Media Perception Index (MPI) Report for Serbia 2021

The MPI is constructed as the sum of six individual sub-indicators, each measuring a key aspect of the media industry. The sub-indicators include the regulatory environment for the media industry, access to finance for media and digital media development, changes in media business models, levels of media stakeholders' understanding of digitization and the digital economy, level and type of collaboration between media and the private sector, and levels of media and digital literacy among media consumers. The MPI top level indicator for Serbia in 2021 stands at 49.65 out of a maximum possible value of 120. This score indicates a mixed assessment of the media landscape in Serbia, with some areas showing improvement and others remaining a concern. The findings of the MPI highlight several key issues that need to be addressed in order to improve the media landscape in Serbia. One of the key findings of the MPI is that there are substantial differences in perception of the media landscape depending on the size of the respondent. Large entities are more likely to believe that the business environment for the media is competitive and fosters growth, while small entities are more likely to believe that the regulatory framework is not effectively implemented. This highlights the need for more effective regulation and support for small media outlets. Another key finding is that there are substantial differences in perception of the media landscape depending on the region. Media outlets based in Belgrade tend to have a more positive view of the media landscape than those based in other regions, such as Vojvodina and Southern Serbia. This highlights the need for more effective support and resources for media outlets in these regions. The MPI also highlights the need for improved media literacy and digital literacy among media consumers. The survey found that 67% of respondents believed that Serbian media carried fake news and misinformation, and that 54% admitted to never or rarely using multiple sources to cross-check information. This highlights the need for more effective education and training programs for media staff and consumers. The MPI provides a range of recommendations for addressing these issues, including consistently implementing the current legislative framework for the media, improving the work of regulatory and self-regulatory bodies, and supporting and improving specialized training and professional development programs for media staff. The report also recommends promoting a culture that facilitates recognition of fake news and introducing a fact-checking system, educating and informing specific target groups about media literacy, fostering collaboration and strengthening trust between media outlets and the private sector, and introducing and promoting the usage of high-quality metric tools and new technologies. Overall, the MPI provides a comprehensive assessment of the media landscape in Serbia in 2021 and highlights several key areas that need to be addressed in order to improve the media landscape. The report provides a range of recommendations for addressing these issues and improving the media landscape in Serbia. The MPI is a valuable tool for policymakers, media outlets, and other stakeholders who are interested in improving the media landscape in Serbia. The report provides a range of data and insights that can be used to inform policy and decision-making, and highlights several key areas that need to be addressed in order to improve the media landscape. The MPI is also a useful tool for media outlets and other stakeholders who are interested in improving their own media literacy and digital literacy. The report provides a range of recommendations for improving media literacy and digital literacy, including education and training programs for media staff and consumers. Overall, the MPI is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in improving the media landscape in Serbia. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the media landscape and highlights several key areas that need to be addressed in order to improve the media landscape.