By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) organized a panel discussion “Youth and Unions: The Power of Collective Action” at the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, attended by first- and second-year students of the Sports Journalism program.
TUMM Vice President Marijana Camović Veličković, while presenting the Union’s work, said their goal is to educate young people about their rights, since employers will be very diligent in informing them of their obligations.
She said that young journalists today are refusing to accept the kinds of conditions their older colleagues once did at the start of their careers—such as precarious contracts and low fees. However, she emphasized that there is still much work to be done to improve working conditions in the media—not only economically, but also in terms of physical safety and mental well-being.
Journalist Andrea Perišić, a member of TUMM’s Youth and Freelancers Section, said that young journalists are often disappointed by the reality in newsrooms after completing their studies, as the actual work assignments and opportunities for professional growth often fall short of expectations.
“Only after that come issues like low pay and unstable working hours,” she said.
Perišić also introduced the student publication Ekipa, a youth magazine that provides aspiring journalists with an opportunity to express themselves and gain practical experience with the support of the Union.
Professor Marina Vukotić of the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education highlighted the importance of early education on workers’ rights for students entering the job market.
She emphasized that young journalists must not enter the labor market without this foundational knowledge, as it empowers them to grow professionally in a healthy and fair environment.
She also expressed satisfaction that each year she sees an increasing number of female students in the Sports Journalism program, noting that the presence of women helps break down gender stereotypes and leads to a more inclusive and diverse media landscape.
Professor Velizar Sredanović stated that censorship and self-censorship remain among the biggest challenges in journalism, and that one of the key roles of education is to encourage young journalists to think freely and critically.
Foto: SMCG
During an open discussion, students asked questions and engaged with TUMM representatives on topics such as labor rights, ethics, media polarization, and foreign influence in Montenegro’s media landscape.
