non-governmental organisations have proposed amendments to media legisla to amendments media organisationsnon-governmental have proposed attention Several to pays nospecial the status also ofeditors. Self-regulation rights. nolegal means responsibility Nolegal have responsibilities. nodelegated matters andunityinmost agreement related to journalism. community the that reaching from is media the itprevents fact particulars; in its true is It whetherthis division ofnorelevance is government opponents. as seen the inthe resignations firstplace. On are the other hand, of the the media rest (DPS ofSocialists Party Democratic astronghold ofthe ruling as perceived was ofthe media private part along with inthe TVCG regulated strictly all ofthis is the law, orthe publicbroadcaster’s procedure the legal although independence, 1 the interest that prevails. rarely is byeditors, guarded ofsituation,kind the supposedly publicinterest, Inthis any timesoon. ofpublicdiscussion asubject notlikelythis is to become However, ofwhich havetion, some to the dowith inthe role media. ofeditors 2016. inearly parties political quence between ofnegotiations try. Thateditorsis well by of illustrated the the at TVCG resignation broadcaster broadcaster Media regulations in Montenegro hardly mention editors. Basically, inMontenegro regulations hardly they mentionMedia editors. itorial team of the team itorial - the ed met: when the condition minorparty’s an agreement was with that last ended followed inthe DPSonhowto months andthecreate elections ruling conditionsthe for opposition free ofthe SDP a segment ( Party Democratic which broke outinmid-2015crisis Socialist of withpolitical the the division The tavka-rutovic-ili-urednickog-tima-rtcg. Accessed29April 2016. tavka-rutovic-ili-urednickog-tima-rtcg. http://portalanalitika.me/clanak/219035/zahtjev-opozicije-dovoljna-os See for the positions. 2016. Since inthe then, Parliament the andminority suitable personnel majority are seeking The editors in the media in Montenegro, particularly the editors the at public in particularly Montenegro,editors in the media The by MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN INTRODUCTION OF THE PROFESSION DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT DANIELA VRANKOVIĆ SDP ), the minor party in the ruling coalition, culminated at the beginning of2016, at coalition, culminated when inthe the ruling beginning ), the minorparty RTCG , are vulnerable to political divisions and conflicts in the andconflicts coun divisions to, are political vulnerable TVCG refused to support the Talks government inParliament. to support of part refused between public broadcaster was to be replaced. All of them resigned inApril All of them resigned replaced. to be was public broadcaster ), and that is why the opposition insisted on on ), andthat insisted why is the opposition
’s legal framework. Yet,’s programme framework. its legal 1 No one mentioned Noonementioned as aconse as - - - -
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS 3 2 er, many and,ofthese, have have hadnonein hadnotraininginthe recent past, ofthem, howev Some andthrough seminars fellowships. trainingsessions, ous experts. other media seven plus ti-government, national with coverage,in the the from mostly survey, media Atotalof15 part took editors analysis. framework andalegal interviews veys, inFebruary, conducted Montenegro was March andApril 2016. It sur includes average inthe country, the andtwice average. amount ofthe journalistic as largeas the twice is at least Theirsalary and training courses. merous seminars, hold degrees from faculties of philosophy from across the Yugoslavia. across former from ofphilosophy faculties from hold degrees science, and the other political four of faculties from graduated five in Podgorica; a law,has in addition to having attended nu or degree, philosophy science political that donotfulfil role. they butthat integrity role indefending that media have editors acrucial agrees interview to one sentence: down in Montenegro integrity boil every media Rudović, all of them working for media outlets perceived as both pro- both and an as perceived outlets all of them working forRudović, media Uskoković, Neđeljko Novak NikolaMarković, Darko Šuković, Mihailo Jovović, – executive andoneformer editor editors-in-chief with interviews includes TV broadcasters, public service Pink andPink portalanalitika.me www. the portal inthe Web survey. to part, participated take refused www.cdm.me portal This studyThis in oneditors the in defending of role of the media the integrity Minister ofCulture Rutović. Željko RTCG Self-Regulation Council; Goran Đurović, member ofthe RTCG member Đurović, Goran Council; Self-Regulation Vujović, Ranko ofthe Media head Media; for Electronic ofthe Agency Director Deputy Institute Jadranka Vojvodić, contributor Media in the 2001-2007 whowas period; lyst, Duško Dragoljub ana - media Vuković, interviewed: havebeen The experts following answers. vide Representatives ofRTCG Representatives All of them declare that they have also acquired informal education at vari thatAll ofthem have education acquiredinformal declare they also the from Faculty graduated ofLaw inoursurvey of15 part taking Six editors 1 According to the our research, average in Montenegro 40 editor old is and years editors on indefending the research role of ofoursmall-scale The results , novine Dnevne LAW, PHILOSOPHY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE EDUCATION: Human Rights Action activist, and deputy anddeputy Human Action activist, NGO Rights Radović, Mirjana General; Director Antena M, , TV , CG Radio M Vijesti, TV , radio, the press and online media. The survey Thesurvey , radio,the andonlinemedia. press at first agreed to participate, but eventually failed to proeventually- failed but participate, to at firstagreed Radio KotorRadio , Prva Prva TV , Atlas Atlas Slobodna, Evropa 3
TV , Dan , Vijesti, Council; Rade Vojvodić, Rade Council; andPobjeda Vijesti.me 2 both private and private both Informer, Monitor, - - - - - THAT ROLE. THEY DO NOT FULFIL INTEGRITY BUT THAT IN DEFENDING MEDIA HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE AGREES THAT EDITORS EVERY INTERVIEW
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 2 21 7 6 5 4 ifthesource toremain demands anonymous.” authorities, orexecutive cial or judisource ofthe source are the identity to the legal, not obligated to reveal which ofinformation oftheinformation might theidentity possession reveal orpublishing intervention contentcomeintothe collecting, ofprogram editorial plicitly, states who that during and involved, “thejournalist otherindividuals policy.” editorial outmedia carrying group in charge ofcreating aspecific and as eral, butitdoesn’t editors with deal author. According to Vojvodić, in gen rights ofjournalists “[the law] the defines outlet’s Now, founding act. the founder accent andthe onthe media placed is itor-in-chief, Vojvodić ofamedia part hadto onthe Data be editor explains. and the to right reply. are related Nowthese andnotto the to ed the media role inthe to right hadanimportant correction Editors also the role ofeditors. to adduce to more importance used PublicInformation Law valid, previously Jadranka Vojvodić. Media, for The Electronic ofthe Agency Director Deputy says freedom, is abigstep media toward considered framework legal new This the word modifications), ever mentioned. and subsequent is hardly “editor” (2008, Services Law onPublicBroadcasting and the modifications) sequent level, beginner at English abasic speak inthe survey of15 participants Seven 10the years. last think such documents to be unnecessary orunlikely change. about to bring unnecessary to be think such documents say that wouldhelp, having such whileothers and adocument are sceptical some on the subject: are The divided rest outlet. at their media such documents editors said that percentthan less therepolled 30 were Thus, of this. regulate to acts the adoption ofself-regulatory whowouldimpose northose owners, Law (2010, andsub Media Electronic modifications), (2002, andsubsequent Law Inthe Media unable thing the toasingle about rolebe deduce ofeditors. Accessed 19 2016. February 48&Itemid=26. org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid= Law, http://www.ardcg.Media modifications. 2002, 20, Available at: andsubsequent Article 16 March 2016. Written Jadranka with Vojvodić, Director, Deputy interview Media, for Electronic Agency –Russian, Italian orFrenchother language Russian. -andanother twothat speak they ofan- knowledge orhadabasic understood four ofthem Also, saidthey el” skills. English fiveoutof the rest, 15, said that they or have“do understand” English, that they “middle lev level, while or proficient being at fluent, an advanced as themselves of them described Three self-assessments. are data own the editors’ All the provided There are also no articles dealing with editorial independence from the independence editorial with dealing There noarticles are also onewould framework, From legal the media reading current Montenegrin 2 One of the rare articles of the Media Law mentioning editors, yet not ex yet mentioning Law editors, One of of thethe rareMedia articles REGULATIONS: EDITORS NOT MENTIONED 4 and most of others also lackextensiveskills. ofothers also andmost language 6
5 7 ------OF EDITORS. THING ABOUT THE ROLE TO DEDUCE A SINGLE ONE WOULD BE UNABLE LEGAL FRAMEWORK, MONTENEGRIN MEDIA THE CURRENT FROM READING
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 3 21 requirements for employing someone, in addition to a description ofjobs and in re addition toadescription foremployingrequirements someone, welcome: more butonthe is than other hand,self-regulation restrictions, not impose 13 12 11 10 9 Ibid. 8 role. ofthe editors’ portance choice.”editorial be an tomethat it is whymust This itseems the report. donotfit frequently oftensensationalist, andwhich are very are ofatext all part and subtitles, titles Theheadlines, in and theprint onlinemore frequently media. “In VujovićRanko my opinion, happens occur: this that says obvious this does itis executive Council secretary Self-Regulation Media work. fere journalistic with changed is through intervention.”ing ofareport editorial where and themean obligationsof theeditororrights oftheauthor in cases nomention thereis “In founder: otherwords, andthe media article the disputed are the held author responsible be of dispute, whowill the ones inalegal sults Law,Media content.for the Theonlyone media responsible content, according to the andcompetences. skills fessional pro unprofessional orlacks been whohas someone say should notbe aneditor participants Onthe other hand,nineof15considered exclusion survey criteria. orany ofabusiness otherconflict ofinterest ownership kind be ism, should sponsibilities.” job position.” foracertain signments it shouldas be) and afterapublic terms which competition, theprecise defines Vojvodić, According fulfilled. should bygeneralinternalto be regulation quirements set broadcaster, At thetor publicservice re at media. ofthe aprivate some basic ) working group has suggested that the Media Law must that the stress Law im suggested the Media has ) workinggroup (HRA practice. The Rights Action Human are unsuitable forindependence everyday Only three survey participants said that political party membership or activ membership party said that political participants survey Only three exclusion as criteria. onwhat seen professionals reaching could agreement be
In such circumstances, an editor essentially has no responsibility for the noresponsibility has essentially aneditor In such circumstances, 48&Itemid=26. org?option =com_docman&task=cat_view&gid= /index.php Law, http://www.ardcg.Media modifications. 2002, 20, Available at: andsubsequent Article based inPodgorica. based anNGO is HRA 15 March 2016. Council, Vujović,Written Self-Regulation Ranko with Media executive secretary, interview 16 March 2016. Written Jadranka with Vojvodić, Director, Deputy interview Media, for Electronic Agency Accessed 19 2016. February 16 March 2016. Written Jadranka with Vojvodić, Director, Deputy interview Media, for Electronic Agency At this point it becomes clear that clear At the editors’ meant to laws initially protect itbecomes this point anedi be the anyonecan law bythe concerned, as owner is chosen far As There is no official, or even measurabledata onhoweditors do much even inter or Thereis noofficial, “as a rule, someone is chosen to be an editor (or at least that is theway thatis “as an chosen tobe editor(or is atleast someone arule, “Every media should have a self-regulatory actdefining the minimum should media haveaself-regulatory “Every 10 is the founder of the media. Also, if the re information Also, published the is founder of the media. 9 But in a deeply divided community, divided Butinadeeply hard media itis to imagine 13 They propose 20, whichthat the defines Article propose They 8 In her opinion, legal regulations should regulations Inheropinion,legal 11
12 ------MEDIA. THE FOUNDER OF THE TO THE MEDIA LAW, IS CONTENT, ACCORDING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE THE ONLY ONE THE MEDIA CONTENT. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ESSENTIALLY HAS NO AN EDITOR
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 4 21 all resigned, after several months of political negotiations and opposition pres andopposition negotiations months ofpolitical several after all resigned, Vesna desk news Terić, Pavićević, Aleksandra editor programme andthe news 18 17 16 15 14 onlywork to inthe ensure publicinterest, that journalists ence –trying SDP sure inthe ofthe wake smallercoalition partner .” itshould updated be though notbad, and itis even years, nopublic changedis strategy, for13 information notbeen theMedia has Law There awhole. as laws asetofmedia itdiscussed norhas ing freedoms, media ofdiscuss theidea mentioned Parliament “theMontenegrin never has Radović, According agenda. to onthe Parliamentary placed be the will amendments committee whether orwhen to debate notknown butitis the proposal, tary ,”intentions Radović. Mirjana activist says HRA orbad ofexperience, whichlack tion ofinformation aproduct ofignorance, is author, editor-in-chief amended. jointly founder liable, as be and the media the media outlet, and, having in view their knowledge, should their stopthepublica knowledge, in having view and, outlet, the media inof should responsible aftertheinterest looking themost be also capable, most they, the too, ajournalist necessarily “Since in cases most theeditor-in-chief is valid Law on Public Broadcasting Services do tackle the question ofindepend the dotackle question Services onPublicBroadcasting Law valid 2016, notre-elected. andshe was ofofficeThe term ofTVCG
See See “RTCG Ibid.
2.1 48&Itemid=26. Accessed 19 2016. February tion=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid= http://www.ardcg.org/index.php?op modifications. - Available at: andsubsequent 2008, rules.” and programming standards fessional Services, on the Public Broadcasting Law See held accountable be they forcan anattitude pro inlinewith - oropinionwhichpublished is ortheir status inthe reduced, have company their nor salaries changed, dismissed, be cannot Accessed 19Accessed April 2016. Written interview with Mirjana Radović, activist, Human Action, 22March 2016. Rights activist, Radović, Written Mirjana with interview 2015 Radne-grupe-Akcije-za-ljudska-prava-jun- p.2,2015. Availableo medijima, http://www.hraction.org/wp-content/uploads/Predlog- at: professional to attention.” the required trary See: that proved ifit is the author of anindividual, orthe editor-in-chiefrights werecon acting - bythis law, prohibited tent publishing is whose andwhich the damage honourorviolatethe incomplete bypublishinguntrue, con orotherble for- programming the caused damage The author, otherwise. editor-in-chieflaw specifies media founder jointly andare lia- the content, programming the unless for is heldfounder thepublished responsible “The media In mid-April 2016, ofTVCG the director Contrary to the media legal framework in general, a couple of articles inthe ingeneral,acouple ofarticles framework legal to the media Contrary At ofMarch parliamen the 2016, urged relevant the beginning the HRA PUBLIC BROADCASTER: A BIGGER BUDGET DOES (NOT) MEAN GREATER INDEPENDENCE . 125717/radojka-rutovic-podnijela-ostavku.html http://www.rtcg.me/vijesti/drustvo/ journalists are independent in their work and act in the public interest. Journalists intheir are workinthe Journalists independent andact publicinterest. journalists 1editor-in-chief Vuković Marina inMarch ended . Accessed 20 March. Accessed20 2016..pdf Radojka Rutović, the head ofthe the head Rutović, 1Radojka HRA 15
, Prijedlog izmjena i dopuna Zakona i dopuna Zakona izmjena , Prijedlog leaving the leaving government. 16
18 that no 14 17 - - - - -
INDEPENDENCE. HAS TO DO WITH ITS PUBLIC BROADCASTER SURROUNDING THE BIGGEST CONFLICT OF RTCG. YET, THE INDEPENDENCE THE EDITORIAL CANNOT INFLUENCE OF MONTENEGRO FROM THE BUDGET PROVIDING FUNDS CONDITIONS OF THE MANNER AND STIPULATES THAT ARTICLE 18CLEARLY
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 5 21 23 22 Ibid. 21 20 19 pluralism ofmedia aspect .” akey outletrepresents media lic service independence ofRTCG rial theedito er’s toprioritize It outthat independence. needs “Montenegro points ” Vojvodić serve, says. people those showing interest wonderwhose up, us makes and noteven this sometimes foramonth’s receives journalist forcoming workjust toameeting onceamonth thatare are honoraria byone-half paid highermembers than what an average Council and ifcertain atit, publish outlets discussed what media be will certain aCouncil meeting before “Ifeven for evaluations: theiror motives programme attentionto.” pay That’s weall what news. makes ond orthird; know that’s all, to you need what sec haveshould you aired iftheinformation be first, ofinformation, piece extra havean ifyou nothing all things, package opinion,“itis about howyou else, his view, improved, butinhis be allonlyamatter itis tins can of“packaging.” In in against sanctions those chargepose .” influenceone can RTCG Željko Rutović, Director General of the Media Directorate at the Ministry of Directorate at ofthe Media the Ministry General Director Rutović, Željko 2014. inNovember Amonth later,Services to submitted says Parliament, itwas made by the newsroom, nothing being donetoimprove is and thesituation immade bythenewsroom, havebeen standards ofprofessional warnings ofthefact thatthesame violations credibility, programme lacks news accuracy and impartiality. constant Despite the “In term: cases, second most nowinhis Đurović, Goran member Council says RTCG ofinformation quality programming, for the poor responsible most independence. to its dowith has thesurrounding publicbroadcaster ofRTCG independence influenceeditorial cannot the theofMontenegro from budget the mannerandconditions funds ofproviding
20151110 /2015 2015.November Available http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents at: 2015, 10 Montenegro Report working document: Commission staff European Commission, RTCG Interview with Rade Vojvodić, Rade with General,RTCG Director Interview RTCG Đurović, Written Goran with interview 48&Itemid=26. Accessed 19view&gid= 2016. February http://www.ardcg.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_ ifications. Available at: - mod andsubsequent 2008, says otherwise.” Services, onthe PublicBroadcasting Law See to follow anyone’sobliged decision a court unless work, regarding his/her instructions the to right influenceone has the work member, ofa Council is a member nor council andconscience, accordingedge to the law, the RTCG andaccording independently their dutyon but musttheir own, fulfil knowl- to their own them,“Council donotrepresent the institutions members ororganisations which proposed The The government adopted amendments to the Law amendments on to The government adopted the Public Broadcasting the The Report onMontenegro for 2015 refersEU Report also to the publicbroadcast RTCG Director General Rade Vojvodić Rade programme/bulle General that Director news agrees Accessed 31 March 2016._report_montenegro.pdf. Complaints Committee considers the editorial team as being being as team Complaints considers Committee the editorial 21 Vojvodić claims that “certain have members” ulteri Council Council members, Council , since awell-functioning and independent truly pub 22 20
Council member, 18 member, March Council 2016. 19 and Article 18 andArticle clearly stipulates that , Podgorica, 31 March 2016., Podgorica, statute and other general acts. No statute andother generalacts. . Yet, conflict the biggest 23
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MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 6 21 has no insight into how many violations of the code could be ascribed to ed noinsight intoMSC has howmany ascribed ofthe could violations code be refer to That is authors but whyto problems. at MSCdonotspecifically the filed 26 25 24 Vujović. Ranko (MSC)executive Council secretary Self-Regulation allofthem says have Media the sameobligations, andprofessional standards, ics adopted. were end of 2015, Journalists to of Montenegrin amendments the the very Code and editor-in-chief. whomsuitable finds for jobofTVCG the there ofwhich party talk is Instead, solutions. ning of2016, legal mentionof orunofficial there noofficial is onhowto reach an“agreement elections,” oftalks midst onfree at the begin Inthe have ofthe word board. next inthe will the election last editorial ties, heargues. preferences, political ofTV directors the both in such appointed a manner would select General A Director explains. far,so case the been Đurović as has influence, of political not because erences, when thatmightdo notknow happen.” Parliament and we ataplenary session, amendments werestill notdiscussed thepaper.Culture. havediscussed committees far He “So explained: two These 27 RTCG ought offour, toconsist NGO oftwo instead it Representatives Authorised thatin thecategory amendmentthis wesuggested toNGO thatpertains in thepart especially ofcitizens, interest the 19 from “We organisations: non-governmental support that obtained suggested to amendments the government’s2014 heproposed for which he proposition, oftheessence problem Thatis why –the lack ofindependence. at the endof that the notgoingto this noraffect is change team, the status ofthe editorial no special duties, nor do they require special treatment. Whenitcomes to treatment. eth special require nordothey duties, no special have to well. them They as pertains to journalists What pertains self-regulation.
Unlike the media legal framework, self-regulation has made a step forward. At madeastep forward. has self-regulation framework, Unlike legal the media 2.2 of Culture, 25March 2016. Directorate at General,Media the Director Ministry Rutović, Written Željko with interview weekly weekly Vijesti andthe representatives dailies Council andDan Self-Regulation Media RTCG Đurović, Written Goran with interview jene-i-dopune-kodeksa-novinara-crne-gore. Accessed 2April Accessed 2016. jene-i-dopune-kodeksa-novinara-crne-gore. ofEurope.Council 15 March 2016. Council, Vujović,Written Self-Regulation Ranko with Media executive secretary, interview It is very likely orthe par preferences, preferences thatIt ofpolitical political very is SELF-REGULATION DOES NOT MENTION EDITORS RTCG Council wouldappoint Council the RTCG 26 Council have 11, instead of nine members, so it could better reflect the soitcouldreflect better Council ofnine have11, instead members, reached agreement on the changes, with coordination with Monitor by theand OSCE on the changes, agreement reached However, the code still does not recognise editors as stakeholders in stakeholders However, in as editors notrecognise the stilldoes code and radio and the editors, based on their references, instead of ontheir instead references, based andradiothe editors, - http://medijskisavjet.me/index.php/aktuelnosti/10-usvojene-izm See 25
Director General according General to Director their ref 24 Council member, Council 18 March 2016. On the other hand, Đurović claims Onthe other hand,Đurović .” representatives Inthis manner, the representatives. In representatives. 27 Complaints Complaints director director , andthe - - - - - SELF-REGULATION. AS STAKEHOLDERS IN RECOGNISE EDITORS STILL DOES NOT HOWEVER, THE CODE MADE A STEP FORWARD. SELF-REGULATION HAS LEGAL FRAMEWORK, UNLIKE THE MEDIA
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 7 21 .” self-regulation of is atravesty That bodies. into Council appeals wereturned Self-Regulation and theMedia –theOmbudsman mechanisms oftheir own self-regulatory i.e. tointroduce autonomous, decided when somemedia on, which Later are. than those in it, notrepresented concerning themedia had mademoredecisions themedia, from orsomembers which twenty theCouncil, In has several years which ofself-regulation. body atravesty “You is mistic: haveaself-regulatory tion ofinnocence.” 31 30 29 28 who and nowwehavean independent, ombudsman who is of self-regulation, beginning wewerein favour Since thevery ofself-regulation. not theinterests thegovernment’s which and serves us, interests whichCouncil, self-regulates We havethe Self-Regulation is noself-regulation. Media There regulation? of thetor violations Code. andsanction the responsibility.” havebroken couldn’t thejournalists’ butwejust bers ofConduct, accept Code ,” in sector thetime this ofmajor abuses was says Vujović. that because in the media, had in and of ethics standards professional the area aimed atshedding reports lightwe werepreparing Montenegro ontheproblems that during period this “Itwas complaints. onlywith itdeals resources, Lacking inMontenegro’sappearing practice. self-regulatory of issues the portion asmall,andprobably significant just less this is Also, itors. publish insults and reports disregarding basic human disregardingpublish basic dignity orthepresump insultsand reports orair or false information, towrite before as easy notas itis bit morecautious; the near future an agreement could be reached onacommon institution reached to could moni be future anagreement near It pro- andanti-government hard thatas is to great. are imagine stilltoo inthe perceived by the public media differencesbetween Journalists, of Montenegrin people to monitor 70 electronic media. We electronicmedia. tomonitor are 70 awarepeople thatsomeofour TV of capacity: and, according to him, that the not Whatproblematic. is is problematic, lack is ornot, amember ofwhetheranoutletis regardless allcomplaints, with to deal
Ibid.
editor Mihailo Jovović. “Self- of daily Vijesti the MihailoJovović. position This explains editor the For now, ayear reports. publishingmonitoring notbeen the MSChas Radio Antena Radio andeditor,Darko Mowner Šuković, of amember also whois Interview with Dragoljub Duško Vuković, media analyst, Podgorica, 23 March 2016. Podgorica, Vuković, Dragoljub Duško with analyst, media Interview 15 March 2016. Council, Vujović,Written Self-Regulation Ranko with Media executive secretary, interview March 2016. andeditor-in-chief, 23 owner Antena Darko Radio with Šuković, M,Podgorica, Interview On the other hand, media analyst Dragoljub Duško Vuković Dragoljub Duško analyst On the other hand,media opti less is Even though the media community has reached an agreement on the Code ontheEven Code anagreement community reached though the has media Vujović claims it is a common European practice for self-regulatory bodies Vujović bodies acommon claimsitis European practice for self-regulatory The journalists are nowa “Thejournalists results: that yielded initiatives its MSC, believes It is not serious – and in our view it is even impossible even –forthree itis –and in our view notserious “It is 30
29 31
28
mem - - - - ARE STILL TOO GREAT. AND ANTI-GOVERNMENT THE PUBLIC AS PRO- MEDIA PERCEIVED BY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JOURNALISTS, CODE OF MONTENEGRIN AGREEMENT ON THE HAS REACHED AN MEDIA COMMUNITY EVEN THOUGH THE
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 8 21 Although there is no precise data, it is common knowledge that common internal itis knowledge posi data, Although there noprecise is either. for insiders, notmuch butitis through announcement, ajob hired easier 35 34 33 32 ofthemsome hadto say: Here are on that. unanimous what is respondents most of desirable qualities; Unofficially, for such onlist is nothigh positions. the required actually integrity officially, and, at least what for is notqualificationsments it clear editors, are professional recognitions. ing much more effectively. of orother awards boast can editors Noneof the the with owner. agreement rect work to be seem Personal andties connections adi Inoneinstance, there was ofdirectors. orboards bydirectors appointed quite rarely.tion announcements appear Vuković. Dragoljub Duško analyst says media should one,” ployer and goouttothemarketsmartest and forthebest look and similar, intelligence, experience knowledge, i.e. an skills, em fering his/her policy.is of editor If conceptofeditorial fer his/her an Thatwould make sense. which wouldthe country say –weare foran looking editor-in-chief who of can anyber of editor at any for the position public in leading advertisement media abludgeon for?Itis ,” in ofthegovernment thehands council serve says Jovović. theself-regulation wepublish does regularly. whose decisions What us, criticises editor. mattermore.” someotherqualities Often, and acapable good is itrarelyin question whether theperson process matters find But have theright toappointposition. suitablein the fora they any person and Vujović they Ranko up tomanagement opinion,“thatis Inhis bodies, says. only and right,” thatis Anyone an editor orajournalist, become can criteria. have ahard timefindinganannouncementeditor’s for an job. “Idonotremem
All of the editors who took part in the survey say officially, that, were inthe survey they part whotook All ofthe editors Data obtained through asurvey. obtained Data 23 March 2016. Podgorica, Vuković, Dragoljub Duško with analyst, media Interview 15 March 2016. Council, Vujović,Written Self-Regulation Ranko with Media executive secretary, interview 23 dailyVijesti March editor-in-chief, 2016., Podgorica, MihailoJovović, with Interview Since there there are are noexclusion hardly any announce job criteria, There are no special requirements or any legal or self-regulation exclusion or requirements any orself-regulation “There are no legal special would Anyone position attracted bya“no duty, legal responsibility” nolegal (NOT) LOOKING FOR INTEGRITY 3 JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS: 34 33 It hard to is for be an outsider 35
32 ------DESIRABLE QUALITIES. HIGH ON THE LIST OF INTEGRITY IS NOT UNOFFICIALLY, FOR SUCH POSITIONS. ACTUALLY REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS ARE IS NOT CLEAR WHAT LEAST OFFICIALLY, IT FOR EDITORS, AND, AT JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS THERE ARE HARDLY ANY EXCLUSION CRITERIA, SINCE THERE ARE NO
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 9 21 See 42 See 41 40 39 38 37 36 like treated any enterprise, being otherofbusiness kind to their newspaper were shareholders. sense,” and that company, in a private should have a say journalists only if they said that would this cessrespondents oftheir Three “make[s] appointment. no inthe pro voted said that wouldhave ifjournalists they more independence editors 12outof15 notexist, Even surveyed ed. does though such amechanism appoint to be editor-in-chief supposed were consulted whenanew was nalists that the jour service publicbroadcasting Itonlyinonesmalllocal itors. was for80 accounts .” owner’s percent interest Ifthepublic for20 [of accounts percent empty phrase. interest what done],the is can aboutbehindcare the publichide media They that would interest? a private .” interests to work on behalf of his owner dia Why “ added: also Theinterviewee fromtheme instructions clear The editorgets Noexist. way.ent. not Thatdoes think nomatterwhat about it.” they followed, demandbe policy which ligationeditorial orowners the theset tofulfil directors thatofthepublic with incides .” .” and sponsors by advertisers and/or in hidden indirect, ways by owners created policies the editorial ply with and you will be loyal be tomeand will and loyal you my co tothepublic interest totheextent are the ones tothank forthat.” are theones –editors thatdohaveintegrity forthemedia thesame goes fault oftheeditors; ,” oftheowner the interest says Vuković, editor. aformer whohimself is oftheowner, theinterest alwayscoincide closer to with was policy theeditorial time of thepublicwhen the interest every did not that confirms “My experience should says have Vuković. DragoljubDuško the the public, sameinterests as the attitude of Montenegrin editors is exactly the opposite: they equate media themedia equate attitude exactly they is the editors opposite: of Montenegrin
Interview with Dragoljub Duško Vuković, media analyst, Podgorica, 23 March 2016. Podgorica, Vuković, Dragoljub Duško with analyst, media Interview Contrary to the FrenchContrary objected Libération inwhich the journalists case , Podgorica, 23 dailyVijesti March editor-in-chief, 2016., Podgorica, MihailoJovović, with Interview Interview with Rade Vojvodić, Rade with General,RTCG Director Interview 15 March 2016. Council, Vujović,Written Self-Regulation Ranko with Media executive secretary, interview 23 March 2016. Podgorica, Vuković, DragoljubDuško with analyst, media Interview 16 March 2016. Written Jadranka with Vojvodić, Director, Deputy interview Media, for Electronic Agency . Accessed 31france March 2016. It appears to me more like a sort of clientelism: I give you anice check you pay Igive tomemorelike ofclientelism: “It appears asort No private media owner is going is toappoint an independ owner editor who is “No media private fully is nooutlet is the editorwhere He or ob “There an independent. she has “Most primarily the in and is have nointegrity, Montenegro this ofthemedia In such circumstances the journalists have nosay the intheIn such journalists appointment circumstances ofed founders have i.e.media aninterest money, inmaking buteditors Owners, “The role sadly,and influence aredominant, but, of editors mostly com they http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014 37
36 38
40 /feb/09/liberation-journalists-shareholders 39 , Podgorica, 31 March 2016., Podgorica, 41 42 -------
“MY EXPERIENCE OWNER,” SAYS VUKOVIĆ. THE INTEREST OF THE ALWAYS CLOSER TO EDITORIAL POLICY WAS THE OWNER, THE THE INTEREST OF NOT COINCIDE WITH THE PUBLIC DID THE INTEREST OF EVERY TIME WHEN CONFIRMS THAT
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 10 21 is even wider. even is cent of alleditors, 10 about included per status ofjournalists onthe social ple inthesurvey OSCE outlet. organisations media andoneinaprivate casting broad month. four workservice than of inpublic 1,000europer those Three are have incomes. negotiable, fixed Four of salaries them less receive whose 1,000to from 3,000euro. Allofthem, the with exception ranged aries oftwo, ro. According to the same thesurvey, average 470 is monthly pay of journalists eu contracts. havely 75 open-ended sector inthe percent media ofemployees 46 45 44 43 tobelong any international organisations. Yet, them together, bringing there noorganisation is orassociation nordothey in advance. determined for had been their dismissal theand reasons procedure Onlyhalfof them said that in and obligations arecontracts. notclearly defined andtheir rights theoftheir notset, length mandates is cases, Inmost tions. inthe media. underlined to be “public interest” needs underestimated,andthe should notionof notto process be decision-making However, inthe the role orservices. ofemployees to otheroutlets businesses what editors earn per month. per Nineoutof15 saidthatwhat earn editors editors their monthly sal Democracy andHuman ( Rights Democracy Allothers said thatcontract. aretheir open-ended. contracts had afixed-term saidthat they participants are inasafe editors survey, place. Onlytwosurvey
44 When appointed, editors face no precisely defined regulations or restric regulations defined facenoprecisely editors When appointed, November 2014.November Available http://www.osce.org/montenegro/ at: 135551 , to Mission MontenegroOSCE andCEDEM and“improper.”Two “indiscreet” saying it was this question, to answer refused editors November 2014.November Available http://www.osce.org/montenegro/ at: 135551 , to Mission MontenegroOSCE andCEDEM ofthe Trade amember saidhe/sheOnly onerespondent was Union ofMedia. for i.e.theall sameas othersaid that employees. their were contracts type, ofastandard Theothers out. set precisely that hadbeen the to conditions dismissal their leading eventual different said somewhat Eight whenit of procedure. the to comes respondents the dismissal Thesituation is in the 15) defined contracts. and obligations were precisely saidtheir rights occasions. on several renewed the havees contracts been cas several butin years, from 2 to5 vary Themandatessix of the remaining set. ficeis not (nine of 15) say participants that the of theirMore length in of terms than half of the survey A survey conducted a year andahalfagobythe OSCE Center ayear conducted for A survey With according work employment contract, and a permanent regular to our 4 ECONOMIC STATUS OF EDITORS: A SAFE PLACE Compared to the data from our survey of 15 editors, this is less than halfof less this is of15 editors, to Compared the oursurvey from data 46 suggests that the salary gap between editors and journalists and journalists editors gap between that the suggests salary CEDEM , in report Montenegro: ofjournalists status Social , in report Montenegro: ofjournalists status Social ), anNGO 43 , showed that, showed approximate Most of the respondents (13 of theMost of respondents 45 The fact fact that The the sam . Accessed 20 March . Accessed 20 2016. . Accessed 20 March . Accessed 20 2016. ------PLACE. EDITORS ARE IN A SAFE TO OUR SURVEY, CONTRACT, ACCORDING PERMANENT WORK EMPLOYMENT AND A WITH REGULAR
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 11 21 working for a company that might be considered a rival. Under special circum working for acompany Under that special considered arival. might be 49 48 47 definitelyusuallywith theprogramme –they do–but I am notthrilled money think many how to whomake so. I know they know people or at least gramme, and howtomake howtomake who know money apro multi-talented people, taneously. There “Maybe onthecharacterare involved. itdepends oftheperson er,” says Vuković. me.’ To separated. have to be I think positions these put it simply healthi – it is loyalbe tothepublic,’ ‘Wait, says loyal tobe to your director theowner half has itor-in-chief/director. Iwantis public to interest. Iftheeditor-in-chief ‘This says ‘schizophrenic’ tocontrolthis “In manner easier this itis ness. ofed personality overthe interest thatensures ofthe thenotprevail busi publicinterest does outlets. ofmedia anddirectors editors both are participants Four arewhile survey other dangers not recognised. potential outlet, working for another as media understood Ingeneral,itis problematic. is perception But ofwhat ofinterest. the a flict of conflict actually interest entails company,work for arival ofthem have butmost noother restrictions. on doinclude restrictions byeditors signed contracts most In allother media, the interests notharm ofRTCG may another ifitdoes they take job stances, concerning other jobs. ing restrictions buthave noincome that from work, source. holdshares inthe company saidthey respondents where they come. Several only source ofincome. have Four other sources ofin occasionally respondents their is editors receiveas they the salary 70some percent ofthe respondents, event in the the bonuses company a contract has defining profit. his makes For Onlyoneeditor, bythe contracts. anteed at whois the sametimeadirector, per se. They say restrictions should be madeonlyif that sayshould would constitute They restrictions se. a con per problematic anotheras job taking donotsee editors 40 percent ofthe surveyed editor, is also sceptical that these two functions can be performed well simul editor, performed be can that twofunctions sceptical these also is employees. the ofmedia rest way as that are inthe the bythe nottreated same itseems editors for owners months, that ofthe are delayed fact inmany payments late, orhave outlets In view been
Media analyst Dragoljub Duško Vuković DragoljubDuško analyst Media says that such anarrangement The Interview with Dragoljub Duško Vuković, media analyst, Podgorica, 23 March 2016. Podgorica, Vuković, Dragoljub Duško with analyst, media Interview 2016.. Accessed 22February p.5. Available http://www.rtcg.me/rtcg/organizacija.html at: pacity ofeditor,pacity approval for that andonesaidthat bythecompany. hewouldneed “mother” Four ofthem saidthat their- contract another whilein the job ca them prohibited taking from Ten any regarding taking other jobs. hadnorestrictions saidthey participants of15 survey JP Darko Šuković, who is the owner of the outlet where he also works as an as ofthe works the outletwhere whois owner healso Darko Šuković, none thatguar areat least no additional benefits, bring contracts Editorial With two exceptions, said thatthe were regularly. editors paid their salaries Radio iTelevizija Radio RTCG andSavjet Gore Crne RTCG Code ofEthics oneofthe Code is rare publicly available statutes defin 49 47
RTCG , Etički kodeks Radija iTelevizije Radija , Etički kodeks Gore, Crne employees are from prohibited employees 48 Some Some ------. MEDIA EMPLOYEES. WAY AS THE REST OF OWNERS IN THE SAME NOT TREATED BY THE THAT THE EDITORS ARE FOR MONTHS, IT SEEMS OR HAVE BEEN DELAYED PAYMENTS ARE LATE, THAT IN MANY OUTLETS IN VIEW OF THE FACT WERE PAID REGULARLY. THAT THEIR SALARIES THE EDITORS SAID
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 12 21 54 53 52 51 editors are party members, but if it were public, or if editors at least went pub at or ifeditors least but if it were public, members, are party editors whether certainty towith know notpossible itis so notpublic, is membership of 15 respondents claim that they have never been influenced by anyone influenced or of 15 been claim that have they respondents never 50 .” political agenda a hard-core is media have inwhat you the key is no journalism there: There interpretation. linesconstitute and-a-half will one- item, offour that lines in anews He “in established ourŠuković. media, notaproblem, is says Darko in Montenegro. Pro orcontra policy acertain onthe matter. view a unanimous existed never profiling has Subtle media have the pro- editors oranti- as government, perceived outlet is er amedia to an extent by politics of wheth concern. are thatdia edited Regardless raises NGO leadership, atrade ofaparty, union, amember an oraparty editor-in-chief is audience that the media should of the fact important that an informed it is be butIthink prohibit can want it, “No thatifthey law, orlegislation code believes. thelic about matter, halfthe Vuković itwouldsolve problem, DragoljubDuško directly. inpolitics part take Rarely doeditors oreditors. nalists ,”ing money Šukovićsaid. and of I makthink programming is the solepurpose that this prepare, with they product is bad journalism,” bad product is Vuković. concluded is unhealthy That your in andthe offloan. ordertopay work forasmall salary generally haveentirely different relations. you haveto and You haveamortgage, who sharedpeople thesame clear anti-war attitude,” VukovićToday “ says. you by established policy, it was to set an much editorial and because easier it was in to make journalism, money time era that then no one expected journalism is withthe thatdifference compared oftwenty ago.“Thebiggest years 1990 war- Parliament so long ago that they are no longer perceived by the public as jour Parliament bythe longagothat publicas are so nolongerperceived they ofthem entered Some amongjournalists. popular aprofessionnotvery is as
23 March 2016. Interview with Dragoljub Duško Vuković, media analyst, Podgorica, 23 March 2016. Podgorica, Vuković, Dragoljub Duško with analyst, media Interview 23 March 2016. Interview with Darko Šuković, owner and editor-in-chief, owner Darko with Šuković, Interview studies section. More inthe Case rare examples atOne ofthose executive former editor the is Vijesti daily Rudović. , Neđeljko 23 March 2016. Podgorica, Vuković, DragoljubDuško with analyst, media Interview Interview with Darko Šuković, owner and editor-in-chief, owner Darko with Šuković, Interview Although officially or openly the editors are not political activists, the me activists, editors political openlyare not the or Although officially with ofeditors compared the current position ofourrespondents Some Even though it is undoubtedly more lucrative than journalism, politics Even politics more lucrative undoubtedly than though itis journalism, 5 POLITICS VS. JOURNALISM ,”, orotherorganisations Vuković says. 50 53 51 , Podgorica, AntenaRadio M, Podgorica, , Podgorica, AntenaRadio M, Podgorica, 52 Political party Political party 54 Yet nine out - - - - -
CONCERN. EXTENT THAT RAISES BY POLITICS TO AN THE MEDIA ARE EDITED POLITICAL ACTIVISTS, EDITORS ARE NOT OR OPENLY THE ALTHOUGH OFFICIALLY DIRECTLY. TAKE PART IN POLITICS RARELY DO EDITORS
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 13 21 60 59 58 57 56 55 onthe is rise, criteria onnoclear based ofpublicfunds whilethetising spending onadver that less the with fact companies combined spend andthat this, bases on different outlets are wherebyto media funds transferred tive publicfinancing, appropriate market through and pressureselec on thenon-transparent media ,” media pendent says Jovović. isto inde suffocate now Theonly purpose fulfilled. be ofadvertising purpose biddershould and where thevery win thus thebest call tenders that, ance with public in should as procurement and, accord advertising tutions understand ,” authorities in bystate advertising shouldmedia privileged be says Đurović. which pluralism media forthose workinmedia Such thepublic funds, interest. the via stronger “Thestate shouldsupport, provide Đurović. Goran member toimprove is in theconditions whicheditors operate,” media says RTCG have notalways lic interest priority. does “Theonly way of to improve thestatus the pub struggle Insuch aruthless inthe market. for survival to struggle left are andtheir editors the media Insuch circumstances, pressure orthreats. ical .” media than inpendent those private here[RTCG sionalism Editors and independence. at but thatcase is not the this policies, preferencesical doinfluenceeditorial the journalism, says that Antena labelling pro-government those “have Mas noclue” about to the adhering “it’s-not-us-it’s-them” of everyone a case philosophy. Šuković are as then perceived media It didnotsubmitto rather it. is they difficulttounderstand sured, why the to changepressured their professional attitude, were pres ifthey andthat even by which private media. And then those editors speak as if they inventedprofes ifthey as speak And editors thenthose by which media. private Vojvodić, represented clear is which “Itis stand: asimilar political party holds government, media outlets may be and are exposed to financial, legal andphys legal to financial, mayandare exposed outlets be media government, State insti “State the government. onwhetherornotyoucriticise depend privileges butVijesti media, There are privileged reached 2.1millioneuro. reached in shows Montenegro? thatmedia sector 2014 in the media public spending Ibid.
Vijesti. , Podgorica, 23 dailyVijesti March editor-in-chief, 2016., Podgorica, MihailoJovović, with Interview org/2015/12/cgo-cce-jednake-sanse-za-sve-medije-u-cg.pdf. Accessed 1April 2016. org/2015/12/cgo-cce-jednake-sanse-za-sve-medije-u-cg.pdf. 2014 za , 2015. Available http://media.cgo-cce. izvještaj Godišnji at: Gori? medije vCrnoj Centre Education, Jednake sve for Civic See za šanse to data the researchers. the requested inthe provided research included percent bodies (226)ofthe 342 publicsector Sixty-six RTCG Đurović, Written Goran with interview Interview with Rade Vojvodić, Rade with General,RTCG Director Interview 23 dailyVijesti March editor-in-chief, 2016., Podgorica, MihailoJovović, with Interview Depending on whether their editorial policy is perceived as pro- oranti- as perceived is policy onwhether their editorial Depending Equal opportunities forall A study bythe opportunities Centre Equal Education titled for Civic 56 Montenegro’s broadcaster’s Rade General Director public service 55 andVijesti editor-in-chief says MihailoJovović that polit editors’ 60 The report points out points that the government in exerts The report PR 59
agents for certain political agendas, if it is not if it is agendas, political for agents certain 57 editor Mihailo Jovović claimsthat MihailoJovović editor the Council member, Council 18 March 2016. public service] are moreinde publicservice] , Podgorica, 31 March 2016., Podgorica, Council Council 58 ------
“THE ONLY WAY GORAN ĐUROVIĆ. RTCG COUNCIL MEMBER MEDIA OPERATE,” SAYS CONDITIONS IN WHICH IS TO IMPROVE THE STATUS OF EDITORS TO IMPROVE THE
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 14 21 61 driver, and his son his or ofPodgorica, not claims that inmany police cases ,” checks and agency haveundergone Nationalcords security says Marković. re secret though havetheright toaccess all even tion, Commission members informa ofprotecting personal under theexcuse data tothe relevant access us to allow who refuse police, tion. “Themain bythe is the problemobstruction at were theSoftić) granted, Commission’s insistence, protec around-the-clock (Tufik involved (the attack Nikčević), whileothersolved onLidija journalists some of andthemhavebeen onall the first time database attacks, thereis a made:for the being contributed toprogress some the has Commission lieves one.He be but a permanent that aninterim body itshouldsuggests notbe editor-in-chief president, in this round, its ofthe Dan daily year.last onextending the talks Commission’s facilitating is TheOSCE but term, inDecember term one-year second its ended property onmedia and attacks murders ofjournalists journalists, against ofthreats andviolence tigating cases in theoffice?” more people hadgoneoffatthatmomentor any other ifagrenade when therewere What panes… therewerenowindow because forameeting in ourwe gathered coats, aware what might “Ibecame only after,offices: theday havehappened when ago,whenthe went handgrenade overtwoyears offin daily’sthe ly the night, .” onthis progress ited However, behind those theattacks. butalso lim perpetrators therewas material including murder notonly the the2004 ofan editor-in-chief, andcases, identify are ongoing Workhearings foranother tocontinue three. tosolveolder needs and violence wereconcludedperiod of in therecent cases “Three out: points onMontenegro for 2015 TheEUReport lives. threats endanger butphysical dia, regulated. which amendments aimto have prepared ganisation ofpublicspending this area or constitutes censorship concealed inMontenegro.society That is why civil this 64 63 62 conducted in a proper manner. inaproper conducted view, inhis not the investigation was because, that onlylogical, this is believes Jovović, who himself was also the victim of a physical attack ofaphysical the may byaformer victim also whohimself was Jovović, of 15 survey participants say they have never been taken to court. to taken court. been say have they never participants of 15 survey Onthe pressure hardly is other overly hand,legal common: 11 out still pending. See See
The Commission The Commission to monitor the work of the competent in inves authorities , Podgorica, 23 dailyVijesti March editor-in-chief, 2016., Podgorica, MihailoJovović, with Interview 20151110 /2015 2015.November Available http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents at: 2015, 10 Montenegro Report working document: Commission staff European Commission, journalists and attacks on media property, onmedia andattacks Dan ofdaily editor-in-chief journalists murders of journalists, against ofthreats andviolence tent authorities ininvestigating cases to Comission monitor theWritten Nikola Marković, work with of the compe- interview Financial and legal pressures seriously impact the operation of news me the ofnews impact operation seriously Financial pressures andlegal http://media.cgo-cce.org/2016 61 Accessed 31 March 2016._report_montenegro.pdf. These amendments, as with all other media legislation proposals, are are proposals, legislation with allotheras media amendments, These 62
Vijesti editor-in-chief clear remembers MihailoJovović 63 Two later, years Jovović there stillnofinal verdict. is . Accessed 31 March 2016./03/set-amandmana.pdf , NikolaMarković , 4April 2016. 64 ------/
“I THINK THAT BY NOT MARKOVIĆ. BEEN SOLVED,” SAYS CASES HAVE NOT BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS IS ENDANGERED ATTACKS. OUR SECURITY ENCOURAGES NEW IMPUNITY AND THE STATE PROMOTES ON OUR COLLEAGUES, SOLVING THE ATTACKS ENDANGER LIVES. PHYSICAL THREATS OF NEWS MEDIA, BUT IMPACT THE OPERATION PRESSURES SERIOUSLY FINANCIAL AND LEGAL
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 15 21 See 68 See 67 66 65 and lawyers tochange something. tried nothaving Doctors, years in afew gret and attracted didn’t memuch thatpolitics more, “Irealised wantitics: tore pol well, hechose donotmix andjournalism politics andbecause something, to change Rudović for explains trying motives private that hehadpersonal, movement ofthe URA Civic amember came and organisations. were by many condemned individuals and the reports decision, by a court ited prohib was ofthe paper issues ofsome Distribution activist. involving anNGO ly On the Uskoković, othereditor-in-chief hand, Novak of the dai forism politics. of editor The former executive work. whereolence they and thepressure against media or vi publicattention.dom get involves politics, do,the usually publicity Ifthey ” saysno proof… Jovović. thatshe atall, attacked hadmadethewhole thingbeen up, absolutely and with daily bythe Pobjeda cified in favour, his cru reported she was Lakić, onOlja oftheattack and in thecase media thepro-government and companions, his mayorofPodgorica the former by attacked Iwas didn’t When ernment, what call metoask hadhappened. even ,” solved have notbeen es says Marković. manner. inaproper conducted have notbeen journalists Yet,able case. to any solve criminal somehow, on investigations ofassaults are competentinvolving the government and,whenwilling, have proven very seems to illustrate muchseems aneditor’s better role “independence.” andhis/her media in Montenegro, probably as a result of the division into pro- and of inthe division a result anti-gov probably Montenegro, media as the other, community, ofthe didthe most so media from “People claims. Jovović encourages new attacks. Our security is endangered because the previous cas theprevious because endangered is security Our attacks. encourages new impunity promotes and thestate onour colleagues, theattacks by notsolving
, got into the spotlight after a series of reports on a scandal allegedly allegedly onascandal ofreports Informer, gotinto aseries the after spotlight /7 23 dailyVijesti March editor-in-chief, 2016., Podgorica, MihailoJovović, with Interview Rudović left his position on31 August 2015, position his Rudović andthe month left following be , Podgorica, 23 dailyVijesti March editor-in-chief, 2016., Podgorica, MihailoJovović, with Interview journalists and attacks on media property, onmedia andattacks Dan ofdaily editor-in-chief journalists murders of journalists, against ofthreats andviolence tent authorities ininvestigating cases to Comission monitor theWritten Nikola Marković, work with of the compe- interview Editors, even editors-in-chief, are rarely recognisable public figures and sel and are public figures rarely editors-in-chief, recognisable even Editors, 6 This kind of attitudeThis unsafe.is “Ithink exactly whatjournalism makes that CASE STUDIES gg http://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/sud-u-podgorici-zabranio-odredene-brojeve-infor vhqr , Neđeljko Rudović is one of the rare journalists who left journal who left Vijesti one of Rudovićthe, Neđeljko is rare journalists . Accessed 1May 2016. 68 Yet involving the another case court 67 on a daily basis. They kept reporting that kept reporting she hadn’t They on adaily basis. 66 On one side, the state failed, and,on Onone side, the state failed, and its coordinating committee. andits Informer and Uskoković 65
, 4April 2016. mera ------ WORK. MEDIA WHERE THEY PRESSURE AGAINST THE OR VIOLENCE AND INVOLVES POLITICS, THE PUBLICITY USUALLY ATTENTION. IF THEY DO, SELDOM GET PUBLIC PUBLIC FIGURES AND RARELY RECOGNISABLE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF, ARE EDITORS, EVEN
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 16 21 interest. Accordinginterest. subjectswhich those to re him,“Ihavealways emphasised job but didn’t thateditorial they his influenced the public affect views political 71 70 69 claims Uskoković. in printing Podgorica,” thepaper since especially westarted lute independence, Now, place inMontenegro. the takes entire “We process production haveabso claimsthatless Informer DPSparty, ofthe ruling butUskoković the purposes neverthe tabloid serving a as criticised been often TheInformer has andstatus ofeditors. independence fice ofpaper’sthe the mothertells volumes about companyis headquartered, of where the editorial put up in Belgrade, was found the himself headline after editor-in-chief The situation inwhich anddirector as anewspaper Uskoković toback Montenegro. and then distributed in Montenegro, in Serbia, printed ed .” that should understood be is something “This andjournalism: activism regardingpolitical the rules scribe .”which Ifound astepforward tobe that Rudović should thinks nocode pre all decisions Ihavesupported government in and, line that, with preferences, ty Ihadnopar decisions. mistaken and thenature government its ofthis vealed mine and putmy only source.” ofincome atrisk butIhadtoleave toenterpolitics, donotabandon their professions professors editors could have sought protection of their role through self-regulatory couldeditors have of their role protection sought through self-regulatory rights, work orlegal inpractice. Forgotten duties nospecial with bythe laws, not ofthe profession andindependence does themeant to freedom safeguard framework legal role. The media in Montenegro play editors onlyasupporting Uskoković should pay edit At point 3,000 euro in fines. that the Informer was that to inPodgorica rule Court for the Basic the reason was minority Albanian 2014. connotations negative with regarding the A headline in October Belgrade in andAlbania celebrated Serbia Albanians match afootball following between the the media is actually allowed to edit reports or parts thereof. orparts reports to edit allowed actually is the media to pay attention failed has the outside that saidheadline, to the fact someone the daily. professional Onthe andlay, both other hand,the public, discussing
Ibid. March 2016. andeditor-in-chief, Uskoković, director Written Novak Informer with , 17 daily interview movement URA ofcoordinating committee member ofCivic Rudović, Written Neđeljko with interview Although the role of editor should be crucial in defending media integrity, indefending media crucial Although the should role be ofeditor 7 At the endof2014a against thelawsuit Office filed ofState the Prosecutor CONCLUSIONS Informer editor-in-chief Uskoković Novak onhowthe for this daily’s reports , former executive editor of daily Vijesti ofdaily executive, former editor , 23 March 2016. 71 Apparently, circulation of notinfluenced the has this case CG 70 and he personally arebyanyone. notinfluenced andhepersonally 69 Rudović is confident Rudović is that his ------
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 17 21
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Media Observatory, its its Observatory, Media . overview.pdf ------SOLE INTEREST. PROFIT IS NOT THEIR COMPANIES, ENSURING WORK IN PRIVATE THAT, ALTHOUGH THEY OF THEM UNDERSTAND APPARENTLY VERY FEW IS IMPORTANT, BUT THAT THEIR ROLE EDITORS DO PERCEIVE MECHANISMS. SELF-REGULATORY THEIR ROLE THROUGH PROTECTION OF COULD HAVE SOUGHT RIGHTS, EDITORS DUTIES OR LEGAL LAWS, WITH NO SPECIAL FORGOTTEN BY THE
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MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 19 21 European Commission, Commission European Commission, Law, Media Electronic 2010, andsubsequent Centre Education, Jednake for Civic za šanse - iz ), Prijedlog Human Action (HRA Rights Services, onPublicBroadcasting Law JP Radio iTelevizija Radio andSavjet Gore Crne 2015 ments/ - ropa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_docu 2015. Available- http://ec.eu at: 10 November 2015, Brussels, Report Montenegro working document: staff id=26. Accessed 19 2016. February 48&Item- man&task=cat_view&gid= ardcg.org/index.php?option=com_doc http://www.modifications. Available at: . Accessed 1April 2016. -cg.pdf - cgo-cce-jednake-sanse-za-sve-medije-u http://media.cgo-cce.org/2015 at: 2015. 2014 za Availableštaj , Podgorica, - izvje Godišnji Gori? sve medije vCrnoj jun-2015 Radne-grupe-Akcije-za-ljudska-prava- tion.org/wp-content/uploads/Predlog- 2016.Accessed 22February . www.rtcg.me/rtcg/organizacija.html p.5.Available Gore, Crne http:// at: RTCG Accessed 31 March 2016.gro.pdf. 2015, p.2.Available http://www.hrac at: omedijima, mjena idopunaZakona 19 2016. February 48&Itemid=26. Accessed cat_view&gid= - dex.php?option=com_docman&task= Available http://www.ardcg.org/in- at: modifications. andsubsequent 2008, BIBLIOGRAPHY , Etički kodeks Radija iTelevizije Radija , Etički kodeks Accessed 20 March Accessed20 2016..pdf. /20151110 - _report_montene /12 - - http://media.cgo-cce.org/2016 - http://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/sud-u-pod 219035 http://portalanalitika.me/clanak/ http://medijskisavjet.me/index.php/ http://mediaobservatory.net/sites/default/ to Mission MontenegroOSCE andCenter Law,Media 2002, andsubsequent http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014 125717/ http://www.rtcg.me/vijesti/drustvo/ dmana.pdf. A dmana.pdf. mera/7ggvhqr gorici-zabranio-odredene-brojeve-infor 135551tenegro/ Available http://www.osce.org/mon at: - 2014., November report Montenegro: nara-crne-gore. Accessed 2Aprilnara-crne-gore. 2016. - jene-i-dopune-kodeksa-novi - aktuelnosti/10-usvojene-izm 1 May 2016. 20 files/regional% ( andHuman Rights for Democracy 19 2016. February 48&Itemid= 26. Accessed view&gid= tion=com_docman&task=cat_ - www.ardcg.org/index.php?op Available http://amendments. at: Accessed 19 April 2016. radojka-rutovic-podnijela-ostavku.html. 29 April 2016. tovic-ili-urednickog-tima-rtcg - zahtjev-opozicije-dovoljna-ostavka-ru . Accessed 31 Marchers-france 2016. feb/ CEDEM - 09/liberation-journalists-sharehold Social status of journalists in ofjournalists status ), Social ccessed 31 Marchccessed 2016. . Accessed 1May 2016. . Accessed 20 March. Accessed 20 2016. . Accessed overview.pdf /03/set-aman- . Accessed / / -
MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN MONTENEGRO DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PROFESSION 20 21 Goran Đurović, RTCG Đurović, Goran Neđeljko Rudović, member ofcoordinat member Rudović, Neđeljko Human Rights activist, Radović, Mirjana to Comission monitor the Nikola Marković, Vijesti daily editor-in-chief, , Mihailo Jovović, DANIELA VRANKOVIĆ Institute, a partner organisationInstitute, inthe SEE apartner bythe Montenegro Media Vranković engaged aresearcher as contributed this report andfinance. inbusiness specialising andthe media outlets for acorrespondent local as works Sheoccasionally the profession in2015 business. to ofasmallfamily care take (staying the longest at TV indifferent outlets ajournalist media as years having for ten worked nearly After UniversityFaculty ofBelgrade. ofPolitical Sciences, Action, interview, 22March written 2016. view, 4April 2016. tor-in-chief Dan ofdaily property,- onmedia andattacks edi ists murders- ofjournal journalists, against ofthreats andviolence cases vestigating work ofthe competent authorities in- 23 March 2016.Podgorica, ten interview, 18 March 2016. written interview, 23written March 2016. Vijesti ofdaily executiveformer editor , movementing committee URA ofCivic LIST OF INTERVIEWS AUTHOR Council member, Council writ holds a degree in journalism andcommunication the studies from injournalism adegree holds , written inter, written - - , - Media Observatory. Media Rade Vojvodić,Rade General,RTCG Director Jadranka Vojvodić, Director, Deputy Agency andeditor-in-chief, owner Darko Radio Šuković, General,Media Director Rutović, Željko - andedi Uskoković, director Novak Vuković,Dragoljub Duško analyst, media Vujović, Ranko Media executive secretary, 16 March 2016. interview, written Media, for Electronic 23Antena March 2016. M,Podgorica, interview, 25 March 2016. ofCulture, written Directorate, Ministry terview, 17terview, March 2016. tor-in-chief, in- Informer, written daily 23 March 2016.Podgorica, view, 15 March 2016. inter written Council, Self-Regulation 31 March 2016.Podgorica, Vijesti ), she left , -
AUTHOR Daniela Vranković EDITOR Brankica Petković THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN ASSISTANT EDITOR Saša Panić LANGUAGE EDITORS MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION Malena Selić and Amy Kennedy PUBLISHER Peace This report has been produced with the financial assistance IN MONTENEGRO Institute, Institute for Contemporary Social and Political of the European Union. The contents of the report are the The report has been produced Studies, Metelkova 6, SI–1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, sole responsibility of the Peace Institute and the author, and within the project South East DIVIDED TO THE DETRIMENT