OSCE Mission presents survey on media freedom in Montenegro
The findings of a survey on media freedom in Montenegro were presented at a roundtable event in Podgorica on 2 November 2011. The event was organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro in co-operation with the Culture Ministry and the non-governmental organization the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights.
The survey of journalists and editors was initiated by the OSCE Mission and conducted in co-operation with CEDEM. Its goal was to identify factors curbing media freedom, the parties responsible for violations and ways to improve the situation. One of the findings showed that most media professionals held a negative attitude about freedom of the media. Some 70% considered threats and assaults against journalists a serious problem.
Ambassador Šarunas Adomavičius, Head of the OSCE Mission, said that for media to conduct their tasks they “need to operate in an environment free from pressure”. He added that the decriminalization of defamation and insult in Montenegro was a “bold step” and called for the consistent implementation of the code of ethics.
Culture Minister Branislav Mićunović underlined the efforts made to promote freedom of information, as well as important steps taken to improve the media environment as part of the EU integration process.
Presenting the survey, Professor Milos Besic, from the University of Montenegro, who led the research team, said that the best measure to improve media freedoms, as identified by the journalists, would be a change in the law, making an assault on a journalist equal to an assault on a public official.
More than 60 representatives of state institutions, embassies, international organizations, civil society and media attended the event. Many stressed the value of the survey for triggering debate and encouraging further initiatives.
Adomavičius told participants that the OSCE Mission plans to support further research on the media situation in Montenegro.