Never before have journalists faced May 3, World Press Freedom Day, with such concern and apprehension. The future of the media and journalism as a profession has never looked so bleak and discouraging.

Amid a global regression of democratic values, media freedom - once a pillar of healthy societies - appears to be at a historic low. Yesterday’s report from Reporters Without Borders shows that the global press freedom index is the lowest since this measurement began. And although Montenegro has formally recorded progress, it still faces a crisis of trust, security, and sustainability in the media sector.

The Media council for self-regulation appeals to the Government of Montenegro to remind the Parliament of Montenegro that the consistent implementation of media laws - which were a prerequisite for obtaining the IBAR in June 2024 - remains an obligation of our country on the path toward European integration.

The Media Council for Self-Regulation appeals to the Government of Montenegro to inform the Police Directorate of Montenegro that the latest media (IBAR) laws, adopted in June last year, did not envisage any role for the police in regulating media content.

Journalistic codes of ethics are not outdated - they have gained a new role and mission in the digital environment. Due to the challenges of information disorder, journalists must continually improve their fact-checking skills, adhere to ethical standards, and promote media literacy. This was stated at a press conference organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Technical Working Group for Self-Regulation, where the handbook “Information Disorder in Media Reporting” was presented.

The Media Council for Self-Regulation congratulates all Montenegrin journalists and media outlets on Journalists’ Day in Montenegro. Although this should be a day of celebration, it is difficult to find much reason to celebrate when journalists and journalism are under greater threat than ever before - both locally and globally.