RESEARCH MONTENEGRO: Weak Mechanisms and Outdated Code of Ethics

This research aims to create a better understanding of media self-regulatory mechanisms in Montenegrin media landscape.

The capacities of the existing self-regulatory mechanisms in Montenegro are limited and receive a small number of complaints. Although they strive to contribute to the promotion of ethical standards, the question is how effective are their decisions.

In recent years, the state has financially supported their work, and in the process of amending the media laws, it announced the introduction of an obligation for the media to develop self-regulatory mechanisms as a prerequisite for being able to apply for state funds.

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The lack of strong self-regulation is increasingly pronounced: the development of technology has changed the ways of communication, and Montenegro has faced continuous political and social crises characterised by prominent polarisation.

In such circumstances, self-regulatory bodies are additionally expected to contribute to greater respect for ethical standards and to help combat the spread of misinformation.

The Montenegro Media Institute decided to review the content of ethics documents and examine the need to improve the Journalistic Code of Montenegro in light of the challenges in the digital environment faced by the media. In addition, we researchers wanted to determine the structure and functioning of self-regulatory bodies in Montenegro and examine whether these mechanisms can adequately contribute to the fight against hate speech, propaganda and misinformation.

Funded by the European Union

The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.