A televised debate hosted by the Montenegrin Public Service Broadcaster and supported by the OSCE Mission on 2 May 2016, ahead of World Press Freedom Day, raised on awareness about the threats to media freedoms and specific problems facing journalism as a profession.

Taking part in the debate were Nikola Markovic, Editor-in-Chief of daily Dan; Tufik Sofitc, Acting Director of Radio Berane, journalist of daily Vijesti and weekly Monitor, and currently under police protection; Ranko Vujovic, Executive Secretary of the Media Council for Self-Regulation ; Marijana Bojanic, Executive Director of Vijesti Television; and Drasko Djuranovic, Editor-in-Chief of the daily Pobjeda.

Among the issues highlighted were problems related to the polarized media industry in Montenegro, different pressures on journalists, state-financing subsidies and the media market, the social standing of journalists, and the lack of solidarity.

Panellists agreed that the amended Code of Ethics for media professionals is a major step forward which has improved co-operation among the media but the focus now should be on its implementation.

 “In order to achieve and practice the freedom of expression, it is necessary to have a strong and independent media, and in order to have that, it is essential to ensure their sustainability,” said Bojanic. 

The TV debate is available in the Montenegrin language.

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PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 3 May 2016 – Respectable standards of freedom of press have been achieved in Kosovo over the years, creating a vibrant and diverse media scene - but these efforts need to continue in order to address remaining challenges, said Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Jean-Claude Schlumberger today on World Press Freedom Day.

“Freedom of the media in Kosovo is periodically violated, when journalists face intimidation, threats and sometimes even physical attacks. There were 27 cases of violence against journalists in 2015 and at least five cases during the first quarter of 2016,” he said.

Ambassador Schlumberger called on the law enforcement structures and the institutions of justice to enhance the level of priority given to countering intimidation against journalists and reach tangible results in processing cases of violence against journalists without delay.  

“Unfettered and professional media are the cornerstone of democracy,” he said. “On this day, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo acknowledges the importance of the media for building a democratic society. We also take the opportunity to commend the hard work and dedication of many journalists in Kosovo who reflect the spirit and values of media freedoms and professionalism. At the same time, we call on all institutions to do their utmost to further the respect for press freedoms and the right of the public to be informed.”

Schlumberger urged media regulators to ensure a conducive media environment and follow up closely on any breaches of ethical codes of conduct by audio-visual, print, and online media.

“To mark World Press Freedom Day, the Mission will support three televised debates promoting freedom of expression and freedom of media, in Albanian and Serbian languages,” said Schlumberger.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. It is helping to safeguard the freedom of the media and freedom of expression and supports media development.

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Dewey Library - K3255.A958 2018