OSCE Mission to Montenegro congratulates journalists on the Day of Journalists

In congratulating journalists in Montenegro, noting 23 January commemorates the inaugural publication in 1871, of “Crnogorac” (Montenegrin), the weekly magazine for politics and culture in Cetinje, Dominique Waag, Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro, said: “Celebrating this day reminds us of the importance of investigative journalism in democracies.”

“Free and independent media are essential elements in democratic societies, journalists are its backbone,  playing a fundamental role in public interest, by informing and holding those in power accountable,” said Waag. She pointed to the OSCE commitments to freedom of information, freedom of the media and the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference.

Governments in making these commitments have a responsibility to ensure that journalists are safe and secure to work independently, investigate stories, and access important public documents.

“The role of the journalists is to uphold the highest professional standards. Professional integrity of journalists is echoed by objective and factual reporting, and adherence to the Montenegrin Code of Ethics”, said Head of Mission Waag.

To support of journalists, and journalism students , the Mission’s programmes are designed to strengthen their knowledge and skills, and to foster objective and ethical reporting, fact-checking, investigative journalism, and cooperation among media professionals.