Centre for Civic Education (CCE) expresses concern over the fact that, at the latest session of the Committee for Elections and Appointments of the Capital City of Podgorica, the list of candidates for members of the Council of RTV Podgorica was not established, leaving the selection process of the key governing body of this local public broadcaster unjustifiably without an institutional outcome.
Such an outcome further deepens concerns that the process was not conducted solely based on clearly defined and publicly verifiable criteria. It is indicative that candidate Nataša Nelević, who met all the requirements, as well as the non-governmental organisations that nominated her, including CCE, did not proceed to the next stage of mandate verification for membership in the Council of RTV Podgorica. This raises doubts that party interests prevailed over the principles of professionalism and public interest, although such procedures must be protected from partisan influence. Ultimately, this outcome undermines public trust and renders the purpose of the public call meaningless.
It is particularly concerning that, despite identified formal shortcomings in certain candidacies, those applications were not rejected, nor was a decision taken on candidates who undeniably meet the prescribed requirements. This represents a missed opportunity for decision-makers to demonstrate consistency in applying the criteria and to strengthen the integrity of the process.
The Council of RTV Podgorica represents a key mechanism for ensuring the independence of this public broadcaster. Its role in appointing and dismissing management, overseeing the legality of operations and adherence to professional standards, as well as in the strategic development of a media outlet financed by public funds, requires the selection of members based on competence, integrity, and legality.
CCE recalls that this case fits into a broader pattern of political capture of governing structures in the media sector. Similar institutional blockages have marked the process of appointing members of the Council of the Agency for Audiovisual and Media Services (AMU), which has also been noted by European partners, who have warned of the need for consistent implementation of media legislation.
The failure to establish the list of candidates without a clear and detailed explanation appears aimed at discouraging civil society organisations and other legitimate nominators from participating in processes that should strengthen public interest and pluralism. Consequently, the space for professional and independent governance of public media is further narrowed.
CCE calls on the President and councillors of the Assembly of the Capital City, as well as members of the Committee for Elections and Appointments, to ensure without further delay a lawful, transparent, and accountable procedure for the selection of members of the Council of RTV Podgorica, accompanied by a publicly available explanation based on criteria rather than political relations.
Should the public call be re-announced, CCE will support the same candidate, as she possesses the expertise and integrity required for the position, and representatives of political parties are obliged to respect the majority opinion of the civil sector and the references of candidates.
Nikola Obradović, Programme Associate