive suggestions that emphasize the need for a proactive approach and monitoring trends, especially considering the rapid technological development and its impact on Montenegrin media," she added.
Murić said that "this is why we are pointing out to the Ministry of Culture and Media the changes that numerous countries in Europe have already introduced in their legislation, and which the Media Directorate must take into account".
She stated that some countries have already introduced regulations that require clear labeling of content generated by artificial intelligence, as well as that in many European countries, distributors of smart TVs are required to have integrated platforms for receiving TV signals from broadcasters with national coverage. .
"We also point out that states are increasingly introducing taxation of companies like Netflix, with the aim of committing to invest a certain part of the income from the state's territory in the domestic film industry. Additionally, through taxation or legal norms, social networks are forced to respect professional standards or cooperate with the state in the fight against fake news, hate speech or protection of data confidentiality. Regulators for audio visual media are getting greater powers in line with technological development," said Murić.
She announced that these are some of the measures that are very significant and that should be an integral part of the new set of media laws, "if we want to work in the right way to improve the situation in the media, and in accordance with European standards and modern trends that we simply have to follow ".
She added that "however, in Montenegro, we are unfortunately dealing with issues that have been overcome by various interest groups, and which, bearing in mind the technological development and trends that have been mentioned, will not properly contribute to the development and progress of the media scene, which is necessary." .
"The improvement and development of the media scene in Montenegro is imperative and I am pleased with the determination of this Government to finish what the previous three failed to do, which is the adoption and harmonization of the media strategy and set of media laws. The aforementioned adoption of the law has been expected for a long time and is of key importance the importance of taking concrete actions now to ensure that media legislation reflects the contemporary needs and challenges of the media environment, all with the aim of strengthening media freedom, transparency and democratic principles in Montenegro. An additional motive for completing this work is the importance of this process in order to ending the negotiation process with the EU," said Murić.
He says that is why they once again call on Minister Tamara Vujović, "who has shown determination to tackle the accumulated problems, to review the work of the Directorate, to carefully consider the mentioned suggestions aimed at adapting the media legislation to rapid technological changes and addressing new media formats and platforms".
"This is crucial for the creation of a sustainable and advanced media environment in Montenegro, which will support innovation and provide journalists and media houses with the necessary framework for working in the digital age, and ensure a sustainable and democratic media environment that serves the interests of the public," concludes Murić.
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