Journalist Marija Radulović Wins International Award for Impactful Report

Marija Radulović, a journalist for Televizija Crne Gore, received the second prize at the prestigious Interfer Festival in Belgrade for her report titled “Between Freedom and Civilization.” This year, approximately 300 submissions from various countries, including Germany, France, Pakistan, and Australia, competed in several categories such as radio, TV reports, print journalism, and socially responsible reporting.

The narrative centers around Sandra Bojanić, whom Radulović met at a protest where local citizens expressed dissatisfaction over a ban on logging their privately owned forests. Amid a predominantly older male crowd, Bojanić stood out with a protest sign. When Radulović approached her, she learned that Bojanić owns a forest and drives a truck, and she was there to contest the ban. This exchange led to an invitation to visit Bojanić in her village, Dragalj, where she would showcase her daily life and work.

The journey to meet her was not easy. Radulović, along with cameraman Niko Tripunović and driver Dražen Simonović, trekked approximately three kilometers through forest paths from the asphalt road to reach Bojanić, who was cutting wood. The effort proved worthwhile, as Bojanić’s authenticity and strength captivated the entire crew.

After just 24 hours of posting the story on social media, it garnered an impressive 2.5 million views. Radulović described Bojanić’s story as a testament to her choice and freedom to live life on her own terms, without oversight from superiors and despite societal prejudices. The report’s title, “Between Freedom and Civilization,” reflects this theme. Radulović also credited her colleague Đorđije Vujičić for his role in editing the piece, emphasizing that the success of the report was the result of a collaborative effort.

Upon learning of her award, Radulović expressed immense pride and gratitude. Receiving the second prize at an international festival served as a significant recognition of her work’s value and her dedication to journalism. This accolade motivates her to continue producing compelling stories.

While acknowledging the importance of awards, Radulović highlighted that the true reward lies in doing what one loves—telling stories that resonate deeply and can inspire or help others.

At the awards ceremony in Belgrade, Radulović represented Montenegro at a professional gathering themed “Profit and Profession,” where journalists from Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Switzerland discussed the current state of media. She noted a paradox: while the number of media outlets has never been higher, public trust in journalism is at an all-time low.

The challenges shared among journalists include political and economic pressures, the need for independence, and maintaining professional standards. Despite these hurdles, Radulović emphasized that dedicated journalists continue to believe in journalism’s potential to effect positive change in society.

Reflecting on her experiences, she noted the emotional difficulty of maintaining professional distance while covering stories filled with human suffering. Trust can be a barrier, but she finds that sincerity often helps to break down walls, leading to the most beautiful stories.

Radulović focuses on individuals who live unconventional yet fulfilling lives, often finding happiness in nature, rural areas, and mountains. She believes every story holds wisdom and strives to capture these narratives, reminding society of what it means to be human. The heroes in her reports often inspire her and restore her faith in humanity.

She asserts that journalism still holds the power to drive change in society, even if only by small increments. “True strength lies in giving a voice to the unheard, highlighting injustice, and illuminating the truth,” she stated.

Recalling one of her earliest reports during the devastating floods in 2010, she reflected on how her coverage of trapped wild horses in water led to a successful rescue operation involving both the military and police. This report remains one of her favorites, showcasing society’s compassion for animals affected by natural disasters.

Radulović advises young journalists to listen closely to their interview subjects, as sometimes silence speaks louder than words. She encourages curiosity and empathy, asserting that journalism with a soul always finds its way to the audience.

Since beginning her career in November 2007, she has continuously evolved within TVCG, initially serving as a morning program journalist and later as a reporter for Dnevnik. In recent years, she has also contributed to the “Gledajmo se” program. In 2014, she was recognized as the best young journalist at TVCG, and in 2022, she received a special award for a documentary segment titled “The Absurd Bus,” covering transportation issues between Podgorica and Tuzi.

Radulović credits her family as a crucial support system, acknowledging that journalism is more than just a job; it is a way of life that demands time, emotion, and commitment. Her children often await stories from her fieldwork, and she ensures to respect the privacy and lifestyles of her subjects. Maintaining warmth and truth in every story is essential to her, mirroring the souls of the individuals she documents.