The media are required to provide information regarding funding from public sources, and those who do not comply with these legal requirements will face penalties, stated Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović, highlighting that the deadline for submitting this information is March 31st.

Vujović noted that many media outlets and public companies have yet to submit the required information.

“Ensuring transparency in media financing is a responsibility we all share. Both the media and public sector institutions must meet their obligations. It’s essential to disclose the true state of affairs without hidden information. Public sector institutions and media failing to provide data as per the Media Law will face consequences under penal regulations. Those who do not maintain records regarding funding by public sector entities for media content sponsorship, advertising, or other contracted services will incur fines,” she remarked.

Furthermore, Vujović indicated that a media outlet that does not report revenue from public sector entities due to advertising or public service provision will be ineligible to seek funding from the Media Pluralism Fund.

She clarified that the Media Law mandates that the founder of a media outlet must report to the Ministry the funds received from public sector entities for the provision of public services within 30 days of the payment date, or by March 31 of this year for the previous year.

“Media founders and public sector institutions, as parties subject to legal accountability, must show adequate compliance with legal obligations. Transparency relates to responsibility. The clarity of operations in the media sector serves the interests of the Montenegrin public,” she emphasized.

She pointed out that, in 2023, merely 56 percent of media outlets reported their public funding data.

“Public sector entities are exhibiting a degree of transparency. Out of 675 institutions, 430 have submitted data,” the announcement states.

Additionally, she mentioned that the Ministry of Culture and Media has developed a video titled “The Real Situation Without Secrets” in line with the Media Strategy, which aims to “promote transparency in media financing and enhance awareness of this crucial societal issue.”

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