By Journalist Nemanja Živaljević addressed the public regarding censorship in his original TV program.
Below is his full statement:
Public Statement Regarding the Reaction of Zdravko Krivokapić
I am addressing the public in response to the censorship of my original show Perspektiva, which began airing on the regional television network Newsmax Balkans (headquartered in Belgrade) on March 29 of this year.
Throughout many years of my experience in journalism, I have always stood firmly against any form of censorship. My closest colleagues and superiors can attest to that. I have always strived to report truthfully and accurately on current affairs, to be a part of independent, impartial, and free media, and to constantly seek the “light of truth.”
I would like to emphasize that the Podgorica editorial team of Newsmax Balkans—composed of experienced journalists from Montenegro—has consistently approached their work with the utmost professionalism and integrity. The fact that all political parties, as well as relevant voices from civil society and academia, were given airtime is proof of that.
However, I must inform the public that I am no longer part of Newsmax Balkans, due to direct censorship—an issue publicly addressed by Mr. Krivokapić.
I want to make it absolutely clear that I had no part in the decision to censor last Saturday’s episode. The full program—including the segment in which the former Prime Minister commented on the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the President of Serbia—was sent to the editorial office in Belgrade. As editor in the Podgorica newsroom, I did everything I could to prevent censorship, but my efforts were in vain. This is evident from the internal correspondence I had with senior editors in Belgrade, where I clearly stated: “I do not support additional editing, i.e., the removal of the interview segment with Mr. Krivokapić. I’m also against the second option—canceling the broadcast altogether.”
Despite this, the Belgrade editorial team of Newsmax Balkans decided to shorten the episode, explaining that it was “too long.” This action undermined my professional integrity and credibility, which I have built over nearly 19 years working in some of Montenegro’s most prominent media outlets. I am not part of any “power structure,” nor have I violated Montenegro’s Constitution, as Mr. Krivokapić implied in his public remarks. On the contrary—unfortunately, in this case, I find myself in the same position as the former Prime Minister.
I entered into communication with him openly and in good faith, just as I do with all my interviewees, with the sincere intention of presenting his views on current issues in Montenegro and the region. I’m grateful he agreed to the interview, and I also want to apologize for the unpleasant situation he experienced—one for which I am not responsible. I, too, experienced an equally unpleasant situation.
For honest media!
Nemanja Živaljević,
Journalist
