Podgorica, (MINA) – Anyone who believes they can buy or seize Vijesti should give up that idea, said one of the founders of this media company Zeljko Ivanovic.

 

The Alpac Capital has initiated formal procedures before the competent authorities regarding the acquisition of media companies operating in Montenegro, the company’s general manager Pedro Vargas David announced on Friday, adding that they guarantee a clear pro-European orientation based on democratic values ​​.

 

“Vargas David says that he guarantees one thing when it comes to editorial policy: “a clear pro-European orientation”. We thank him for his honesty, because that single sentence is the essence of the problem”, said Ivanovic.

 

He explains that editorial policy is not something that is guaranteed by an owner.

 

“It is determined by editors and journalists – freely, professionally and in the public interest. An owner who can guarantee a “pro-European” line today is an owner who has assumed the power to guarantee any other line tomorrow. Today, the direction may sound acceptable”, said Ivanovic.

 

He added that the principle that the owner determines editorial policy from above is the opposite of the editorial independence of Vijesti.

 

Ivanovic warned that Alpac Capital intends to acquire several United Group media outlets, which ultimate ownership structure is not disclosed in any public register.

 

He also noted that Vargas David expected “in the coming days to complete all the remaining steps necessary to formalize the transaction”. 

 

“We have to correct that expectation. Changing the control over a media outlet in Montenegro, as a serious European country, is not a formality that can be completed according to a buyer’s schedule”, said Ivanovic.

 

Ivanovic added that it requires the prior consent of the Montenegrin regulator, that cannot be assumed, but must be earned through full transparency and which may be refused.

 

He said that all the founders will defend Vijesti.