Marijana Camović Velicković, Janko Ljumović, and Nikola Tatar are the nominees for the Council of the Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG) who were interviewed during the 48th session of the Administrative Committee of the Parliament of Montenegro.

Janko Ljumović, the nominee from Matica Crnogorska for the RTCG Council, stated that he is a professor at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Cetinje.

“I have been here since 2001, specializing in cultural policy and management. My involvement includes various media projects, be it through research or producing. My ties with RTCG have been multifaceted throughout my career, highlighting its significance in our cultural and social landscape. In my master’s thesis, I explored the production and programming elements of the Public Service Broadcaster. I was also part of the inaugural RTCG Board of Directors, where I questioned the Council’s existence. Recognizing the Public Service Broadcaster’s roles, I view being a Council member as both challenging and immensely responsible,” he remarked.

Ljumović asserted that we strive to ensure Public Services promote values and ideals “that surpass those of society or prevailing conditions.”

Marijana Camović Velicković, nominated by non-governmental organizations focused on human rights, expressed that “her entire career has revolved around the media.”

“Since 2016, I’ve been actively engaged with the Media Union of Montenegro (SMCG), conducting research across the media spectrum. I’ve participated in several working groups addressing media legislation changes… My background includes work at ‘Vijesti’ and ongoing involvement in journalism. Over the last four years, I have served on the Public Service Council, aiming for transparency in my role. I believe it is my duty to represent the public of Montenegro. Furthermore, I’ve been part of the European Federation of Journalists’ Board of Directors for two terms, contributing to legislative processes at the European level, and I have served on the Government Commission investigating journalist attacks… Our network comprises about 700 media employees in Montenegro,” Camović Velicković stated.

Nikola Tatar, the nominee from the Confederation of Trade Unions of Montenegro, highlighted his 30-year career at the Broadcasting Center.

“I have contributed to formulating collective and industry agreements and attended numerous international conferences and seminars on labor rights,” Tatar noted.

Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) MP Zoja Bojanić-Lalović commented that the Montenegrin public regards Camović Velicković as “a courageous woman.”

“Your consistency and adherence to principles have earned you respect. When it was crucial to refuse the majority amid legal violations, you chose to stand by the truth. Mr. Tatar, you are recognized for championing social equality. Your efforts in labor rights are significant and well-known…,” she remarked.

Camović Velicković: Concerns Over Non-Transparent Operations in Public Service

Bojanić-Lalović inquired whether Camović Velicković believed the RTCG Council has adequately addressed citizen complaints and if she anticipated a greater capacity for such actions moving forward.

Ljumović questioned whether the Public Broadcasting Council had successfully encouraged content creation of a domestic educational and cultural nature. Tatar asked how she perceived the potential for improving RTCG’s independence in editorial and programming matters from political influences.

Ljumović pointed out that citizens are primarily interested in RTCG from an informational perspective.

“Cultural programming and artistic content from the Public Service should reflect the uniqueness of our culture and state… We are not in a golden age for media; we exist in a decentralized and fragmented media environment. The key question is what content reaches the audience. RTCG can’t stand alone in this endeavor. My primary role is academic, with many of our students pursuing careers within that medium.”

Camović Velicković stated that complaints from citizens seldom reach the Council and are typically directed to the RTCG Ombudsman.

“More frequently, we receive grievances from employees unable to resolve their issues elsewhere. Unfortunately, if employees do not personally contact us, their concerns may never surface. Often, they direct their issues to the Public Service Council, which chooses to ignore them, denying receipt… Recently, the Basic Court in Podgorica ruled that the General Director of the Public Service was appointed illegally. He lacks the requisite five years of experience as per current law, having only accumulated three years illegitimately,” she explained.

She noted that while numerous regulations adopted at RTCG are technical and non-problematic, the issues lie in the non-transparent processes surrounding certain regulations, such as the Code of Ethics and the Regulation on Salary Variations. “The State Audit Institution (DRI) has flagged these as illegal for three years, particularly because they authorize unjust salary increases for the general director, aides, and department heads… Notably, these salaries feature among the top 1,000 public sector earners in Montenegro, as revealed last week. Just a month ago, the Ministry of Finance declared the salary calculations to be erroneous, yet no actions have been taken. The Council’s work seems primarily focused on legitimizing the current management’s practices,” asserted Camović Velicković.

Tatar added that it’s crucial to foster collaboration with public services in the region.

“Public service should drive the development of all radio and television outlets. Others should look to it for guidance and standards,” he affirmed.

New Serbian Democracy MP Velimir Đoković challenged Camović Velicković on whether she had threatened Council members over quorum issues.

He also questioned if she anticipated backing from Administrative Committee members if it turned out her claims were accurate.

Camović Velicković replied that she would cease participation from June 1, 2023, given the illegal appointment of Boris Raonić to his position.

“This was my way of protesting against the Council’s management and decision-making processes. I am one of the few Council members without legal accusations against me. I frequently urged against their actions, staying abstinent to protect myself and not lend legitimacy to what has been conclusively deemed illegal… As for quorum issues, your information is incorrect. Recently, regarding the allocation of apartments, I actively participated in discussions. At one point, I had to leave the room but received permission to do so. They located me elsewhere, and I returned to fulfill quorum requirements, making your claims entirely inaccurate,” she clarified.

She asserted that she has been the most active member of the Council.

“I have consistently represented myself in media discussions. I have continuously articulated my opinions, believing it’s my duty to stay informed. I expect support for my stance,” she concluded.

She emphasized that “she has endured a lot over the last four years but has stood firm.”

Lack of Praise Due to Illegal Appointment of RTCG Director

Democratic People’s Party MP Jelena Kljajević remarked on Camović Velicković’s negative views about RTCG’s current leadership. She asked if she still believed any progress had been made within the Public Service Broadcaster and where she saw any potential for commendation.

Camović Velicković conveyed that there is no room for praise due to Raonić’s unlawful appointment.

“Technological advancements have occurred, and there are plans for a four million euro investment in renovating the Public Service building. However, if you asked me, that building remains unchanged from four years ago. Where has that money gone? Some Public Service facilities are in such disrepair that they can hardly be considered functional… While some studios appear improved, the justification for the 80 million allocated is still unclear. We do have commendable programs, shows, and conscientious journalists,” she stated.

Nikola Obradović, representative of the Center for Civic Education (CCE), shared that their organization, along with two others, initiated Camović Velicković’s candidacy.

“Upon reviewing the submitted documentation, our committee accepted 26 applications, indicating a significant and legitimate number on behalf of Marijana Camović-Veličković. She has proven her professionalism, evident during her tenure with the Radio and Television Council of Montenegro, advocating for legal compliance,” he noted.

Media Center Director Goran Đurović remarked that while beneficial laws have been enacted, they need to be adhered to.

“The flawed moment in the legislation process occurred when, due to the Prime Minister’s intervention, the experience requirement for the general director was reduced from ten to five years to allow Boris Raonić to retain the directorship. While the rest is well-formulated, it is now up to you to ensure compliance,” he concluded.

Democratic MP Duško Stjepović accused Đurović and Obradović of misusing procedural norms.

“You might want to familiarize yourselves with the rules of procedure. I appreciate your sarcastic smile. If we’ve granted you access, then let’s not have you instruct us on legality and procedural standards,” Stjepović responded.