Regarding the decision of the Council of Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG) to accept my complaint and state that the report broadcasted at Television of Montenegro (TVCG) Dnevnik on 31 August 2015 – „editorial commentary“ – was contrary to the Professional principles and standards of RTCG, I would like to say that I find the Council of RTCG decision satisfying, and that it proves that the Council of RTCG acts efficiently as a self-regulatory body of the RTCG. However, I’m disappointed by the fact that the editorial news program of TVCG failed to examine the error and apologize to me and colleagues from the CSO sector and representatives of international organizations that they damaged by the unprofessional commentary. Such editorial policy must be changed, as a public service financed by the citizens owes more objectivity than the private media. I hope that the disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Managing Director, upon order of the Council, will bring the necessary changes.

The only thing I regret is that at the complaint, published at HRA webpage, I incorrectly stated that I received a phone call from journalist Svetlana Ćorić, whereas it turned out that I was talking to journalist Rašović, to which the editorial board of RTCG particularly pointed. I apologized to Ms Ćorić personally, and I am also doing it in this way.

Thank you for your attention.

Tea Gorjanc Prelević,
HRA Executive Director

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Report of the Commission for Petitions and Complaints of Listeners and Viewers from session held on 14 September 2015 (in Montenegrin) is available here.

The Commission recommendation (in Montenegrin) is available here.