Research on the visibility, representation, and participation of youth in the media in Montenegro

Research on the visibility, representation, and participation of youth in the media in Montenegro was created out of the need to better understand how young people are presented in the public space — how much they are talked about, in what way they are reported on, and whether they have the opportunity to speak for themselves on issues that concern them.

Young people are often the subject of public debates, but much less frequently active interlocutors in them. This research therefore examines whether young people appear in the media as participants, commentators, activists, experts, and citizens who contribute to public dialogue — or are most often presented through others' interpretations, as passive objects of reporting.

Through monitoring television and online media, the research analyzes how visible young people are in informative and current-political content, in which topics they most often appear, and what the tone of media reporting about them is. Special attention is given to whether young people are portrayed through positive, neutral, or negative narratives, as well as whether the media recognize the diversity of youth — gender, geographic, and social.

The research covers television broadcasters with national coverage, as well as leading online portals in Montenegro. Besides media content analysis, the project includes conversations with relevant actors from the media and institutions to better understand editorial practices, opportunities for youth inclusion, and the space young people have in the media ecosystem.

The goal of the research is not only to show how present young people are in the media, but also to raise the question of the quality of that presence. Do young people speak for themselves? Are their perspectives taken seriously? Do the media contribute to a better understanding of youth needs or do they repeat stereotypes?

The research findings should serve as a basis for recommendations that can contribute to more balanced, inclusive, and responsible reporting about youth. Through this process, Mreža mladih Crne Gore wants to encourage stronger cooperation between the media, youth organizations, and institutions, so that the voice of young people is more visible, authentic, and present in the public space.