Media in Montenegro: Truth or Media Extortion?
Welcome to the world of Montenegrin media, where truth and interests walk hand in hand, often wrapped in manipulation and extortion! Did you know that the power of media in Montenegro is not just about delivering news, but about shaping reality to fit the interests of the powerful? Yes, you read that right – media has become a tool for controlling public opinion, not an objective reporter.
Power and Manipulation: Who Holds the Strings?
Since the establishment of the first private media outlets, the scene in Montenegro has been influenced by political and interest groups. The two most influential private media, “Vijesti” and “Dan,” were founded with clear political goals. “Vijesti” supported the ruling structure of Milo Đukanović for ten years, while “Dan” was a sharp critic of the same regime, even with support from the state leadership in Belgrade.
But it’s not all black and white. “Vijesti” later became critics of DPS, giving space to the opposition – often for financial compensation. Is this still journalism or media extortion? Milan Knežević from ZBCG claims that paying media for favorable coverage became a practice, with amounts reaching hundreds of thousands of euros. Extortion? Looks like it.
Public Service Under Control?
The biggest public dissatisfaction is with the position of the public broadcaster RTCG, accused of selective reporting and ignoring professional standards. RTCG director Nikola Marković openly says political parties want to put media under their control, and journalist Dragoljub Vuković warns about the huge manipulative power of media.
Clientelism and Interest Groups
Media in Montenegro are not just information channels but a playground for clientelist relations. Whoever establishes a media outlet knows exactly why – to control content and shape public opinion in their favor. Journalist Predrag Zečević reminds that media abuse for party purposes has been evident for over 20 years.
Extortion as Normal Practice?
Milan Knežević gave a concrete example from 2022 when the owners of “Vijesti” allegedly tried to break the Democratic Front (DF), favoring certain political groups. Allegedly, paying media was a condition for a softer campaign against DF. Is this democracy or media mafia?
What’s Left for Us?
In a world where media serve the interests of the powerful, not the truth, objective journalism becomes a fight for survival. Will Montenegro ever have free and independent media? Or will we keep watching the truth being sold for hundreds of thousands of euros?
If you thought media are just sources of information, think again. In Montenegro, they are tools of power, extortion, and manipulation. And you? Have you already paid your media “bill”? Or do you have a favorite media “extortionist”? Share your thoughts, maybe together we can burst this media bubble!
