With summer coming to an end, it's time for new programming schemes and new seasons for viewers of well-known TV shows that will start broadcasting from September. One of them is "Za volanom", a program of Vijesti television dedicated to motoring, edited by journalist Saša Marković. During the summer, viewers watched reruns of the best, most attractive and most interesting programs from the previous period, and now in the standard time every Sunday at 16.40:XNUMX p.m. new episodes are waiting for them, for which Marković, who also edits the "Auto" supplement in the daily newspaper Vijesto, promised earlier that they will try to be current, attractive and educational. Marković spoke to "Play" about what can be expected from the upcoming season of the "Behind the Wheel" show, as well as other topics related to motoring.
How did the preparations for the new season go, will the show experience any novelties or will it be based on an already tried and tested recipe? When does it start broadcasting and will the date remain the same? Can you already reveal some of what viewers can expect?
The show "Za volanom" is entering its sixth season, and its concept was well received by viewers, so I thought that the recipe should not be radically changed. That doesn't mean we haven't prepared some refreshments. The new season starts on September 1, the schedule remains unchanged - after "News at half past five". In addition to information about new models of various means of transport, we will continue to deal with current topics from everyday life behind the wheel, from safety, through vehicle maintenance to problems we encounter in traffic.
How difficult is it to present something new to the viewers and still stay true to the format they are used to? In that sense, to what extent are you conditioned by the developments in the field of motoring and the opportunities you have at work?
We try to introduce novelties cautiously, so that they do not deviate from the basic concept, and to maintain the interest of the viewers. For example, although in the world more and more emphasis is placed on cars with alternative drive, such as electricity and fuel cells, it is still foreign to drivers in Montenegro, so we adapt the amount of that information to their interest.
What would you especially like to have in the show, but you are not able to for technical, financial or some other reasons?
Sometimes I can't help but wonder how with relatively small resources we manage to bring many exclusive stories. There are a lot of ideas that at first seem difficult to achieve, but when you are persistent and committed, a way is found. Of course, something remains out of reach.
When you present a car to viewers, you point out its positive, but of course also negative characteristics. Since these cars are submitted for a "review" and companies naturally do this with the desire to advertise them, have you ever encountered negative reactions if that "advertisement" did not go according to their wishes? How do you insure against that?
Of course, companies that sell a certain product want it to be shown in the best light, but on the other hand, a journalist must have a responsibility towards viewers and convey their personal impressions. In this case, the responsibility is even greater, because tomorrow someone will allocate a considerable amount of money to buy that car. The test wouldn't make sense if we just copied what was written in the car manufacturer's brochure. With this approach, we gained the trust of the public, and thus interest and viewership grew. Negative reactions from sellers are extremely rare, because they also recognized that a potential buyer prefers to see the real picture, and would rather go over some small defects, than to think about what is hidden behind the praise.
How much do you take into account the paying power of the average Montenegrin citizen, which is not great, and can that be an aggravating factor? On the other hand, which vehicle has been the most interesting or the most extravagant for you to drive?
Paying power is a significant factor in choosing topics. It is interesting that the average citizen rarely thinks about buying a new vehicle, but likes to see what the modern car industry has to offer. Of course, people are more interested in seeing something that is within their reach, which is why we have reports on used vehicles, parts, and maintenance.
How is your communication with the viewers, how often do they contact you and tell you what they are interested in, what they would like to see in the show? And what are they most interested in according to your previous experience?
I communicate with viewers at every step, on the street, in a store, cafe, bank... They are mostly full of praise for the show, and often have interesting ideas. I often ask them what could be better. In any case, the interests are very different, and so is the show.
In a previous interview, you said that through work you turned your childhood enthusiasm into a creative occupation. What else are you interested in, that is, what field do you think you would follow as a journalist if it wasn't automotive?
At an early age, I was actively involved in basketball, and it is still my great love today. I enjoy analyzing games or players with friends who know basketball, so I believe I could successfully convey that to readers.
Then you also pointed out the fact that the car is something that most men are fascinated by from a young age, why do you think this is the case, where does this obsession come from?
The car has always been a symbol of freedom, independence and status, and I think these characteristics make it so attractive to men. However, times are changing, so the car has become a very important part of style for girls.
"Drivers are not aware that they are in a state of increased risk"
Unfortunately, Montenegro still records a large number of traffic accidents, which then create debates in the public about the causes - some blame the drivers and their mentality, others the traffic infrastructure, others say that the police are not doing their job as they should... Which in your opinion are the biggest problems and what are the main causes?
It is true that drivers do not yet have a developed awareness that as soon as they sit behind the wheel they enter a state of increased risk, so many do not behave accordingly. Inadequate speed and risky maneuvers contribute significantly to accidents, and on the other hand, our roads do not forgive mistakes either. In order to raise security to a higher level, professional security management and constant investment are necessary. By that I mean investment in infrastructure and in the education of drivers and other road users. It is no coincidence that the least number of people killed on the roads are in the most developed countries.
"Formula 1 has drastically lost its popularity"
How much do you follow auto-moto sports, what do you find most interesting? It would be said that Formula 1 is the most popular, but some other sports are more interesting lately, for example in Moto GP there is much more uncertainty? On the other hand, auto-moto sports are not covered too much on Montenegrin televisions, do you think it deserves more space or is it simply the result of a lack of money to buy the rights to broadcast the event?
I have been following auto-moto sports since my early childhood. Formula 1 has drastically lost popularity, because the people who manage this sport in the last few years can't seem to find a recipe to make the races more interesting. They've introduced small turbo engines that sound like vacuum cleaners, drivers are safer in their cars than you and I are when we sleep in our beds, which robs them of the aura of fearless superheroes, and you'll see more overtaking between trolleys in a supermarket than on a Formula 1 track. The question is how profitable it would be for any Montenegrin television to buy the rights to such Formula 1, which even the biggest fans of the past rarely watch today. On the other hand, motorcycle racing is much more interesting. For example, in the last race, the winner was decided right before the finish line, and these, along with the rally, are the most interesting races today.
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