Podgorica, (MINA) – The regulatory authorities, whose purpose is to fight against fake news, need to exist, but a balance needs to be struck, because too much regulation leads to less media freedom, it was heard at the International Conference on Media Sustainability.
Minister of Culture Aleksandar Bogdanovic said that the system of protecting media freedom in Montenegro is based on the principles of independent regulation and self-regulation of the media industry.
According to him, the media industry is changing fast due to technological advancements.
Bogdanovic noted that the Government has prepared drafts of two media laws, a new Law on Media and amendments to the Law on Public Broadcaster RTCG.
The Minister remarked that fast changes in the media industry have brought numerous challenges, which require more than legal and administrative interventions.
“The freedom of speech, which is not always accompanied by accountability for what has been spoken, combined with the increasing refusal of the centers of power to cooperate with the media, have created an environment of antagonism between media and different interest groups, while also often underscoring the animosities between different media outlets,” Bogdanovic explained.
He argued that this situation results in a decline in professional standards and impartiality in journalism.
Longer version of article is available on a link MINA ENGLISH SERVIS
