Tatjana Munižaba is a Croatian television journalist and editor recognizable for sharp issues in political shows. She grew up in Zagreb and says that she was raised “according to the principles of a real pioneer”: her parents taught her six fundamental values – honesty, honesty, loyalty, progress, perseverance/truthfulness and hard work – and she is in an interview with Večernji list said that she still knows how to list them at any time of the day. As he states, the parents were “tame and calm like a well-behaved pet”, and he considers such an upbringing priceless.
She discovered her love for writing in elementary school in the literary section, and she made the decision to pursue journalism in the fourth grade of high school. Although her parents wanted to see her as a teacher, and she herself thought about the legal profession, Munižaba says that spite towards low-quality journalism during the Homeland War decided to choose a journalistic career.
There is no reliable public information about her date of birth. In 2024, Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) was a journalist for the portal Story discovered that “in the early fifties”, i.e. about 52 years. The exact date of birth and height have not been made public, and the journalist rarely declares her private life.
Professional career
First steps
During the third year of college, Munižaba started working at a local radio station Martin, where she gained her first practical experience. After graduating (study not publicly specified), she got a job on a daily Slobodna Dalmacija.
Early experience on radio and in Tisko helped her register for a major audition of Croatian Radio and Television. As she later said, she passed the audition and “cemented” her place at HRT, where she worked for 15 years until 2014. At the beginning of her career on television, she worked as a journalist and reporter in the news shows “Zagrebačka panorama”, under the mentorship of editors Zlatna Belavić and Vedrana Međimorec.
Diary 3 and Political Journalism
In March 2013, she was appointed editor and host of the evening news show Diary 3. Colleagues and viewers nicknamed her Toggle – The nickname she accepted herself, although she admitted that the nickname “Owl” suits her more and more because of her night work. In an interview, Munižaba emphasized that she likes to ask unpleasant questions and that there are no forbidden topics in her shows, although due to the time limit, she often has to choose which topics she will open.
Although she says that political journalism was not her original desire, the editors recognized her as a potential for that type of reporting. She was directed to political journalism by an experienced editor God Šimleša, and she was further educated by the editors Golden Belavić and Vedrana Međimorec. Munižaba believes that journalists contribute better to social changes than politicians and rejects the possibility of running for political office.
Controversies and shifts
Munižaba’s career is marked by several shifts and controversial moments:
- “The Pate Affair” (2005) – During the pre-election campaign, the then president Stjepan Mesić joked that he was afraid to open the pâté so that his opponent Jadranka Kosor would not jump out of it. Munižaba brought him a box of pate in a television show. Because of this gesture, she was suspended, but later stated that every real journalist experienced a suspension at least once.
- Lapsus during the reporting of the attacks of September 11, 2001. – In the show “Echoes of the Day”, she mistakenly announced a “tourist” instead of a “terrorist” attack on the WTC. She didn’t immediately notice the mistake, and later she heard laughter directed.
- Dismissal from the position of editor of Dnevnik 3 (March 2014) – During an interview with the Minister of Economy, Gordan Maras, a wrong video was played in “Dnevnik 3” in which the minister stammered in confusion. HRT’s reaction was quick: Munižaba was dismissed the next morning, and the official explanation was that she did not talk to the minister live. In the article of the portal forum.tm It is stated that it was not the first shift; Before that, she replaced journalist Katja Kušec after the show with Ruža Tomašić caused political reactions.
- Change in 2016 – In March 2016, the new leadership of HRT removed Munižaba from an editorial position, together with colleagues Maja Sever and Mirna Zidarić. HRT stated that in the future she will be “one of the main political reporters of HRT’s Dnevnik”.
- August 2024 – In a live report from Zagreb about the internal party elections of the SDP, she wrongly stated that the politician Joško Klisović passed away, even though it was about the recently deceased MEP Predrag Fred Matić. Klisović soon announced on social networks that he was alive and well. Munižaba publicly apologized for the slip.
Despite the shifts and gaffes, Munižaba remained a recognizable face of HRT, and her colleagues describe her as a sharp and brave reporter.
Style and public image
- Nickname “Frog” – She got it from her colleagues, and she accepted it herself and sometimes uses it as a joke.
- clothing style – Munižaba is known for its love for black and martama (Dr. Martens boots). In the interview, she said that she has more than 20 pairs of boots, of all heights, but only in one color.
- Work habits – After downloading Dnevnik 3, he works late at night, then sleeps during the day, and cooks, washes and cleans at night. He solves stress by cooking; He claims that he prepares a complete menu from appetizer to dessert.
Social networks and public presence
Munižaba is not an active influencer, but she uses social networks to comment on current topics. there is a profile @tatjanamunizaba On Network X (former Twitter) sharing political comments. There is no official Facebook or Instagram page.
As a long-time political reporter, she often appears live from Parliament and during election nights, and she recognized her contribution and Večernji list nomination for the award Večernjakova rose 2013.
Why is the audience looking for it?
Tatjana Munižaba’s request on the Internet is related to several reasons:
- Razor questions and courage – Viewers appreciate it because it openly asks politicians questions and does not avoid controversial topics.
- gaffes and shifts – Spectacular mistakes (pate, slip 11 September, 2024) and occasional shifts attracted additional attention.
- Privacy – Since she is very self-effacing, many are interested in her age, marital status or family, but this information is not publicly available.
- nickname and style – “Frog” and recognizable fashion style make it striking on the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Tatjana Munižaba?
Croatian Radiotelevision is for the portal Story In 2024, she stated that she is in the “early fifties” and that she is about 52 years old. The exact date of birth has not been announced.
Is Tatjana Munižaba married or has children?
The journalist keeps her private life away from the cameras. There is no confirmed information about marital status or children in publicly available sources, so it is considered that this information is unknown.
Why did she get the nickname Žabica?
She was nicknamed her colleagues and viewers. She occasionally presents herself with that nickname, especially in informal situations.
What happened to the “pate affair”?
In 2005, Munižaba brought pâté to the then president Stjepan Mesić, alluding to his joke about his opponent Jadranka Kosor. The gesture brought her suspension, but she believes that it is part of the journalist’s job.
What is Tatjana Munižaba’s biggest gaffe?
In addition to the “pate affair”, a slip was also noticed in August 2024, when she mistakenly stated in Dnevnik live that Joško Klisović had passed away instead of the recently deceased Predrag Fred Matić.
Where is he now?
After dismissal from the editorial position of Dnevnik 3 in March 2016, HRT announced that Munižaba would be one of the main political reporters. In recent years, he has regularly appeared from Parliament in daily news shows and projects such as hreitting.
Conclusion
Tatjana Munižaba is one of the most recognizable political journalists of Croatian Radio and Television. Although her career is marked by suspensions and gaffes, viewers appreciate her for her courageous approach, sharp language and consistent commitment to responsible journalism. Because it preserves privacy, information about family or precise age remains unknown. The audience interested in her work can follow her in HRT’s political shows, and occasionally publishes reports and comments on social networks.