We must strive to create a healthy media system free from fake news and hate speech, which is most often spread through regional tabloids and "instant" portals created to discredit political opponents.
This was stated by the Minister of Culture and Media (MKM), Tamara Vujović, in response to parliamentary questions.
Bosniak Party (BS) MP Jasmin Ćorović asked Vujović what he would do about the increasing frequency of hate speech and the spread of chauvinism in certain media.
He added that the statement by "Ivan Milošević, a journalist by profession" in the show "Pressing" on Radio Television Podgorica (Gradska TV) "that it is indecent for Montenegro's foreign policy to be led by a representative of a minority - classic hate speech."
Vujović said that this is a very important issue, adding that she would not agree that hate speech is becoming more common and taking on "unimaginable dimensions."
"... These are bad examples. How to systematically suppress hate speech? We all have to make an effort to create a healthier media ecosystem - free from or with as little fake news and disinformation as possible, and of course hate speech. In Montenegro, hate speech is most often spread through tabloids from the region. Then from 'instant portals' that are established solely to discredit political opponents... There are very few examples of traditional media that are established in Montenegro spreading hate speech," said Vujović.
She stated that the Ministry has envisaged a series of measures, such as forming a network to combat hate speech.
"Then defining hate speech as a separate criminal offense, establishing cooperation with global internet companies and social networks, with the aim of defining responsibility for placing such information on their channels. Then the novelties in the Media Law that state that urgent court proceedings for hate speech through the media can be initiated by someone who believes they are the target of hate speech... Anyone who felt like a victim of hate speech through a media appearance could file a lawsuit if they believe they have been harmed," said Vujović.
She stated that it was good that Ćorović addressed the Journalists' Association to which Milošević belongs, noting that it is a non-governmental organization (NGO).
"It would be much stronger if you acted in accordance with what the law gives you, which is a private lawsuit, because you find that you have been offended by hate speech... Beware of too strong words, Mr. Ćorović, because the yardstick by which you measure others can also be used to measure your own yardsticks," she said, adding that there is "that too strong, kill me poetic word."
Vujović said that the court will not be a sufficient mechanism against hate speech, as it is "an increasingly serious phenomenon," adding that it is necessary for us all to contribute to creating a culture of dialogue.
"There is no legal norm that will completely resolve this issue, so we have planned to place special emphasis on the network for combating hate speech and disinformation. We envisioned it as an institutional body with the University of Montenegro (UCG), media that have proven to respect the code of ethics... The planned solution is to expose disinformation and sources on a daily basis, as well as point out actors who dared to spread fake news or dared to engage in hate speech," explained Vujović, adding that the network was "designed in principle." Vujović explained that the goal of the network is to deal with the occurrence of hate speech in the media on a daily basis.
"A quick and decisive reaction from either the network or the prosecutor's office or the victims of hate speech is important... A media outlet that has been fined or warned for hate speech and disinformation cannot access the Media Pluralism Fund...", stated the Minister of Culture and Media.
She said that the public sector cannot advertise in media that is not properly registered.
"This is also in terms of healing the media ecosystem. This was brought to us by the innovations in the three media laws. Of course, if you had initiated this procedure, it would have been urgent...", said Vujović, adding that since self-regulation was promoted, "we now have over 50 percent of media outlets that either have their own ombudsman or are members of a self-regulatory body."
She emphasized that anyone who spreads discrimination and hate speech must receive a strong and clear response.
"It will never be perfect, but we try to keep up with the times and what it brings us," said Vujović.
Ćorović said that he reacted because "a strong word was uttered" and that he was referring to what the Ombudsman said about Milošević's statement.
"You said that there is less and less hate speech. I wouldn't really agree. I expected you to react to this hate speech, but I understand you... I reacted because it is about a journalist - someone who should prevent the spread of hatred, not encourage it... This topic needs to be given a more significant note," said the Bosniak Party MP.
He stressed that any hate speech must be responded to, and added that he believed that "the Milosevic way of thinking is over."
"However, it turns out that we are not. I call on MKM to work together and to all prevent hate speech," he pointed out.
Bonus video:
