Since the current leadership took over, City RTV has seen a marked departure of journalists, who have been supplanted by individuals with prior affiliations to private media linked to the ruling parties.

This assertion was made by Miloš Mašković, president of the European Union Councilors’ Club in the Municipal Assembly (MA) of the Capital City of Podgorica, in a communication directed to the Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović.

In his letter, he pointed out that crucial positions within City RTV are currently filled by individuals lacking experience in television journalism, with some individuals even lacking the relevant educational background. According to Mašković, this situation contradicts the Rulebook on Systematization and Internal Organization of Jobs.

“There are signs suggesting possible misuse of resources at this media outlet, further questioning its capacity to deliver quality services to the citizens of Podgorica, as evidenced by recent actions initiated against the Local Public Broadcaster,” Mašković mentioned in his correspondence with Mujović.

He also informed the Mayor that he was reaching out in light of his requests for information from the local public broadcaster RTV Podgorica, submitted under reference number 02-016/24-859 on November 15, 2024, and urgent request number 24/859-6.12.2024 dated December 6, 2024.

“Despite my urgency in submitting these requests, I have yet to receive the information I sought. Therefore, I would appreciate your guidance on whether any measures have been or will be taken to ensure compliance with the Law on Local Self-Government, the Rules of Procedure of the Capital City Assembly, and to uphold transparency in the operations of this local public broadcaster. Your predecessor, Mayor Olivera Injac, did not adhere to Article 44 of the Rules of Procedure of the Capital City Assembly, which has hindered my ability to fulfill my role as a councilor effectively. RTV Podgorica, obligated to respond to the Capital City Assembly as its founder, has disregarded these duties, leading me to contact the Ministry of Public Administration to seek administrative oversight in the media outlet,” Mašković’s letter stated.

In his message to Mujović, he noted that even though the Capital City Assembly is both the founder and financier of RTV Podgorica, this media outlet has been uncooperative regarding his requests, claiming no obligation to abide by the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.

“Ironically, they had previously responded correctly to my questions, but now, amid inquiries into potential illegalities and abuses, they invoke claims of non-obligation. It’s vital to highlight that Article 12 of the Law on Local Self-Government asserts that the work of municipal authorities, local government bodies, and public services is public, while Article 6 guarantees citizens the right to be informed about the activities of the institutions they support financially. Additionally, Article 45 of the Statute of Capital City ensures councilors have the right to obtain the necessary information to execute their responsibilities, and Article 44 outlines how this right is put into practice,” Mašković’s letter to Mujović elaborated.

He expressed his expectation for Mujović to act promptly in this matter, “to ensure adherence to the laws and regulations governing transparency within the institutions of the Capital.”

“The management’s lack of accountability at RTV Podgorica, their deliberate neglect of legal responsibilities, and refusal to furnish information deemed of public interest clearly necessitate immediate intervention,” Mašković concluded in his letter to Mujović.

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