Journalists must be able to report freely and professionally. The EU invests funds in Montenegro to support independent, critical, factual journalism. Four new projects launched in 2017 will set up new capacities for investigative journalism and reporting on EU affairs. The adherence to the Code of Ethics and further professionalisation of the media of Montenegro is at the heart of these projects.

PROFESSIONALISMPROGRAMME MONTENEGRO

edia

This programme is fundedby the European Union

TRAINIGS FOR JOURNALISTS

CREDIBLE AND PROFESSIONAL MEDIA IN SERVICE OF EU INTEGRATION

Outputs:

- At least 25 media professionals and 10 grassroots CSOs trained to use investigative reporting techniques in line with media ethics.

- Production and dissemination of Manual on Investigative Journalism on criminal justice for media and CSOs.

- 3 local networks of media, CSOs and citizens in Ulcinj, Herceg Novi and Bijelo Polje, which will work on local media projects and interact with judicial stakeholders established.

- Produced and aired 5 documentaries on criminal justice at TV PRVA; 20 press articles and 3 info sessions for citizens in Podgorica, Berane and Niksic to promote the Code of Ethics in the media.

Expected results:

- Increased capacity of media professionals to deliver more credible journalism covering criminal justice.

- Opportunities for interactions among journalists, CSOs and citizens will be created/reinforced in order to raise the potential for joint activities and enhance investigative journalism regarding criminal justice.

- Local stakeholders will be made aware of the Code of Ethics in the media, notably of the stan-dards of professional and accountable investigative journalism covering criminal justice.

Outputs:

- Established Investigative crew composed of TV Vijesti and MANS staff, trained to use advanced tools and techniques for investigations.

- Produced and aired at least 36 TV shows presenting credible, accurate and objective information on EU negotiations in Chapters 5, 15, 23 and 27.

- Developed and published at least 10 investigative stories on issues relevant to negoti-ations in Chapters 5, 15, 23 and 27.

- Established TV Ombudsman with clearly defined procedure for handling citizens’ com-plaints and promoted to viewers.

Expected results:

- Citizens are more informed about the EU integration in general, achieved results and remaining challenges in negotiating particular chapters 5, 15, 23 and 27.

- More professional and accurate investigative stories are produced and broadcasted by TV Vijesti.

- Improved respect to the Code of Ethics by TV Vijesti through training on Code of Ethics for journalists, establishment of TV Ombudsman and development of internal proce-dures for application of the Code.

Four new projectsMEDIA PROFESSIONALISM PROGRAMME MONTENEGRO

STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN ADVANCING CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN MONTENEGRO

Outputs:

- Technically equipped, trained, functional Investigative desk of RTCG

- Production of the second season of an investigative journalism TV show “Mehanizam”, consisting of 5 episodes, broadcasted from September 2017.

- Outreach multiplied through newly designed website Mechanism online and social media pages of RTCG, free rebroadcasting for other national, local and regional media.

Expected results:

- Increased capacities of RTCG to create professional, ethical and quality media content, which would increase the level of trust in RTCG in the future.

- Special media content of public interest (Mechanism) related to Montene-gro’s European Integration process produced/published.

- Raised awareness of the general public and relevant stakeholders about the significance and effects of investigative journalism/ reporting of public broadcasters, not only in Montenegro, but the entire WB region, with the support of EBU.

Outputs:

- At least 10 journalists of both sexes trained- Minimum 2 investigative researches conducted- Continuous technical and mentoring support- 1 quality needs assessment report produced- Minimum 3 CIN’s investigative researches conducted- Minimum 3 CIN’s investigative articles produced- Minimum 2 investigative articles produced- 1 quality E-book and 1 publication prepared

Expected results:

- Raised technical capacities of CIN-CG that will add to the sustainability of the project, as well as CIN-CG in its future work.

- Increased professionalism and quality of media content in informing the public about all EU relevant integration matters.

- Increased quality and professionalism of investigative journalism, in line with the Code of Ethics, as means of combating (self)censorship and increasing the overall freedom of expression in Montenegro.

MECHANISM RELOADED - SETTING UP THE INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM DESK AT MONTENEGRO’S PUBLIC BROADCASTING SERVICE (RTCG)

Four new projectsMEDIA PROFESSIONALISM PROGRAMME MONTENEGRO

INVESTIGATE FOR ME AND EU

Coordinator: Televizija Vijesti d.o.oPartner: The Network for Affirmation of NGO Sector - MANSProject budget: € 139,955.00 Duration: 12 months

CREDIBLE AND PROFESSIONAL MEDIA IN SERVICE OF EU INTEGRATION

Coordinator: Radio Television of Montenegro - RTCGPartner: European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Project budget: € 119,261.00 Duration: 12 months

MECHANISM RELOADED - SETTING UP THE INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM DESK AT MONTENEGRO’S PUBLIC BROADCASTING SERVICE (RTCG)

STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN ADVANCING CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN MONTENEGRO

Coordinator: Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)Partner: AST D.O.O (TV PRVA)Project budget: € 108,244.00Duration: 18 months

INVESTIGATE FOR ME AND EUCoordinator: Centre for investigative journalism of Montenegro (CIN-CG)Partner: Balkan Investigative Reporting Regional Network (BIRN)Project budget: € 89,920.00 Duration: 14 months