The main topic of the article is a critique of media reporting in Montenegro, particularly regarding the lawsuit of Andrej Vučić against the Podgorica-based Vijesti. The author highlights that independent journalism is increasingly becoming subservient not to the government but to foreign mentors and political-financial power centers. It is emphasized that criticism of the government is necessary, but crossing into demonization and satanization of the Serbian president’s family does not contribute to democratic dialogue; rather, it is a tabloid smear campaign with a predetermined political agenda. Journalists should be guardians of public interest, not executors of others’ political interests. Media ethics today is the cheapest commodity, often sacrificed for clicks and sensationalism.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the importance of independent journalism and the dangers of media manipulation by political and financial elites. They criticize the use of media to demonize political figures and their families, highlighting the need for ethical standards and protection of press freedom.
Center: Center-leaning sources focus on the balance between necessary government criticism and responsible journalism. They acknowledge the importance of media ethics and warn against sensationalism and personal attacks that undermine democratic discourse.
Right: Right-leaning media stress the problem of biased and hostile media targeting political figures and their families, framing such attacks as politically motivated and harmful to social cohesion. They call for respect for privacy and criticize the media for acting as political tools rather than impartial reporters.