OSCE Media Freedom Representative raises concern following dismissal of Montenegrin Public Service Broadcaster Director General

VIENNA, 7 June 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today over the dismissal of the General Director of the RTCG, Andrijana Kadija, and its consequences for the independence of the broadcaster.

The Representative noted that many in the media community and civil society at the beginning of the year feared that changes in the composition of the RTCG Council would lead to changes in the management. Unfortunately, those fears have been confirmed.

“The independence of the public service broadcaster is essential in a democracy,” Désir said. “There should be no political interference in its management.”

The Representative recalls that he raised this issue with the state authorities during his visit to Montenegro in February this year.

“Public service broadcasters play a vital role by providing quality information to all citizens and media pluralism,” said Désir. “I hope that the independence of the RTCG will be preserved and I will continue to follow the case.”

Many journalists, NGOs and media associations gathered today in front of the RTCG premises to express solidarity with their colleagues and protest against the drastic editorial and managerial changes at the public service broadcaster.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, twitter @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.