Organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, representatives of Montenegrin media self-regulatory bodies visited Berlin from 2nd to 5th June on a study trip. The visit provided an opportunity for meetings with representatives of journalists’ unions, media outlets, as well as the German Press and Media Council.
On behalf of the German Journalists’ Union, Matthias von Fintel informed the Montenegrin representatives about the union’s work, its role, and experience in protecting journalists. The discussions also addressed the position and protection of journalists in German media, as well as media legislation in Germany more broadly.
During the meeting with Ms. Katrin Gottschalk, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of TAZ (Tageszeitung), various aspects of journalism in Europe, Germany, and Montenegro were discussed. TAZ is not a high-circulation newspaper, but it holds considerable influence in Germany’s political life. The legal challenges faced by the newspaper were also a focus of the discussion. Media self-regulation was a key topic throughout the conversation.
In a meeting with Roman Portack, Executive Director of the German Press Council, the discussion centered on the role of self-regulatory bodies in the new digital environment, the Digital Services Act, artificial intelligence, and how the Journalists’ Code should address these issues.
Director Portack presented the work of the Complaints Commissions, of which there are several within the Press Council. The meeting also touched on the protection of journalistic sources in Germany, transparency and ownership concentration, the current state of German legislation on disinformation, and the European Media Freedom Act.
The Montenegrin representatives shared their experiences and views on the current legislative solutions in Montenegro and Europe with Mr. Portack.
