A new study “Media and social networks in Montenegro” was published

The digital age, with its continuous development of technology and the emergence of social networks, once again raises the question: Is digitalization changing journalism to the extent that it is necessary to redefine the key elements of the journalistic profession? In this context, the manual entitled "Media and social networks in Montenegro" aims to help journalists and editors in the use of social networks. The manual is based on the previous research "Social networks and journalism in Montenegro" from 2022, as well as extensive recent literature in this field.

The manual aims to help journalists and editors navigate the complex media environment of social networks, as well as to develop a responsible approach to using social networks as sources and channels for the distribution of news content. Considering the importance of social networks in modern information, the goal is to provide recommendations and clear guidelines, which will help journalists to:

• - correctly use social networks as a journalistic source and platform for collecting and distributing information;
• - recognize and respond to challenges related to information verification;
• - understand the responsibilities and ethical standards that they should respect on social networks;
• - develop strategies to combat misinformation and harmful content on networks;
• - understand the role and responsibility of social networks in disseminating information and protecting freedom of expression

The manual is based on previous research, which included a survey and interviews with 20 journalists and media experts in Montenegro, who provided insight into the daily challenges of journalistic work on social networks.

The purpose of this handbook is also to help journalists and editors orient themselves in the sometimes deafening sea of information, of the forest that produces life on social networks. In this sense, the technical group for self-regulation dealt with key aspects of media presence and journalists' behavior on social networks, and each of these aspects was accompanied by a set of recommendations for both target groups.

The OSCE technical group for self-regulation, which carried out this study, consists of: Aneta Spaić, prof. of media law at the University of Montenegro and member of the Commission for Monitoring and Complaints of the Media Council for Self-Regulation; Mihailo Jovović, editor-in-chief of ND Vijesti and Vijesti portal; Paula Petričević, ombudswoman of ND Vijesti and Monitor weekly; Ilija Jovićević, ombudsman of daily Dan; Ljiljana Minić, editor of daily Dan; and Ranko Vujović, executive secretary of the Media Council for Self-Regulation.

Link to download the study in Montenegrin language in Pdf: Mediji i društvene mreže u Crnoj Gori