On the occasion of January 23, Journalists’ Day in Montenegro, the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) extends congratulations to media employees in Montenegro, hoping for improvements in their working conditions as well as in the general attitude towards journalism as a profession. The CCE also expresses deep concern over the persistent restrictive environment for media freedom, which negatively impacts broader democratic processes in society.
Throughout 2024, CCE recorded 16 attacks and threats directed at journalists and media outlets in Montenegro. The brutal attack on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković by businessman Zoran Bećirović, one of the most alarming recent examples of threats to journalists’ safety and the public’s right to information, shocked us all. As a reminder, the CCE recorded 16 such incidents in 2023, 19 in 2022, and 21 in 2021 against journalists and media houses in Montenegro. Additionally, the unresolved murder of Duško Jovanović, former editor-in-chief of the daily Dan, remains a burden and a warning sign. These alarming facts, given the country’s size, call for much more effective action by relevant institutions, including the strictest punishments for those who attack journalists, to send a clear message of zero tolerance for threats to media freedom.
Journalists are an essential part of any democratic society because they shape critically oriented public opinion. They must have a free environment to work without censorship or self-censorship caused by political and economic pressures, as well as adequate salaries and regulated working hours. It is deeply concerning that some local public broadcasters lack even basic equipment for daily operations or delay monthly salary payments, further complicating the work of employees in these media. Moreover, the sector-wide collective agreement for media workers has yet to be signed, leaving many journalists without adequate labour rights protections.
The situation at RTCG, particularly the attitude of the ruling majority, which ignores legally binding court rulings, confirming that the former-new general director had unlawfully held that position, and with a high likelihood that the same will be determined for the current mandate, sends a clear message that the authorities do not want a free and critically oriented public broadcaster.
The CCE also emphasizes the importance of respecting Montenegro Journalists’ Code of Ethics, as this is the only way to provide citizens with objective information and strengthen the integrity of the journalistic profession.
Finally, improving the state of the media sector requires a comprehensive approach. Hence, it is crucial to foster an environment that values investigative journalism, respects ethical standards of the profession and nurtures critical thinking, while also enhancing the economic stability of media outlets and improving working conditions for journalists.
Nikola Obradović, Programme Associate