On November 20, 2024, representatives of the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) and its Youth Section delivered their first lecture at the Faculty of Humanistic Studies, University of Donja Gorica. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time TUMM engaged with students from this private institution.
The students of Communication and Media Program demonstrated great enthusiasm, particularly regarding the role of trade unions in supporting young professionals and addressing the pressing safety concerns in journalism.
Students were keen to understand how unions could advocate for and protect the interests of young journalists entering the workforce, and also concerns were raised about nepotism in the media sector. Additionally, the participants voiced frustration over unprofessional behaviors and ethical lapses among some media workers.
The digital transformation of media content and consumption was highlighted as a major challenge. Students questioned whether journalism is ready to adapt to this new era.
The discussion concluded with a shared understanding that while journalism must adapt its methods of delivery to keep pace with digitalization, the core principles of ethical and high-quality content must remain unchanged. Journalism operates under established professional rules, in stark contrast to the unregulated nature of social media.
This lecture served as an excellent platform for fostering dialogue between aspiring media professionals and experienced union representatives. It not only educated students about the role of trade unions but also shed light on the ethical and structural challenges facing the media industry in Montenegro.
TUMM remains committed to engaging with the younger generation of media professionals, empowering them to navigate these challenges while upholding the integrity and principles of journalism.