The analysis of the TV show “People and Events” highlights serious conceptual and editorial flaws – instead of fulfilling its educational and scientific role, the show is marked by political and ideological bias, selective presentation of information, promotion of revisionist interpretations, and marginalisation of Montenegrin identity. This raises concerns about the ability of the public service broadcaster RTCG to objectively inform and educate the public, according to the findings of the publication “TV show “People and Events” – An Analysis of (Un)fulfilled Public Service Standards of RTCG”, authored by Dr Adnan Prekić, and developed within the project “Media for Democracy – Strengthening the Independence of RTCG for the Future of Montenegro”, implemented by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The aim of the analysis was to assess the educational value of the content and its alignment with the standards of an educational-scientific programme, including the presence of politicisation, sensationalism and mythology. The research covered 2,431 posts focusing on historical events, personalities, and topics from culture, science, and sports. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to identify dominant narratives, highlighted or neglected topics, and accompanying interpretations. The results were classified into five thematic sections.
Of particular concern is the marginalisation of Montenegrin historical and cultural identity – of the total 2,431 posts in 2024, only 21% directly relate to topics connected to Montenegro. Some of the key events in Montenegrin history were omitted, such as the proclamation of Montenegro as a Kingdom, the battles of Carev Laz, Krusi, Vučji Do, and Fundina, the 1919 Christmas Uprising, the 1992 referendum on Montenegro’s state-legal status, the role of official Montenegro in the disintegration of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, as well as information on the legacy of the Duklja-Bar Archdiocese.
“Another problem in the presentation and interpretation of content lies in the selection of published materials, often based on half-truths and a selective display of facts, creating a distorted picture of historical events. For example, information about Montenegro’s most significant rulers is mostly incomplete, focusing on trivial and irrelevant details of their biographies, thereby preventing a comprehensive and contextualised view of their historical role and importance for Montenegrin tradition, culture, and history… Such selective treatment of formative events of Montenegrin history, heritage, and tradition remains a key shortcoming of the show’s content,” stated Dr Prekić.
The analysis also notes an approach of identity and cultural erasure of Montenegrin heritage, manifested also through the appropriation of figures from Montenegrin history and their positioning within the Serbian national and cultural space.
Equally controversial is the treatment of Montenegro’s anti-fascist heritage. The 13 July Uprising and the establishment of the Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Montenegro and Boka (ZAVNO), as historical milestones symbolizing resistance to fascism and the foundations of Montenegro’s modern statehood, are presented marginally, superficially, or omitted entirely, contributing to the trend of suppressing anti-fascism as a basis of Montenegrin modern history.
When it comes to the 1990s, instead of providing a comprehensive and historically responsible depiction of events that shaped the former Yugoslav states, a revisionist approach relativizes war crimes.
“The content of this show does not adequately explain the most significant events related to the legacy of the 1990s, and key events of that period in Montenegro are missing. This is a problematic choice, as dealing with the past is a key mechanism for building and improving a multicultural society, and ignoring these topics prevents an understanding of historical traumas and hinders the reconciliation process. It is inconceivable that the coverage of the 1990s legacy does not include a single word about the deportation of Bosnian refugees from Herceg Novi, the Morinj camp, the blockade of Pljevlja by paramilitary formations in August 1992, the crimes in Bukovica and Kaluđerski Laz. The only information from this period relates to the abduction in Štrpci, and even that is incomplete – it does not specify who stopped the train at the Štrpci station, under whose command the forces that committed the crime operated, how the victims’ lives died, and the outcome of the court proceedings regarding the crime in Štrpci “, explains Adnan Prekić.
A strong political and ideological influence on the information disseminated through this show is also evident in its treatment of neighbouring countries. For example, in reporting on Kosovo’s declaration of independence, the official name of the country – the Republic of Kosovo, under which it was recognized by Montenegro – is not used, instead referring to it as “the province of Kosovo and Metohija”. Moreover, every fifth piece of information about Croatia refers to the legacy of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). At the same time, none of 2,431 posts address the crimes of the Chetnik movement during World War II.
Regarding Ukraine, the show promotes pro-Russian imperialist propaganda. “In the broadcast from 18 March, the show refers to the alleged ‘reunification’ of Crimea with Russia, without explaining that this act was done in violation of all international laws and constitutes an aggression against a sovereign state. There is no mention of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2022, but the show’s authors openly promote a pro-Russian campaign that dehumanizes Ukraine and its people. For example, in the broadcast on 2 May, it was stated that ‘members of Ukrainian radical right-wing organizations’ caused a fire in Odessa in which ’48 pro-Russian demonstrators were killed and more than 200 injured.’ The political bias in this report leans on Russian propaganda portrayingUkrainians as right-wing extremists and fascists attacking peaceful demonstrators. The annexation of Crimea is presented as a legitimate act of reclaiming territory ‘which Khrushchev handed over to Ukraine in 1954,’ while the Ukrainian side is depicted as aggressive and extreme, and the Russians as victims“, points out Prekić.
The analysis of the show “People and Events” provides numerous examples of bias and the absence of broader context in addressing historically and politically sensitive topics, distorting the perception of the past. Moreover, content related to Montenegrin history, culture, and anti-fascist heritage is neglected, while particularly concerning are the politicised and revisionist interpretations of events from the 1990s in the former Yugoslavia and the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Therefore, this show fails to meet the basic standards of an educational-scientific programme, which requires accuracy, balance, and responsibility toward viewers.
The analysis also offers a set of constructive recommendations for how the show “People and Events” on RTCG could fulfill its educational role and contribute to the development of critical thinking. This includes mechanisms for professional and editorial oversight, with mandatory content reviews to ensure objectivity and quality. Additionally, RTCG must ensure greater representation of Montenegrin history and culture, professional and contextualised information selection, and a principled approach to anti-fascist heritage and events from the 1990s, so that it serves the public interest, rather than reproducing ideologically motivated constructions.
Nikola Obradović, Programme Associate