Vujović: Progress on the global media freedom list is encouraging, we will work dedicatedly to harmonize regulations with EU regulations

Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović said that she is encouraged by the fact that Montenegro, according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders, has advanced three places and now occupies 37th position on the global press freedom list.

"On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day and the published report by Reporters Without Borders, I would like to express my gratitude to all journalists and media workers in Montenegro who, professionally and responsibly, often in demanding conditions, contribute to the development of our democratic society and the improvement of the country's reputation in the field of media freedom. It is encouraging that Montenegro, according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders, has advanced three places and now occupies 37th position on the global media freedom list. This progress confirms that the reform processes we are implementing have been recognized at the international level, but also represents a strong incentive to continue strengthening freedom of expression, media independence and the safety of journalists," the minister said.

He notes that, thanks to the adoption of a new set of media laws, and in particular the Law on Audiovisual Media Services, Montenegro has temporarily closed Chapter 10 in negotiations with the European Union and received the highest score – five. He points out that this is one of only two chapters that have been given that score, "which speaks volumes about the quality and importance of the reforms we have implemented in the media sector."

She also said that the laws, for the first time, introduced concrete and systemic solutions that strengthen accountability and transparency in the media space.

"I believe that this result needs to be confirmed on a daily basis – through consistent implementation of the law. It is commendable to enact good laws, but their implementation is a daily task and a clear proof of commitment. We are aware that media freedom will always be a challenge, especially in the era of artificial intelligence, fake news and generated content – ​​topics that we have yet to systematically address."

The Minister announced "dedicated work" on harmonizing our regulations with the DSA and DMA regulations of the European Union.

"We are closely monitoring all deviations in the actions of individuals related to attacks and insults against journalists. We welcome the quick reactions of institutions and the community, which confirm that we are making progress. Resolving old cases of attacks on journalists remains equally important, because without justice there is no true freedom. Our research, conducted in October last year as part of the implementation of the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Media Strategy, shows that more than 55% of citizens have trust in the media, which is encouraging. However, the majority believe that the media are not sufficiently independent and often report in the interests of political or economic elites. In order to change this perception, synergy between all stakeholders is necessary, from media owners and editors to journalists and political representatives," says Vujović.

She said that the state is creating conditions for freer and more transparent media, but that "it is also encouraging that journalists themselves are increasingly speaking out publicly when the values ​​we all strive for are not being upheld within their editorial offices."

"I believe that we can all, within our competences, but also through personal examples, consistent and dignified struggle for the profession, as evidenced by the recent move of journalist Živaljević, contribute to improving media freedoms and conditions in the media sector. Since the first day of my mandate, together with my team and the Media Directorate, I have been working to improve the safety of journalists and create an environment in which the media can operate freely, independently and professionally. I once again confirm our strong commitment to further building a media environment based on freedom, responsibility and the rule of law," the statement reads.

IMCG: Media loyal to citizens and the public interest are more needed than ever

The Media Institute (IMCG) announced that World Press Freedom Day is a reminder of the social importance and contribution of professional journalism and free media to preserving democracy, controlling government, and giving a voice to those who lack power.

At the same time, they say, it is a reminder to the authorities that they must guarantee a safe working environment, editorial and journalistic autonomy.

"We are witnesses that journalists in Montenegro are facing increasingly strong attempts at political, economic and institutional pressure, with a poor socio-economic position, and a lack of a collective agreement. In the last two months alone, some of our colleagues have been exposed to attempts at institutional persecution due to value judgments, death threats, censorship, while insults and verbal threats are commonplace. These phenomena are, unfortunately, more widespread than what journalists report. The lack of adequate editorial and newsroom response and protection of journalists in certain media outlets to open pressure and threats from various centers of power is worrying. Editors are the 'gatekeepers' in the defense of the public interest and media autonomy," the statement reads.

They say that attacks are not decreasing and that in the last three years alone, professional organizations have recorded 54 attacks on journalists and a growing trend of online attacks, threats, and harassment, especially against female journalists.

"All of the above affects the decline in professional standards, self-censorship and is directly reflected in the decline in trust in the media, especially in times when democratic values ​​are being tested, and media loyal to the citizen and the public interest are more necessary than ever in preserving these values. The Media Institute pays tribute to all colleagues who courageously and consistently protect the personal and integrity of the profession, calls on citizens to support responsible and professional journalism, and on the authorities and responsible institutions to ensure that journalists can do their job freely and without fear," they said.