Media are obliged to submit data on funding from public funds, and failure to fulfill legal obligations will result in sanctions, announced Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović, emphasizing that the deadline for submitting information is March 31st.
Vujović says that there are still a significant number of media outlets and public companies that do not provide mandatory information.
"Transparency in media financing is our shared responsibility. Media as well as public sector entities are obliged to fulfill their obligations. We need to know the real situation without secrets. Public sector entities and media that fail to submit data in accordance with the Media Law will bear the consequences according to penal provisions. Those who do not keep records of financing by public sector entities for sponsoring media content, advertising and providing other contracted services will be fined," she said.
Vujović says that a media outlet that does not submit data on revenues from public sector entities based on advertising or the provision of public services will not be able to apply for funds from the Media Pluralism Fund.
She explained that the Media Law stipulates that the founder of a media outlet is obliged to submit data to the Ministry on funds allocated to it by public sector entities for the provision of public services, within 30 days from the date of payment of those funds, or by March 31 of this year for the previous year.
"Media founders and public sector bodies, as subjects of legal responsibility, must demonstrate a sufficient level of compliance with legal obligations. Transparency means responsibility. Transparency of operations in the media sector is in the interest of the Montenegrin public," she said.
He says that for 2023, only 56 percent of media outlets submitted data on public funding.
"Public sector bodies are showing a certain level of transparency. Out of 675 institutions, 430 submitted data," the statement reads.
She also said that the Ministry of Culture and Media, in accordance with the Media Strategy, has prepared the video "The Real Situation Without Secrets" which "promotes transparency in media financing, in order to contribute to raising awareness about this important social issue."
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