Welcome to the Montenegrin media ring where freedom of expression turns into a carousel of disinformation, and media pluralism hangs by a thread! According to the latest report by the Media Pluralism Monitor (MPM) of the European Union, Montenegro stands at a dangerous crossroads – while major commercial media sink into unbalanced reporting and political manipulation, the national public broadcaster RTCG shows signs of progress. But is that enough to save democracy?
Media Freedom Put to the Test
The report, signed by experts from various countries including Tijana Blagojev, Konrad Blejersimon, and others, clearly indicates that the role of independent journalism in maintaining transparency and accountability is increasingly undermined. Campaigns of disinformation, political manipulations, and widespread distrust cast a shadow over media pluralism, which is the backbone of democratic society.
Private Media – The Main Culprits?
While national public media like RTCG strive to improve their reporting, major commercial media in Montenegro continue to dominate with unbalanced and biased content. The report highlights that unbalanced reporting is more visible in private media houses, which often favor political elites and neglect objectivity.
Legal Changes – A Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Montenegro has adopted a new set of media laws, including the Media Law, Audiovisual Media Services Law, and the Law on the Public Broadcaster RTCG, aiming to align with EU legal acquis. These reforms aim to enhance media independence and regulatory authorities, but the report warns that practical implementation is still uncertain.
Election Year and Political Bias
The election year brought additional challenges – systematic bias and greater representation of ruling parties were observed in all EU candidate countries, including Montenegro. Despite regulations intended to ensure balanced reporting, political influences continue to shape media content.
Women and Journalists Under Threat
The report particularly emphasizes that women in media, as well as journalists, are often exposed to threats and harassment, further endangering freedom of expression. Cases of illegal surveillance of journalists have been recorded, which is an alarming signal for democracy.
Fight Against Hate Speech and Disinformation – Still in Early Stages
Although Montenegro’s media strategy foresees combating hate speech, online harassment, and disinformation, its implementation has not yet started. This leaves room for further spread of fake news and intolerance.
What Do the Numbers Say?
According to the MPM monitor, Montenegro is rated as a country with a medium-high risk regarding media pluralism, better than Turkey, Serbia, and Albania, which are at high risk. However, this does not mean the situation is without problems – challenges are numerous and complex.
Conclusion – Democracy at a Crossroads
Media freedom and pluralism are not just aspirations but fundamental prerequisites for the functioning of democratic society. Their erosion diminishes the public’s ability to make informed decisions and hold political and economic power accountable. The future of European democracy in Montenegro depends on developing a resilient, independent media ecosystem capable of adapting to changes in technological and socio-political conditions.
So, while private media continue to play with fire, the public broadcaster tries to put out the blaze. Will Montenegro manage to preserve media freedom, or will it drown in a sea of disinformation? Share your thoughts – do you believe the new laws will bring real change, or is this just another show for the public? Who do you think is the main culprit for the media chaos? Let’s stir the pot a bit in the comments because boredom has no place here!
