Who’s Burning the Money? Montenegro’s Commercial Broadcasters on the Brink of Collapse!
Did you know that nearly one-third of commercial broadcasters in Montenegro are operating at a loss? Yes, you read that right – 28% ended their financial year in the red! While some boast revenue growth, total expenses are climbing even faster, with the sector’s net loss hitting a staggering 1.6 million euros.
Who Are the Biggest Losers?
Lipa Media d.o.o., Nova M d.o.o., and Adria TV d.o.o. together recorded a negative result of almost 2.6 million euros! Is this a sign that something is seriously wrong in Montenegro’s media sector?
Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Of course, not all is doom and gloom! TV Vijesti d.o.o. posted the highest profit with 0.3 million euros, while Lutrija Crne Gore a.d., AST d.o.o., and Jumedia Mont d.o.o. also reported significant profits. But can that cover the losses of the others?
Employees and Funds – Where’s the Problem?
The number of employees at broadcasters is slowly increasing, which is positive, but only 45% of broadcasters have accessed the Fund for Encouraging Pluralism and Media Diversity. Why such resistance to a fund that could help? Is it ignorance, inefficiency, or something else?
What Does This Mean for Us?
Media are the backbone of democracy, and when commercial broadcasters are sinking into losses, it could mean less quality content, less diversity, and more influence from powerful players. Will Montenegro allow the media space to become even narrower and more susceptible to manipulation?
Conclusion
This analysis by the Agency for Audiovisual Media reveals serious problems in the operation of commercial broadcasters. Revenue growth does not keep pace with rising expenses, and nearly a third of broadcasters are operating at a loss. Less than half of broadcasters use the pluralism fund, which is an alarming fact.
Is it time for serious reforms, or will we keep watching the media crumble? What do you think – is this the end of free and independent media in Montenegro? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll find a solution or at least a good joke about this mess!
