Montenegro’s media regulator has imposed a six month restriction on the rebroadcasting of Serbia based Informer TV, citing repeated violations related to hate speech, discrimination, and attacks on Montenegrin national identity.
The decision was adopted by the Council of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services (SAMU), which stated that the broadcaster had continuously aired content insulting the dignity of Montenegrin citizens and institutions, while also encouraging intolerance and social polarization.
Authorities explained that the measure was introduced under Article 7 of the European Convention on Transfrontier Television, which obliges broadcasters to respect human dignity and prohibits content that incites hatred, discrimination, or intolerance.
One of the key reasons behind the decision was the documentary “Referendum – A Story of Imagined Freedom,” which regulators described as only one example within a broader pattern of controversial programming. According to the regulator, the issue was not an isolated incident but part of a long term editorial approach identified through continuous monitoring.
At the same time, proceedings were initiated against Montenegro registered broadcasters TV Adria and TV Prva for airing the same documentary. Regulators argued that the program contained elements of hate speech, national intolerance, and content challenging the legitimacy of Montenegrin identity and statehood.
SAMU emphasized that it had already launched proceedings against Informer TV earlier this year over similar allegations, including glorification of convicted war criminals and denial of national identity. Despite previous warnings and regulatory measures, the broadcaster allegedly continued airing disputed material, leading authorities to impose stricter sanctions.
The regulator concluded that the temporary suspension was necessary to protect democratic values, social cohesion, and mutual respect within Montenegro’s public space, particularly given the sensitivity of identity related issues in the Western Balkans.
