In congratulating journalists in Montenegro, Dominique Waag, Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro noted that 23 January reminds us of the vital part journalists play as fact-checkers and guardians of verified information in democratic societies.
"Professional journalists perform a crucial role in investigating, reporting and publishing impartial stories. With the increased use of artificial intelligence in content production, journalists will continue to be those who can be trusted to produce information, as the media have an obligation to their audience to uphold the highest professional standards," said Ambassador Waag.
Pointing 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, Head of Mission Waag said: "A priority must be to create conditions for freedom of information and foster an environment in which media are free from political, financial or any other influence, and journalists, especially women journalists, are safe to work independently, investigate stories, and have access public documents."
"We celebrate Montenegro's professional journalists and media outlets and encourage them to uphold the highest journalistic standards," said Head of Mission Waag.
To support of journalists, especially women journalists, young journalists and journalism students, the Mission has designed programmes to strengthen their knowledge and practice-oriented skills, and nurture fact-checking and ethical reporting, investigative journalism, and co-operation amongst media professionals.
