Media in Transition: reflections three decades on Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

Tirana, 2020

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 1 Publisher: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Office Tirana Rr. Kajo Karafili Nd-14, Hyrja 2, Kati 1, P.O. Box 1418 Tirana, Albania

The study was completed by a working group composed of Agim Doksani, Dorentina Hysa, and Kejsi Bozo.

Design: Bujar Karoshi

The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this publication are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

Any commercial use of FES publications is not permitted without written consent by FES.

2 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on Table of contents

CHAPTER 1

THE ALBANIAN MEDIA ON A 30-YEAR TRANSITION JOURNEY: CHAPTERA HISTORICAL 2 OVERVIEW ...... 5

CHAPTERTHE ARDUOUS 3 JOURNEY TOWARDS MEDIA FREEDOM ...... 31

PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGES: THE MEDIA BETWEEN BUSINESS AND POLITICS ...... 49

References ...... 59

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 3 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

4 CHAPTER 1 The Albanian media on a 30-year transition journey: a historical overview

I. The written press: a bumpy road

A historical preface years, during which the press was completely controlled by the government, After the collapse of the communist regime, which lasted for more than 45 new kind of journalism came into being thanks to new social and political the Albanian media embarked on a new development journey in 1990. A The birthdate of the press during this period of transition from the conditions created in the country over the course of the year 1990. of the daily Rilindja Demokratike Itscommunist publication regime marked is considered the beginning to be of January a new era5, 1991, of freedom when theof speech, first issue for (Democratic Renaissance) hit the streets. both the press and the Albanian society. signsThe first included signs aof series changes of articlesto come in for the the Bashkimi Albanian press appeared some whichtime before ran contrary the anti-communist to the “party movement line” and of professionalDecember 1990. guidelines Some of of these the (The Union) newspaper, storiestime. These published articles by on the economic newspaper matters Drita aimed at opening up the Albanian storiessociety. andElements articles which published challenged on Zëri government i Popullit policies also appeared on Also, the publication of an interview with(The novelist Light), Ismail as well Kadare as in by some the newspaper Zëri i Rinisë (The Voice of the People).

A wave of public discussion(The and Voice polemics of the followedYouth), in the March publication 1990, caused of an article quite a sensation among the public. with the headline Democracy and Humanism by cardiologist Sali Berisha in the Bashkimi newspaper (September 1990), (Demokracia dhe Humanizmi), Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

5 Popa, In Search of the Time Lost publishedas well as by a pieceZëri i Popullit written 1 by a member of the Academy of Sciences, Ylli In some of the main newspapers (Në of kërkim that time të kohës the unfolding së humbur), of democratic which was . noideas shortage would ofgo pressure even further. and tight To controlsome extent from “thethe newspaperstop” on the press of the during time thatserved time, as andsounding yet, articles boards on for ideas new and ideas opinions, and ideals. which Of heralded course, thethere arrival was of a new brand of journalism, kept popping up, which shows that even shouldduring thatbe pointed period journalistsout that this did was not in stay no idle,way butan indicationto some extent of widespread they were dissidenceprecursors amongof the massivejournalists, anti-communist rather the workings student of movement. a few individuals However, which it

Therewere quicker are several in deciphering particular messages takeaways emanating from this from period Eastern2 Europe, and thethough pressure one could applied sense by thatthe West.the wind of change was about to blow in politics, economy and society, newspaper articles on everyday issues: firstly, employed even a “cautious” tone, rather than a straightforward one, and the public was supposed to read in between the lines; secondly, up until the moment in the country, which means that all media organizations followed the party line;Rilindja thirdly, Demokratike during this came period off ofthe transition presses therethere were attemptsno opposition to establish media a media system built on democratic principles, but this process was marred by issues and problems reminiscent of the single-party state system, applied under the new conditions, especially with regards to party newspapers; fourthly, during this period of transition, the press was not able to free itself, especially during the early years, from the mindset which plagued the media under the old regime; and lastly, the press of the period of transition, in the beginning, grew and developed from within the media organizations of that era, which could be considered as the first phase of the transition.

1

2 H. Boriçi & M. Marku, Histori e shtypit shqiptar: Nga fillimet deri në ditët tona (History of the Albanian press: From its beginnings to date) 2010. B. Fevziu, Historia e shtypit shqiptar 1848 – 2005 (History of the Albanian press 1848 – 2005), 2005. 6 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on The emergence of the free press

The students’ movement and the founding of the Democratic Party brought the mythical power of the dictatorship and neutralized its institutions of about a genuine renaissance of all aspects of life in the country. They toppled repression. Albanians started to experience unknown sensations after 50 years of dictatorship, such as freedom and human rights. In this environment Rilindja Demokratike was born, the newspaper of the Democratic Party. inThe the publication press; it created of Rilindja the right Demokratike conditions for was a new in itself generation a revolution of journalists; for the establishedAlbanian press. the Itfoundations marked the endof opposition of the communist journalism, model as and an propaganda important and graphic design, and it also recorded the sale of unprecedented numbers element in a democratic society; it revolutionized methods of expression of copies. To some extent, Rilindja Demokratike marked the beginning of the truly modern and free Albanian press. Before that, Albania had never Thisexperienced newspaper a press heralded that camethe dawn anywhere of a new close era to ofinternational hopefulness, standards, of a new politicaland Rilindja and Demokratike social system, was a aharbinger forerunner of infree this media, aspect. in a society which was striving to establish a western-style democratic social system, in which newspaper was very much welcomed by the public, as the circulation increasedeveryone wouldto 100,000 enjoy copies their within rights a and short freedoms. period of Rilindja time, but Demokratike even that wasnumber mainly was a not newspaper enough. publishing ideas and opinions, in other words, it Rilindja Demokratike was not just a newspaper reporting on daily events. It was a platform of reflection on the dictatorship of the past and the democracy eagerlyof the future. and professionally It established on the all first the mainmodel political of a serious and historical opposition, events which of was getting ready to take over the country. Rilindja Demokratike reported the only witness, of one of the most important moments in the history of that time. One could say that this newspaper was the sole witness, or almost

Albania. At first, the newspaper was printed in broadsheet format with six pages, twice a week, but later it changed its periodicity and size. It started to hit continuesthe streets to three be thetimes newspaper a week, and of thelater Democratic it was published Party, buton ait daily no longer basis. The number of pages increased to eight, and later to 16. At the present it enjoys the role and the importance of its early days. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 7 As more political parties were founded, the number of politically-aligned Rilindja Demokratike was followed by Republika Alternativa-SD newspapersdemocratic Party, increased Progresi accordingly. Agrar Kombi newspaper of the Republican Party, Balliof the Kombëtar Social- (Agrarian Progress) ofAtdheu the Agrarian Party, (The Nation) of the Party of National Unity3 in 1991, (TheAmong National the publication Front) of the of Nationalthat time, Front it is Party worth in 1992, to recall the (Fatherland) newspaper ofSindikalisti the Party of Legality Movement in 1993, etc .

(Trade Unionist), which was first printed in April 1991, and had an impact on the events of that period. At first it came off the presses as a weekly newspaper, and later it changed to a biweekly publication. It was the first newspaper to publish a story on the scandal of humanitarian aid, which concluded with the imprisonment of former prime minister Fatos Nano, Aleancachairman of the Socialist Party at the time. However, after 1992 it was just beginninganother lackluster it came newspaper.out twice a week, later three times a week, and then it (Alliance) newspaper was first printed in March 1993, and at the ranked among the top publications by circulation, but could not keep up with became a weekly newspaper. For a long period of time that newspaperAlternativa was-SD and established a newspaper called Poli i Qendrës the competition in financial terms. In 1996 it merged with (The Pole of the Center). In April 1991 several newspapers of cultural organizations came off the presses for the first time, such as Vatra amtare-Çamëria (Motherland Hearth – Çamëria) published by the Çamëria organization. During that same month Alongside(April 19, 1991),political the and Pristina-based independent newspaper newspapers, Rilindja religious (Renaissance) publications was camepublished into inbeing, Tirana, such following as the magazine the shutdown Hylli in i DritësKosovo by Serbian authorities. the newspaper Drita Islame into a monthly magazine (The Star of Light), and The number of new magazine4 (Islamic and newspapers Light), which coming was later off transformedthe presses increased on a daily basis,. while the newspapers of the communist period continued to be published, such as Zëri i Popullit, Bashkimi, Zëri i Rinisë, Drita, Puna Pasqyra (Mirror), Mësuesi (Teacher), (Labor) – which later changed its name to

3 etc.

Të dhëna mbi median shqiptare 1991-1998, (Data on the Albanian media 1991-1998)

4 1998. H. Boriçi, Një shekull e gjysmë publicistikë shqiptare, (A century and a half of Albanian journalism), 1997. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

8 The new democratic press had a massive impact on these media organizations, leftovers from the previous regime, as they managed to achieve a certain degree of independence from institutions to which they once served, until

Zëri i Popullit, which continued to be the newspaper of the they finally begun to be published as independent newspapers, with the exception of markSocialist in someParty. local newspapers, depending on the situation and conditions Changes in the way press organizations functioned in Tirana also left their Adriatiku newspaper in on the ground, as they were financed by the local steering committees of the communist party in thePërpara districts. For example, Koha the port city of Durrës distanced itself quite early from the old party line. theIn Korça, early yearsthe newspaper of the 20th (Forward) was renamed asKoha Jonë(Time), (Our as a tribute to the newspaper of Mihal Grameno, which was published in century. In Lezha, the newspaper Time) was one of the first publications to break free, and soon became one of the bestselling daily newspapers in the country. The first steps of the free press

The transformation of Koha Jonë newspaper, from a mouthpiece of the steering committee of the Party of Labor for the district of Lezha, to an independent turning point in the process of conversion from a party publication system newspaper, after it was privatized in May 1991, could be considered as a into an independent press. Dwelling a bit longer on the Koha Jonë “phenomenon”: its first editor in chief was Nikollë Lesi, who in 1992 was joined by a new partner, which picked up 40 percent of the shares and became the new editor in chief, Aleksandër Frangaj. In 1992, the newspaper moved its operations to TiranaKoha and Jonëit was dominated printed twice the a week. In September 1993 the newspaper was published three times a week, whilerole in in shaping January up 1994 the itpublic became opinion, a daily especially newspaper. during the last month of the Albanian press market up until mid-1998. It played an immensely important functionDemocratic with Party a modern (DP) government structure, and in 1997.it revolutionized It also played the a Albanianspecial role press in the development of journalism in the country.Koha It Jonë was the first newspaper to

Thetowards transformation an information-oriented of Koha Jonë medium. into the largest circulation was the first newspaper newspaper in to publish in 1994 a supplement called AKS (Arts, Culture, Sports). the country was not an easy thing to accomplish. It survived a long and brutal Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

9 confrontation with the DP regime, a clash which included uninterrupted

Thisfinancial period scrutiny of blossoming and harassment, of the independent as well as press criminal - which prosecution we consider cases as theagainst second its journalists. phase in the development of the press, following the emergence Gazeta Shqiptare of the partisan newspapers – continued with the publication of (Albanian Gazette), by the company Edisud, which was a tribute to ItGazeta continued Shqiptare like publishedthat for a aroundwhile, until the period it switched 1920-30. to Albanian It hit the and streets a local for the first time in April 1993 as a bilingual newspaper, in Albanian and Italian. Dita Informacion editor in chief took over its management. (Day Information), an independent newspaper, was printed for the first time in April 1993 as a weekly publication, later it came out twice newspapera week, and to from break 1996 free on from it became the traditional a daily newspaper. formats of theIt was Albanian managed press, by Shpëtim Nazarko, who was also the owner of the publication. It was the first

Newspaperand the first Popullione to print Po two of its pages in color. It ceased publication in 1997, but resumed operations in 2001, with a new format and new owners. several stages, as a weekly, (Yes dailyto the publication, People) was and published then it switched during the to twiceperiod a 1993-1995. It was managed and owned by Ilirian Zhupa. It went through Newspaper Albania week, until it went bankrupt in 1995. started to be published in September 1995 as a daily newspaper. It was published by Faik Konica Foundation, and it was managed theby Ylli political Rakipi. spectrum, It was published and initially in itAlbanian, supported but the it Democraticalso included Party a page and itsin English. It was a newspaper which was politically aligned on the right side of Another newspaper that should be mentioned here is the Illyria newspaper, government. From 1999 on, it adopted a more independent political stance. becamea privately-published one of the most press important outlet whichnews sources started for to the be publishedAlbanian diaspora, in 1992, in New York. This newspaper was published in Albanian and English, and The state-run mass media was represented by the Albanian Telegraphic especially for emigrants in the US. Lajmi i Ditës

Agency (ATSH) and its newspaper (Daily News – a daily publication of the ATSH publishing house).

10 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on From pluralism to independence

The Somefirst phase 270 newspapers5 and magazines were published in Albania during the periodby politically-aligned 1991-1997 , in twonewspapers, distinct phases which of weredevelopment either ofmouthpieces the press. of (1991-1994) in the development of the free press wasthe dominated second phase political parties or various organizations. On the other hand, In the (1994-1996)early days their was owners largely dominatedwere businessmen by independent interested newspapers solely in andthe magazines. to invest heavily in the media, such as the case of the owner of Shekulli media industry. However, after a few years’ powerful businessmen started newspaper, Koço Kokëdhima. improvementsDuring the period in the format 1991-1997 and graphic the Albanian design, also press thanks gained to a technological insights and know-how that it had never experienced before. There were significant After it managed to escape the clutches of censorship, the press was opened revolution in the field of printing. to all topics and ideas. It started to have a major impact in politics, society, and culture in the country. During these years the press accumulated so much power, that it truly became the fourth estate. Newspapers were met head on by competition in a free market, and they adapted to these new rules. The Onemost ofimportant the main aspect achievements is that during of this period,period forwas the the first education time, opinion and columns and editorials were playing second fiddle to news and information. somewhat compromised by their involvement in the communist-era press, andtraining furthermore of young thejournalists. medium Mosthad changed of the journalists dramatically of thesince old then, times so were new

This new batch of professionals, which had received a more liberal education, andclasses had of no journalists direct ties joinedto the dictatorship,this profession revolutionized during the periodthe press 1991-1996. in a calm

One of the main problems with the press of that time was the disregard or and steady manner. ignorance of rules of professional ethics, and news accuracy. For a long period of time newspapers were filled with bitter, back-and-forth accusations and replies among journalists, and it took quite some time for this phenomenon ofto finallythe supremacy go out of of fashion. party Thesenewspapers, problems the arose weakening mainly of due positions to a fierce of editorialsconflict between and political the partycolumns press over and journalism, independent and the newspapers. market takeover The loss by

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 11 improvements on all aspects of this profession, and brought the Albanian independent media outlets, was in itself a revolution. This process involved A turning point was the publication of Shekulli press6 closerShekulli to meetingbecame theinternational best-selling standards. newspaper in the country within two newspaper in September press1997 .broke away from political alignment in support of this, or that other, years, and the press entered into a new dimension of professionalism. The political party, and began to serve the public ever more professionally. After to1999 the it situationbecame more at hand, difficult or tothe identify political the beliefspolitical of bias their or leaningmanagers of most and newspapers, as they quite often switched and changed allegiances according over the years, the number of press outlets increased all the time, and in columnists. Even though the circulation of newspapers dropped significantly

Shekulli2005 there were 32 daily newspapers in Albania, including several sports newspapers. Shekulli could be newspapereasily told apart mirrored because to some of its extentgraphic changes design, theand reporting developments of news of the Albanian society, and helped usher the media into a new era. more space and attention to social issues and problems, crime stories, and stories, as well as its use of columns and editorials. This newspaper devoted the main subject of coverage, its role and importance within the newspaper matters related to sports and culture. Even though politics continued to be Panorama newspaper came off the presses in 2002 as a daily newspaper, andwas itvisibly was fashioned reduced in according comparison to the to previousformat of models Gazeta inShqiptare the press. devoted a lot of space and attention to crime reporting, as well as special . Panorama streets,reports includingand dossiers Sot on events, Ballkan, of the past. Metropol, It soon Ekspres, became one of the leading dailyAn analysis newspapers of some in of the the country. problems After and 2001challenges several that newspapers newspapers hit faced the (Today) etc. during the period 1992-2005, reveals that the main issues remained pretty much the same. Technical issues represented the most serious problems for the press. Heavy taxes and the necessity to import raw materials considerably increased production costs, and consequently the price of newspapers. Albanian newspapers in 1995 were the most expensive newspapers in all Eastern Europe, in relation to salaries. alsoDistribution failed, and was newspapers another serious and magazine problem. were The distribution only distributed system in thethat main was established during communism was dismantled. The system of subscriptions

12 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on Thecities sale of theof newspapers country. As aalso result, continued some 60 to percenttake place of thein makeshift population, stands living and in facilities,villages and often small with towns, newspaper was deprived salesmen of thestanding right toon information. sidewalks depending in the climate. This meant that the sale of newspapers depended largely Thison the period weather was conditions also marked at any by given the publicationday, and not ofmuch a large more number than that. of Continuous Klanefforts to improve this situation did not achieve any success. magazines. magazine was first published in February 1997, and it was the first serious, western-style magazine to hit the stands.Spektër It revolutionized and Biznesi, andpublished completely by the transformed same media the group Albanian of Shekulli market for weeklySpektër publications. Itwas is alsoa typical worth general mentioning interest here magazine, two other and magazines: it paid particular attention to Mapo magazine arrivednewspaper. a bit later, in (1999) 2007, pictures and graphic design. asand Femra at the modernetime caused a bit of a sensation Jetain the Albanian press market. Several women’s magazinesAleph were, Mehr also publishedLicht during this period,Përpjekja such (Modern Women) and (Life), as well as several literary magazines, such as: . Another magazine, During(Endeavor), this includedperiod the a mixturepress market of literary reached interests a point and of special stability, focuses as four on newspapershistory, philosophy, Panorama, and sociology.Shekulli, Gazeta Shqiptare and Shqip

(Albanian) Shekulli,dominated Panorama, the press marketShqip, while in Albania. Gazeta Three Shqiptare of these four newspapers with the largest circulation in the country were general interest publications: be published in the country, such as Koha Jonë, Standard, was Tema, a mixture Sot, Metropol, of two Albania,models. Alongside Ballkan the aforementioned newspapers, other dailies continued to

. Other newspapers published mainly commentaries and columns, as well as several special interest publications. Entering the age of internet

Newspapers started to get online since 1997, as soon as internet services were provided by private companies, and the state-run Albtelekom. At first access to internet was very expensive, but as time went by prices dropped, theand only that source helped for to foreignreduce newsthe financial at the time, burden as they on couldnewspapers. use the internetAfter 1997, for many newspapers cancelled their subscriptions to ATSH, which used to be

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 13 such purposes. Similarly, several newspapers cancelled their subscriptions Theto Reuters online or publication AFP for stories of newspapers and pictures, and as itthe appeared ever-improving that pictures internet and other media products could be retrieved free of charge from the internet. internet, which caused a considerable reduction in newspapers’ circulations, coverage, displaced a large number of readers from the offline world to the This repositioning of the print media, following the massive technological upheavaleven though of everyday this is not life just by a the problem internet, of thebrought Albanian about written the need media. to readjust besidesto the new adapting conditions to inthe terms new of conditions, financial survival include and a medialoss of products. credibility, Some of the main problems affecting the written press nowadays, to a weakening of professional standards in the media industry, as well as strongcommercialization, clientelistic andtendencies clientelism. in the The press, loss ofeven credibility though isthe closely print related media standpoint, a particularly huge problem for the print media continues to is not the only sector suffering from this problem. From an economic be the establishment of an efficient distribution network, especially when onalmost the advertising half the country market is show not yetthat covered companies by anyare abandoning distribution the scheme. print Newspaper sales are expected to drop year after year, while all the data have made it harder for the print media to survive, and have forced newspapersmedia, as they to preferreduce to costs run adsto aonline. minimum, These while trends some and developmentsof them have by a drastic reduction in the number of journalists in newsrooms, which hasemigrated brought online about altogether.a task overload This for whole journalists, process and has yet been another accompanied drop in the levelfuture of of professional the print media standards. in Albania Faced remains with this uncertain, vicious circle,which between is also a ever-decreasing economic opportunities and decline in product quality, reflection of a crisis that has plagued this industry on a global level.

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

14 II. An overview of broadcast media in Albania

The emergence of private TV stations in Albania (1995-2000)

The first Albanian private TV station was Shijak TV, which started to broadcast on December 25, 1995, which is also the birthdate of private TV broadcasts in the country. The first show broadcasted by Shijak TV, on a VHS format, was footage of grade-school children celebrating Christmas and New Year which was shot with an amateur camera. From that moment, until November 1998, Shijak TV moved its operations to Tirana, and switched from VHS to Super VHS and Beta. Following this move, the TV station opened branch offices and hired correspondents in Shijak, Durrës, Kavaja, and Lezha, while 19 people were working full time, including seven journalists. Telenorba Shqiptare (Albanian Telenorba - TNSH), which was based in Bari, Italy, started to broadcast around mid-1995, but however TNSH, as an affiliate of Telenorba Italia, received official permission by the government to broadcast in Albania in April 1996, which was the official date7 for the start of operations of this TV station in the country. The first production studio was established late in 1995 , Gjeli Vizion (Rooster Vision) owned by Agim Buxheli. Gjeli Vizion was a mobile TV production studio, which was equipped with a four-camera broadcast mix. This is a rundown of the first private TV stations in chronological order: Shijak TV on December 25, 1995; the second private TV station was Antena Jug (Antenna South) in Gjirokastra, on April 21, 1996; Alba TV, the first TV station to start broadcasts in Tirana, in May 1996; TVA in Tirana, and TV Rozafa in Shkodra, in December 1996; Teuta TV in Durrës in March 1997; TV Klan in October 1997;8 TV Koha in November 1998; Vizion TV in November 1999 in Tirana, etc . Following the approval of Law 8401, on September 30, 1998 “On public and private radio and television in the Republic of Albania”, and the establishment of the National Committee on Radio and Television (KKRT), which was later

5

6 H. Boriçi, “Një shekull e gjysmë publicistikë shqiptare” (A century and a half of Albanian journalism), 1997. The data on this section are based on: http://www.doktoratura.unitir.edu.al/wp-content/ 7 uploads/2014/02/Doktoratura-Sami-Neza-Fakulteti-i-Histori-Filologjise-Departamenti- i-Gazetarise.pdf

8 https://al.ejo-online.eu/media-dhe-politika/lindja-e-televizioneve-private-ne-shqiperi Ibid. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

15 replaced by AMA, the parliament of Albania legally recognized the first private broadcasters in the country. Up until the approval of that law, as many Thereas 31 TV are stations two main and twoaspects production to be considered studios were during operating this inperiod Albania, on andthe most of them were licensed around the period October-December 2000. transformation of the state run broadcaster into a public institution, while the secondemergence aspect of concerns private broadcasters the liberalization in Albania. of the market The first and one the regards emergence the

9 of the first private TV stations, which in the early days operated illegally . TV stations vary not only by their broadcasting status, but also based on information,their format. public In Albania, affairs ashow, number social of or TV cultural stations programs, offered general-interest documentaries, programming, which provided for a wide range of shows and programs: movies, music, sports. On the other hand, another broadcasting format focused on special interest programming. They could be news television stations, or music only TV stations, as well as other broadcasters with mixed programming, providing a mixture of news and shows. Most of the private TV stations that started operating before 2000 did not have a proper business plan and also were not experienced in the field. For example, around 75 percent of television studios and offices of private TV stations were situated in private apartments, a floor in a rented villa, etc. With regards to funds, personnel and equipment of private broadcasters up until 1999, only three out of 30 TV stations at the time had employed more than 35 full-time people, four TV stations operated with personnel of 20-25 persons, while the rest had hired even fewer people than that. partHowever, of their these staff data worked should without be taken contracts, with a pinch or were of salt, registered as these as figures part- were reported by the owners of these TV stations, at a time when a large time employees. Most of the private broadcasters started their operations using VHS amateur cameras, and later switched to semi-professional Umatic, or SVHS cameras. In 1999, only TV Klan, TNSH, and Alba TV, operated using professional Beta equipment, while the rest of private TV stations were still using semi- professional equipment. Revenues from advertising until the end of 1998 were not sufficient to cover the expenses of a TV station, especially those operating in the districts.

9 http://www.doktoratura.unitir.edu.al/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Dotoratura- Ramadan-%C3%87ipuri.pdf 16 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on From 1995 until the end of 1999 TV stations experienced a severe shortage of trained and experienced personnel. Even though some employees of TVSH privately provided some assistance to a few TV stations, most of the staff had no training or know-how in this field. Most of them were unable to properly use the equipment at their disposal, while the majority of the engineers and hadtechnical just graduatedstaff at the in time Albanian had majored language in electrical and letters, engineering. business school, and Similarly, most of the journalists had previously worked in newspapers, or later journalism. During this period, some 30 private TV stations produced an average of seven hours of TV programming in Albanian, while the rest of the 24-hour cycle was filled with programming carried from foreign TV channels, from late in the evening until morning. The first national-coverage TV stations

On November 14, 2000, KKRT granted the first national broadcasting licenses to private TV stations, respectively to TV Arbëria and TV Klan. Unlike most private TV stations at the time, Tele-Arbëria started to broadcast with 24-hour programming, and its signal covered only Tirana. From the very withbeginning its signal the programmingthe whole country, of TVA started focused broadcasting on entertainment. in Tirana, on October TV Klan, the second broadcaster licensed by KKRT at the end of 2000 to cover system, while its whole programming consisted of movies, with no Albanian 25, 1997. Unlike other TV stations, Klan started operating on a Super VHS translation. In June 1998, this TV station started to switch to a Beta system. Besides making use of more advanced technical equipment, when compared to other TV stations, Klan started to broadcast 24 hours a day, with seven and a half hours of Albanian programming. Up until then, this TV station produced two newscasts a day, at 19.30 and 23.00, but it later switched to a four-newscast programming. Klan TV employed 41 people, including 14 Injournalists the years and that cameramen. followed there According was realignment to KKRT data, and TV readjustment Klan covered of with the signal 40.91 percent of the territory of Albania. market, as Arbëria, one of the national license TV stations, went bankrupt in 2008. Top Channel, another TV station with national broadcast license, was established in July 30, 2001, with an ambitious plan to become, as stated in Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 17 its official website, “the best TV station for all Albanians, with a programming thebased country, on information, thanks to the entertainment, recruitment ofand creative education.” personnel Top Channel and journalists, started broadcasts on December 20, 2001, and quickly became the best TV station in modern technologies and up to date equipment,Top as Fest well 6 , asthus innovative becoming ideas the on programming and distribution. On May 10, 2009, Top Channel started broadcasting in HD, during the finale show of first TV station in Albania, and the region, to use this technology. Vizion Plus started broadcasting in 1999, as a local TV station, but it later expanded its area of coverage. The TV station was granted a national broadcast license in 2008, and it received in 2016 one of five national licenses to broadcast digitally. Vizion Plus also broadcasts by satellite, and through the terrestrial digital platform Tring. Throughout the years Vizion+ has experimented with various forms of shows, by providing a wide array of programming to the public. Satellite and terrestrial digital platforms guest, as the country was unprepared from a legal and institutional point of Digital broadcasting arrived in Albania as an unwelcomed and unexpected view. The first terrestrial digital platform, Digitalb, started broadcasting on TheJuly 15,legal 2004, regulation amid fierce of the controversy operations and of objectionssuch companies from regulators was debated and other TV stations, as there was no legal framework on digital broadcasting. werefiercely, operating with the as “outlaws,” involvement since of the the law regulating failed to regulate body, the their parliament, workings, digitalinternational broadcasters organizations, were playing and media a very representatives. important role Even in the though Albanian they framework on digital broadcasts was approved in summer 2007, but these setsmedia of market,laws would and bewere revised taking several a large times, share with of advertising the adoption funds. of newThe legallaws

Even though Digitalb was carrying on with its operations in a murky legal and regulations. had managed to accumulate some 120,000 clients in Albania and abroad, situation, it continued to grow rapidly, and within the first four years it according to the data provided by the company. Three other digital platforms entered the market, Sat+, Tring, and Supersport. Supersport was a branch of Digitalb.

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

18 Soon after Digitalb, another company, SAT+, entered the market, but it did not last long. Another digital broadcaster, Tring TV, entered the market in 2008. Tring is a satellite and terrestrial digital platform owned by Tring TV Sh.a. Tring started digital broadcasts in 2008, and its signal covered the main cities in the country. On satellite, Tring could be accessed all over Albania, Europe, and elsewhere through My Tring IPTV. Tring digital platform is a branch of EdilAl Group, together with national coverage TV station Vizion AfterPlus HD,a lengthy and special legislative interest process, channel, debates, Living changes HD. In 2012,in some Tring of the switched initial regulations,several channels and severalto HDTV. court proceedings, digital broadcast licenses were finally assigned in 2016 to Top Channel, TV Klan, Digitalb, and later to Vizion Plus. In 2017, another license was granted to ADTN, a company which is owned 100 percent by Digitalb. The Albanian public broadcaster from its beginnings to the digital era

ofThe coverage Albanian included public the TV station,city of Durrës TVSH,10 started to broadcast on April 29, a1960, process covering of radical with signal change only to a transformsmall portion this of institutionTirana. In 1966,into athe public area . In the early 90s it went through impartial information to the public, in-depth programming on domestic and broadcaster. This reform aimed at providing balanced, independent, and contributeforeign public in theaffairs, shaping and theof a production national identity, of TV shows and represent which would a common depict contemporary everyday life in Albania. As a public broadcaster, TVSH should shoulddenominator also be to the the main whole platform population. to broadcast As a public to the broadcaster, public the main TVSH national should produce high quality programming for pre-school and school children. TVSH and international sporting events with participation by Albanians. It should also purchase high quality European TV shows and programming. Year after year, TVSH has been devoting more attention to political shows, as their airtime has nearly doubled over the recent years. This also due to live broadcasts of parliament hearings and special sessions, which significantly increase10 the amount of airtime for this category of shows.

http://www.doktoratura.unitir.edu.al/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/doktoratura- Raimonda-Nelku.pdf Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

19 theTVSH years, programming such as Trupi includes dhe shëndetia number of shows that take Hapësirëfull advantage e Blertë of their facilities and personnel. TVSH has Jobroadcasted vetëm kafe some iconic showsKafeja over e së dielës Mirësevjen (Body and Health), (Green Space). Morning shows, such as (Not Just Coffee), reporting (Coffeeon daily on events, a Sunday), music and and entertainment, (Welcome) as well have as been interviews part of andTVSH information programming tailored over theto the years, needs presenting of early morninga press review viewers of 11newspapers,

. TheTVSH department is also required for the by production law to report of shows on main for eventschildren of andofficial youth religious was a institutions. showsleftover for from children, the old such communist as Mini Mini days, Show but, thatTroç gave TVSH an edge, as they were in a much better position than private TV stations in the production of (Tell It Straight), etc. The process of the implementation of the digitalization project of TVSH broadcasts was another novelty in improving the quality of its public service, as the TV station would now broadcast in 12 channels, and provide support to local broadcasters in the process. The kick start of the digitalization process for RTSH was a serious challenge, regarding the adoption of a legal framework, as well as the process of public tendering, and project financing. In the meantime, this process afforded RTSH an opportunity to improve themits programming, broadcast general the quality interest of itsprogramming, signal, and extendwhile the its restarea areof coverage.thematic channels,Presently, suchthe digital as Albanian platform movies, of RTSH arts broadcastsand culture, in sports, 12 channels. children Three shows, of educational programming, news, etc. RTSH-2 carries newscasts in five languages of ethnic minorities: Arumanian, Greek, Macedonian, Roma, and Serbian. The digital platform also carries broadcasts of two TVSH affiliates itin broadcasted the districts, all TV the Gjirokastra, matches of and the TV world Korça. soccer RTSH championship has been competing free-of- more aggressively to buy broadcasting rights of sporting events, and in 2018 charge, and it is making efforts to broadcast more international sports free– of-charge in its digital platform. The regulation public broadcaster, and its guidelines Albanian were Radio fashioned Television according – RTSH, to approved the code inof 2016 its first code of conduct and regulation, Editorial Principles of RTSH. conduct of BBC, and editorial principles of Slovenian public broadcaster.

11

Yearly report of RTSH 2018, https://www.rtsh.al/raporti-ekonomiko-financiar/ 20 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on in the editorial principles, and its authors have included in it topics and RTSH managers have tried to compile an exhaustive list of ethical dilemmas cover several topics, such as editorial and professional standards, diversity anddetails balanced that are reporting, not even electoralcovered by campaigns, the Code ofreporting Ethics. Principle on politics guidelines and the parliament, production standards, relations with state authorities, imitation and antisocial behavior, investigative reporting, clear and understandable information, the respect of values and public feelings, special interest programming for certain groups, inclusion of certain social groups, children and teenagers in RTSH programming, etc.

III. The development of radio stations

A brief historical overview has tried to keep up with the needs of the public and the situation in various Radio broadcasts in Albania date back to 75 years ago. Over the years, radio just to technical and technological improvements, but radio also had to adapt tostages an ever-changing of recent history. media These landscape, changes to and change transformations its approach were to information, related not challenge to this medium remains its precarious position in the market, in and to try to strike a balance between information and entertainment. A There have been two main leaps in the development of the Albanian radio relation to the fierce competition by other media, especially television. market, set over 20 years apart. The first one was recorded in the second half of 1994, when private radio stations started broadcasting, alongside the traditional Radio Tirana, and its branches in Korça, Gjirokastra, Shkodra, and Kukёs. Within a short period of time private radio stations popped up all beginningover the place, of 2007, and significantlywhen Albanian improved radio stationsthe quality turned of radio their broadcasting gaze to the internet,in the country. and started The second to broadcast leap took not placeonly on around air, but the also end online, of 2006, making and the jump into multimedia12

. 12

http://www.doktoratura.unitir.edu.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Doktoratura- Arben-Muka-Fakulteti-i-Histori-Filologjise-Departamenti-i-Gazetarise.pdf Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 21 Both these leaps have had an undisputable effect on the Albanian radio at the forefront of technical and technological improvements inside and outsidemarket. of On studios, one hand, an element commercial which or fosters non-commercial competition private between radios them, are work on a magnetic tape to produce their news stories and shows, but with timeas well these as between “crafty” theand public labor and intensive private processes sectors. Radio were journalists soon replaced used byto digital editing thanks to the introduction of computers and special software in radio newsrooms, where the editing process took place on a computer screen, with clicks and taps on a keyboard. Radio and the wide diffusion of internet

technologicalRadio, just like developments other media, compelledcould not remain radio to unscathed adapt to the from new the conditions, effects of the online revolution. In Albania, just like anywhere else in the world, these - and rethink the way it delivered information and entertainment, how it in trying to find new ways to keep up - as other media have done as well websites and their social media accounts have steered radio stations towards multimediainteracted with products, the public, by broadcasting and how to bothdeal withon air advertising. and online, Radio and by stations’ adding other elements other than sound waves: picture, text, video, anime, etc. AlbanianThe first privateradio, as radio it marked station thein Albania,loss of theRadio monopoly Vlora, started of state to radiobroadcast over on November 17, 1994. This is a very important moment in the history of mostsound of waves. them were At a based later stage,in Tirana within13 two years, during the period 1997- 1998, as many as 31 private radio stations were established in Albania, and . Radio Tirana and its local branches in Korça, Gjirokastra, Shkodra, and Kukёs were faced with fierce competition at the time, especially with regards to the journalismtechnological in aspect.Albania, Top thus Albania becoming Radio a “beacon”(TAR) started and modelbroadcasting to other around radio that time, with up to date equipment, and it introduced a revolution in radio stations, with upbeat and entertaining DJs, aggressive brand promotion, a new entertaining way of advertising, music selection, etc. One of its main competitors at the time was Club FM. 13

http://www.doktoratura.unitir.edu.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Doktoratura-Arben-Muka- Fakulteti-i-Histori-Filologjise-Departamenti-i-Gazetarise.pdf 22 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on Radio Koha For the first time in Albania, public broadcaster RTSH lost its monopoly on election reporting. A private radio station, (Radio Time), thereported ground, live in the Tirana casting and of other votes cities, for the was parliamentary carried out by elections journalists of June of Koha 29, 1997, only ten days after the radio station had gone on air. The reporting on Other radio stations were established in other towns, such as Kruja, Jonё newspaper, which was owned by the same company.

Gjirokastra, Durrёs, Memaliaj, Gramsh, Kavaja, Korça, etc. The mushrooming of radio stations at the time was also assisted by the lack of regulations. Present situation and challenges

As many as 64 radio stations operate at the present in Albania, including radiossix public broadcasters (Radio Tirana, Radio Tirana 2, Radio Korça, Radio Gjirokastra,Around14 the end Radio of 2006 Shkodra, and the and beginning Radio Kukёs), of 2007 while radio the stations rest are in Albania private started to. cross over into online broadcasting, by adding another dimension to the work carried out in their newsrooms, all the while they continued their massive transformations in technology, mobility, changes in consumer behaviornormal operations: in accessing broadcasting radio programming, their programming and competition on-air. However, by other despite media, some owners and managers of Albanian radio stations still seem to stick to their old ways, and focus more on traditional on-air broadcasts. Around 35 percent of radio stations do not have websites, mainly due notto financial necessary restraints, or other issues regarding the functioning of radio Thestations. websites’ In the 15content meantime, is updated 10 percent randomly, of radio in mostmanagers cases believewithout a a website plan, and is . with a functioning website have hired an online editor, or a team that in a non-creative way. On the other hand, only 20 percent of radio stations thedeals radio specifically station have with not online yet understoodcontent. In thatother the radio media stations products this uploaded process is covered by members of the newsroom tasked with other duties. Some of

14 15 List of broadcasters, AMA, ama.gov.al http://www.doktoratura.unitir.edu.al/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Doktoratura- Arben-Muka-Fakulteti-i-Histori-Filologjise-Departamenti-i-Gazetarise.pdf Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 23 on websites should be edited for the internet, rather than import online the

The job of a multimedia journalist is not yet fully understood, as very few same content and style of on-air broadcasts.

Thejournalists process take of transition pictures or from shoot analogue short videos to digital to match broadcasting the text inpublished Albania willon the serve website. the needs and interests of the public, but it was also carried out to meet international standards, in keeping up with developments in the global market.

IV. The development of the online media

Novelties and challenges

The landscape of online media has blossomed in recent years, even though, no one can say with any degree of certainty what is the number of online media ofoutlets access in to the internet, country. and It ishigh also rates not ofeasy cellphone to identify use amongthe people the population,working in the online media, as well as other aspects related to them. The improvement migration” of well-known journalists to the online media, or their partial involvementhas contributed in online to the journalism, proliferation is becoming of online the media new outlets. normal, The and “digital that is meantime, the development of online media has created the right conditions an indication of how attractive the online media are at the moment. In the to target specific groups, by reporting more in depth on certain topics than fromthe general other interestmedia, asmedia. they suffer from shortage of personnel and heavy When it comes to professional resources, online news sites do not differ workload, as well as intense competition from their colleagues. In this context, the online media,16 just like the traditional media, is switching to indoorOf the main journalisms, problems as for reporters the survival can and scarcely sustainability afford to of leave the online their offices, media and report from the field .

16in Albania is financial security. Just like in other countries, the online media

Instituti Shqiptar i Medias, Peizazh i medias online në Shqipëri (Albanian Media Institute, An overview of the online media in Albania) 2018. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

24 Even though most of the online media outlets appeared optimistic about in Albania cannot seem to come up with a clear and precise business plan. their financial future, the path to financial sustainability remained as yet unknown. However, it is important to point out that in 2017 online media advertising revenues exceeded the amount of money spent by advertisers hasin the shown print media.that donations Another canmodest help source to keep of thingsincome going for the at online the beginning, media in Albania used to be donations by foreign or local donors. However, the past but they are not a long-term solution. Similarly, to traditional media, online media outlets operate with insufficient andpersonnel, limited which human are resources also not always have brought professionally about atrained. situation The in pressure which the to speed up the process of publication of stories, fierce competition from rivals, onaccuracy sensationalism, of news stories as a way is quite to attract often theattention, victim. while Furthermore, the content the isstruggle found to garner a few more clicks has exacerbated the tendency to rely heavily themselves from their sources of information, and they often prefer internet wanting. At the same time, journalists appear to be increasingly distancing

Theresearch ethical and conduct communication of online media rather outlets than is reporting one of the frommost widely the field, debated even issuesthough regarding this tendency the ismedia, pervasive which in hasthe traditionaleven prompted media authorities as well. to take have not succeeded as yet, it is clear that there is mounting pressure on this steps towards the adoption of legislative measures. Even though these efforts regulations or self-regulating mechanisms to oversee ethical behavior in the media,front, while as well efforts as widespread to self-regulate plagiarism would be using the preferredthe copy-paste option. method, The lack are of some aspects that have had a serious impact on the level of professionalism in the online media17 The development of online journalism has been closely related to the development of the internet,. which provides the technological infrastructure for this branch of journalism. Up until the end of 2019, the number of people with access to broadband internet through cellphones stood at 1,789,158, while as many as18 273,435 subscriptions had access to broadband internet from fixed lines . Presently it would appear that the level of access to 17

18 Ibid. AKEP, “Treguesit Statistikorë të Tregut të Komunikimeve Elektronike,” (AKEP, “Statistical Indicators of the Electronic Communication Market”) 2020, https://akep.al/wp-content/ uploads/2019/01/Raport-T4_2019.pdf Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

25 internet in Albania is comparable to levels of internet penetration in many western European countries. Digital migration

In the early days of the online media, content produced by traditional media outlets was simply uploaded on the website, a mechanical transplantation of of main traditional media outlets improved in terms of graphic design, and print media stories on the internet. With the passage of time, the websites As it was mentioned previously, one of the main tendencies in the world of media products started to be edited specifically for the internet. have established their own news websites to take advantage of lower costs, media is the phenomenon of digital migration. Many well-known journalists thereas well is asa clear enjoy tendency more editorial to jump independence. ship and switch Even to online though journalism, the majority which of them continue to appear on TV shows or write columns on newspapers,

Oneconfirms of the the successful strengthening migrations of the toonline the webmedia couldat the beexpense the case of traditionalof analyst media outlets. 19 syri.net

Çim Peka, who took over the management of news website on June 1, 2015, an online portal which is trying to produce original news content by its own staff. A similar instance of digital migration is the case of journalist establishand manager the onlineof traditional agency medianewsbomb.al outlets asAnila well Basha. as another She quit one her sometime day job later,on these newsport.al. media in JanuaryThere have 2015 been and joinedother forcecases withof digital other colleaguesmigration toof managers, or well-known journalists, that have left the traditional media chiefand established of several media their ownoutlets, online but newshe recently sites. Aswitched typical exampleto the online is the media case andof well-known established journalist droni.al and analyst Sami Neza, who worked as editor in lapsi.al while continuing newstheir website.commitmentsIn another in the case, traditional two well-known media. Lapsi. TV aland newspaper analysts Armand Shkullaku and Andi Bushati established news website 360grade.al was established in September 2014. Analyst Artur Zheji also created his in May 2016. This list includes other well-known traditional The data on media this chapter personalities, is based on such a study as conductedBlendi Fevziu, by the RudinaAlbanian Xhunga,Media Institute who 19

“Online media in Albania: legislation, self-regulation, development, main tendencies and characteristics,”2016. 26 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on established respectively opinion.al and dritare.al Mapo, Alfred Lela opened his news website politiko.al, focusing primarily on political news and analysis, rather than cover. Afterdifferent leaving topics newspaper like any her own online media tiranapost.al, where she has been trying to engage other general interest news website. Similarly, Mira Kazhani founded managed by the Nazarko brothers, Konica.al, and the list goes on with Enkel Demipublic and personalities his website in 27.alwriting their own columns.tpz.al Another onlinezoneelire. media is al realstory.al cna.al hapur.al, Alfred Peza and alpenews.al, Ylli Rakipi and , Arianjavanews.al Çani and The, Sokol digital Balla native and media, those, Elvinews Fundo sites andthat started, Eni online Vasili (as and opposed to , Skënder Minxhozi and , etc.

20 thoseare free that of startedwork models in broadcast and routine or through of traditional paper-based media publication), outlets, and havethey adapted more easily to digital techniques and operational novelties . They Albania soon after 2000, but for are freer and more inclined to experiment both in design and news content. fewThe successdigital native stories media is albeu.com first appeared in nearly a decade there were very few of them, and they were weak. One of the but it transformed itself into a serious, a pioneer online of the media field, outlet, which and was a established successful in July 2003. During this period of time, Albeu managed albeu.comnot only to, in survive 2006, two other successful digital native news websites started operations, respectivelymedia business. noa.al Three and years ikub.al after, which the establishmentstarted as news of and online content onlineaggregators. media Laterwas snubbed they expanded by the traditional the scope media, of their and activities it was often to includeviewed bya wide other range journalists of online as services.unprofessional, For a long dishonest, period andof time were this considered category asof websites that did nothing but take advantage of the media content that was produced by others in the internet. They have also been accused of thesecopyright disparaging infringements, opinions for in publishing several digital superfluous native media content sites aimed managed only toat improveincreasing their the productsnumber ofand visitors, appearance, and click and baiting. they succeeded However, in regardless dominating of

One of the most interesting websites is Jetaoshqef, which mainly publishes the online media landscape. entertainment-oriented, human interest and satirical content. Besides soft news, this website also relies heavily on user generated content.

20

Ibid. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 27 onlineThis tendency news agencies, to focus oninternet soft news magazines stories, arewhile publications attempting whichto find area niche not in the market, has brought about a proliferation of online magazines. Unlike andoriented news, to artsbreaking and culture,news stories. fashion, In general, etc, online the informationmagazines take they advantage publish is ofnot the time-sensitive. apparent fascination By focusing of mainlythe internet on soft public news onstories, these celebrity kinds of gossip news in Albania, including living.al, bordo.al, anabelmagazine.com, elegance.al, iconstyle.al,stories. There magazinesvip.al are dozens of online publications that fall under this category One of the most successful magazines is undoubtedly Monitor - monitor.al - which specializes in business, etc. reporting, and was established in 2006 by monitor.al publishes time

Media Union company. Besides the print edition, after time breaking news stories and analysis on economy and finance. What are some of the main tendencies in reporting by the online media? belowWhat is offer the qualityan analysis of reporting of the main and publishing,tendencies andin the is thereonline any media, respect which for professional standards? What are the main challenges? The paragraphs media outlets, focusing primarily on news portals, while also drawing on previouswere identified research through and monitoring direct and21 continuous monitoring of the online

. - Speedy reporting versus in-depth reporting

theThe publishing race to be of the stories first onecontinues to publish at breakneck breaking pace, stories as news appears websites to be oftenconsuming publish the very online short media, stories, not unlike sometimes the traditional just a paragraph, media. As awithout result,

providing any context to events. In the meantime, these types of stories have become the new normal in the Albanian media, at the expense of investigations and in-depth reporting. - More news, less information?! Even though the number of news stories published every day by online news sites appears to very high, this does not necessarily mean that the

public is better informed. Given that a large portion of stories and postings 21 The information relating to media reporting tendencies in the online media is based on

the AMI report. “Peizazh i medias online në Shqipëri (An overview of the online media in Albania),”2018. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

28 are merely statements or one-source news items, the public usually gets

news reporting, and data collected from interviews with representatives ofonly online one sidemedia of theoutlets, story. it However,would appear taking that into publishing consideration news trends stories in

with more than one source of information has become a luxury. - News accuracy and verification of information: an outdated practice

allThe online quality news of news sites stories publish and thestatements accuracy ofand published information news itemsretrieved are closely related to this new habit of publishing one-source stories. Almost

from Facebook, Twitter or official webpages, and the accuracy of this news material is almost never verified. As a rule, statements are simply published by news sites, the information therein is not verified, and this process is undermining the role of journalists as watchdogs. It also affects in an adverse way the accuracy of information received by the public. - Sensationalism and bombastic headlines: a war of clicks The online media are often chock full of headlines which vie to attract the attention of readers, prompting them to click and read stories, a method

towhich make has readers proven click beneficial on the link,to online and often media the outlets content and of thetheir story accounts is not on social media. In such cases, the only role played by these headlines is

necessarily related to the headline.

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

29 30 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on CHAPTER 2 The arduous journey towards media freedom

Origins of free media in Albania

Efforts to establish a free media in Albania could be traced back to the early days after the collapse of the communist regime, following the replacing

Politicsof a single-party was the one system responsible with political for the establishment pluralism. During of free the media first years in post- of communistdemocracy, theAlbania, media and was as in a a resultstate ofthe chaos, new poorlymedia fundedmodel andwas structured.shaped by freedompolitical frameworks.of press was Thismainly is alsolimited due to to the the freedom fact that, of up political until that debate, moment, thus the country lacked a tradition of free press. Therefore, the concept of establish a free media, this did not mean that the end product would be an establishing a close correlation to politics. Even though there were efforts to independent media. Researchers and scholarsthe media in legal the fieldframework of media and analyze media ownership the development / relations of mediawith politics. and freedom of press over the period from 1990 - to date, based on twotheir main fundamental criteria: importance in the development of a free and independent We will also refer to these criteria in this research paper, due to of other scholars, proposes a new analysis approach to the development media. On the other hand, researcher Jonila Godole, drawing on the work this model the evolution of the media system in Albania could be divided of media in Albania,a) thein three phase distinct of liberalization stages of (1988-1994), development. which According includes to into three phases: b) the phase of democratization (1994-1998);the final years and of the c) communistthe phase of regime consolidation (1988-1990) (1998 and – to the date). early Each years one of transition and liberalization (1990-1994); of these phases displays its own characteristics of media development. For characterizedexample, the first by a phase process was of dominateddemocratization, by partisan pluralism, journalism, institutionalization, propaganda, and efforts to achieve a decentralization of the media. The second phase was

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 31 during the third phase efforts are focused on the strengthening and growth ofand the a freemedia press, system, though journalistic not yet anculture, independent as well press.as the Ontakeover the other of media hand, mediaownership regulation by powerful in Albania, businessmen. as the However,most important even this aspect three-phase of establishing analysis is based on the aforementioned two main criteria. At first we will discuss and guaranteeing the freedom of press. The “Law on Press” and limitations to the freedom of press

“The press is free”, but thenThe follows “Law on the Press” phrase No. “The 7756, freedom adopted of the press by parliament is limited only in by 1993, provisions was anof theimportant Constitution development and articles at the of time.this law.” Article This 1 lawreads was that imported without much not consulted during this process, which prompted protests by journalists modification from the German state of Nordrhein-Westfalen. The media was 22 23 and other international bodies also reacted against regarding limitations prescribed in the law. The International24 Federation of Journalists , Article XIX the law. According to international experts, sources of concern regarding this becomelaw included: an editor-in-chief a) legitimization of aof publication, prior restraint, and as legal the lawprovisions allowed compellingauthorities to block any publications for various reasons; b) limitations on who could media organizations to allow the right of reply; c) financial penalties against Besidespublishers this and law, managing during editorsthat same (undue year financial the parliament pressure). approved In other several terms, the law included a series of limitations on the free press. on cases of “slander and libel against constitutional institutions”, “insults againstamendments the state to theand Criminal its symbols”, Code, “slander which calledand libel for against criminal the prosecution president of the republic”, “insults against institutions and representatives of other countries” 25 . During the period this law was in effect, Albania scored the worst results of the whole transition era in reports by Freedom House, over the 1994-1996 period. Albania was considered a country where the media was “not free.” 22

23 International Federation of Journalists (1996). Media Freedom in Albania. An analysis of Media Legislation. Article XIX (1997) Albania: Towards Broadcasting Freedom. An analysis of the New

24 Broadcasting Law. Article 19.

25 Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights (1995) Press Restriction in Albania. Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights (1995) Press Restriction in Albania. Page 6. 32 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on Several incidents involving journalists were recorded over that period, including harassment of journalists, fines and persecutions against journalists, even imprisonment of media people. A number of journalists were criminally prosecuted, including Idajet Beqiri (found guilty of insults against the office of the president), who was sentenced to six months in jail, (prosecutedand served three for endangeringmonths of that national sentence security, in prison. sentenced Other journalists to one month included in Nikollë Lesi (prosecuted for libel, found guilty and fined); Aleksandër Frangaj house arrest), Fatmir Zanaj (received a suspended sentence of two months in attacksjail, and onone-year journalists probation), paled byShyqyri comparison Meka (fined to the with criminal Lek 80,000 prosecution / $1,000), of Ilirian Zhupa (sentenced to two months in prison). However, this long list of

Martin Leka, a journalist at Koha Jonë, and Aleksandër Frangaj, managing editor of that newspaper. According to a report by Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights “The charges against them were based on a story Leka authored in January 1994, reporting and criticizing an order sent to military officers surrendering their weapons while off duty. Although26 He Frangaj was laterwas initially acquitted, Leka, who had been charged with libel, was sentenced to 18 month in prison for “colluding to reveal a state secret.” pardoned, while still in prison, by then-president Sali Berisha, on May 3, 1994, on International Press Day, together with Ilirian Zhupa, Shyqyri Meka, and Luftar Matohiti. That was the most difficult period for the press in Albania, at a time when deemedconsiderable unsuitable efforts to were the underwaysituation in to the ensure country its freedom.27 The Law on Press was in effect until 1997, when a new parliament abrogated that law, as it was . The new law contained only two articles: “The press is free,” and “The freedom of the press is protected by law.” The transition from a restrictive law to unqualified freedom

The abrogation of the press law and its replacement by the two gesture which was hailed and welcomed by the local media community and internationalaforementioned organizations, articles, which even made though up thereLaw no. were 8239 some “On diverging the press”, opinions was a regarding the need for another law on press, in order to avoid a completely unregulated media. It was argued that there was a need for a gradual process 26 Ibid, page 7 27

Londo, I (2014). Media Integrity Matters. Albanian Media Institute, page 58. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 33 of regulation scale down, to avoid jumping from over-regulation to total liberalization. Debates regarding the need to draft a proper law on the press, and consequences on the development of the media, and consequently on the strengthening of democracy, continued The veryfor some fact time.that there was no law onAccording the media to created Godole, a the vacuum new lawwhich28 perpetuated left room for the abuse institutional chaos, specialinstead lawof improving to regulate the the situation.press forced the courts to try and29 sentence cases . The lack of a according to Criminal Code stipulations, and what was even worse, is that journalists and sources of information became fair game, as confidential sources of information enjoyed no special protection under the law. Regarding this issue, Helen Darbishire said that “so much was lost because of that, such as the right of journalists to protect confidential sources of informationinformation. isThe supported right of media by the to law have on access to informationinformation, was but lostthe rightwith the scraping of the old press law. Now, the right of journalists to receive 30 of journalists to protect the anonymity of their confidential sources should beconsidered guaranteed as bya liberal a proper stance law ontowards press.” the media and editorial content, butChanges at the to same the time legislation, they imply according that the to press researcher is in charge Ilda Londo,of editorial “are 31 The responsibility, steering the process towards self-regulation.” abrogation of the law on press also improved Albania’s position in Freedom AlbaniaHouse reports in the by“partially 19 points, free” jumping category, form where 75 points it stayed, in 1996, almost which stationary, placed it in the “not free” category, to 56 points in 1997. This new evaluation placed for many years, as it is shown in the chart below. To date, Albania is still listed in the “partially free” category.

28 Godole, A. (2014) Gazetaria Shqiptare në Tranzicion: Struktura, Aktorët dhe Tipologjitë Profesionale (Albanian Journalism in Transition: Structure, Stakeholders, and Professional

29 Characteristics). Page 27.

30 Gazetaria shqiptare përballë dhunës. (1997). Intervistë me Remzi Lanin (Albanian journalism is faced with violence. 1997. Interview with Remzi Lani), Page 19-20 Gazetaria shqiptare përballë dhunës. (Albanian journalism is facing violence) 1997. Intervistë me Helena Darbishire, Konsulente e programit të Artikullit 19 për Evropën 31 Qendrore dhe Lindore (Interview with Helen Darbishire, consultant of Article 19 program on Central and Eastern Europe). Londo, I (2016) Media online në Shqipëri. Legjislacioni, vetërregullimi dhe prirjet kryesore. (Online media in Albania. Legislation, self-regulation, and main tendencies). Page 11. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

34 Sipas Godole, ligji i ri, në vend që ta rregullonte, e lejonte më tej kaosin institucional.”28 Fakti që mungonte një ligj për median krijoi një vakuum që linte hapësirë për abuzime29. Kjo për faktin se mungesa e një ligji të posaçëm për të rregulluar shtypin bënte që rastet të gjykoheshin dhe ndëshkoheshin ende sipas Kodit Penal, e më keq akoma, i nxirrte gazetarët dhe burimet e informacionit zbuluar, pasi nuk kishte ndonjë mbrojtje të veçantë të burimeve të besuara të informacionit. Lidhur me këtë aspekt, Helen Darbishire është shprehur se “shumë gjëra humbën, si për shembull e drejta e gazetarëve për të mbrojtur burimet e besueshme të informacionit. Gjithashtu edhe e drejta mbi aksesin në informacion të medias, kishte humbur në ligjin e vjetër të shtypit. Tani e drejta e gazetarëve për të marre informacion duhet të kalojë nëpërmjet ligjit mbi informacionin, por e drejta e gazetarëve për të mbrojur burimet e besueshme duhet të kalojë nëpërmjet një ligji më të plotë mbi shtypin.”30 Ndryshimet në këtë legjislacion, sipas kërkueses Ilda Londo, “konsiderohen si qëndrime liberale kundrejt medias dhe përmbajtjes editoriale, por në të njëjtën kohë kjo nënkupton se shtypi duhet ta mbajë vetë përgjegjësinë editoriale duke u orientuar kështu drejt vetë-rregullimit.”31Abrogimi i ligjit për shtypin ndikoi edhe pikët e Shqipërisë në raportet e Freedom House, ku nga 75 pikë në 1996, qe e klasifikonte si“jo e lirë”, pësoi përmiresim prej 19 pikësh duke shkuar kështu në 56 pikë në 1997 duke u renditur në kategorinë “pjesërisht i lirë”, ku do të qëndronte thuajse palëvizur për shumë vite me radhë, siç paraqet grafiku në vijim. Ky kategorizim “pjesërisht i lirë” do të vazhdonte i tillë për shumë vite, përfshirë edhe shtypin në ditët e sotme.

Press Freedom, Albania- Scores (1993-2017) 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 1 11 21 31 Score 41 48 50 51 50 50 50 49 49 51 51 56 56 53 56 49 51 49 50 50 50 51 51 61 56 71 67 75 81 71 Chart No. 1- Based on the data provided by Freedom House, Grafiku No. 1- MbështeturPress në të Freedomdhënat e FreedomReports House,(1993-2017) Press Freedom Reports (1993- 2017)

Përpjekjet për rregullim të shtypit Efforts to regulate the press Në kushtet e kësaj situate të lirisë së pakufizuar, në 1998 u miratua Ligji për Transmetimet, i cili, siç thekson Londo, gjithashtu hasi rezistencë. Stacioni i parë TV lindi në vitin 1995, por rregullimithe Law përon Broadcasts,median elektronike which u miratuawas also në facedvitin 1998 with dhe resistance autoriteti fromrregullator journalists, u ngrit In this environment of unqualified freedom, the parliament approved in 1998 28 Godole, A. (2014) Gazetaria Shqiptare në Tranzicion: Struktura, Aktorët dhe Tipologjitë Profesionale. Faqe 27. 29asGazetaria Londo Shqiptare points përballë out. dhunës.The first (1997). private Intervistë TV me station Remzi Lani, started Faqe 19- 20broadcasting in 1995, 30butGazetaria regulation Shqiptare përballë on the dhunës.(1997). broadcast Intervistë media me Helenawas Darbishire,introduced Konsulente in 1998, e programit while të the Artikullitthe number 19 për Evropën of unlicensed Qendrore dhe Lindore. broadcasters amounted to nearly 100 radio and 31regulationLondo, I (2016) bodyMediat Onlinewas establishednë Shqipëri.Legjislacioni, only invetërregullimi 2000. During dhe prirjet this kryesore.Faqe five-year 11. vacuum,

TV stations. The broadcast media would now be regulated by the Law No. the8410 activity “On Private of the andbroadcast Public media,Radio and including Television.” the public This broadcaster,law, which has private been amended six times since its adoption in 1998, aims at regulating all aspects of

topTV stations, regulatory cable body and of satellite the public service broadcaster, providers. vested This law with laid monitoring the foundation and for the establishment of the National Council on Radio and Television, as the when the parliament approved the new law “On Audiovisual Media in the regulatory powers. The Law on Radio and Television was abrogated in 2013, outlets and supporting services, on the basis of technological impartiality Republic of Albania” which regulated the32 functioning of broadcast media

in the territory of the Republic of Albania . The new law provided for the establishment of the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA), which would act as the regulatory body in the field of radio and TV broadcasts, as well as other supporting services in the territory of the Republic of Albania. 32

Law No. 97/2003 Për Mediat Audiovizive në Republikën e Shqipërisë (Law No. 97/2003 On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania) Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

35 AMA was tasked with granting licenses and authorizations, and to enforce regulation. The main problem throughout the history of regulatory bodies – formulaat first KKRT, of the and election later ofAMA the – members was their of inability the regulatory to function body in has an effectivechanged severalway, independently times at the from proposal, other andinstitutions with the or intervention factors, mainly of politicians politics. The in this process, which shows that this institution has become functional, but it also reveals the interest and interference of politics in the workings of this 33 institution. In 1999, the parliament approved Law No. 8503, on the Right of Information on Official Documents,34 and made changes to the existing legal framework on the media. This law regulated the right of information on official documents, and recognized the right of all citizens to request information on official documents related to the activity of state institutions and public officials. The request could be filed without providing a reason for obtaining said information. However, there were some limitations to the availability of documents, which were deemed as classified information by other legislation (such as the Law on State Secret, or the Law on the Protection of Personal Data). In cases of refusal of information, the public authorities were required accordingto provide to a this written law, if explanation the process ofabout making the thisreasons information for refusal. available Applicants would obtaining information on official documents would be required to pay a fee, incur expenses, but in any case this fee could not be higher than what it cost to submittedprovide such by service. journalists, One ofwho the aremost plagued important by time aspects constraints of this law throughout were time limits and deadlines on providing information, especially regarding requests disclosuretheir careers. of information, According to and this in law, case a of public approval authority the information could decide should within be 15 days of the submission of the request whether to provide or refuse the this section of the law, as they were convinced that this delay in providing available within 40 days of the filing of the request. Journalists objected to information would affect the quality of information and journalism provided to the public. This element of the law attracted the attention of international organizations, which reviewed the law and provided recommendations. For example,33 OSCE stated that the 15-day approval period was in accordance bazuar mbi treguesit e Këshillit të Evropës mbi median në demokraci (Albanian Media and Albanian Media Institute (2018) Media Shqiptare dhe Standardet Evropiane. Raport i

European Standards. Report based on indicators of the Council of Europe on median in a

34 democracy). Page 44. Londo, I (2014) Media Integrity Matters, page 53. 36 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on with international standards, but the 40-day period was deemed as an unacceptable delay in providing information. This law was amended by the parliament and changes to the law were proposed by the Justice Initiative, ofNew access York, to following information consultations that is produced with stakeholders.and stored by public authorities, was The Law No.119/2014 On the Right to Information, which regulates the right approved in 2014. Unlike the previous law, the term “public authority” was remainedexpanded andunchanged, explained so in every this newperson piece could of legislation, “enjoy the thus right clarifying of access this to term and making it more understandable. The right of access to information and the public authority is compelled to inform the applicant whether it35 possesses public information, without having to explain their reasons” information, the state institutions can levy a fee that has been established andor not made the public requested beforehand information. by the public Regarding authority, the costbut this of providing fee could not the exceed the real cost of replicating the documents. The main difference from the previous law is that the public authority should process the request for information within 10 days of the application. An additional element in this law is the forwarding of the request for information to another public authority, which is required to reply within 15 working days from the date onof the the filing right of tothe information, request with including the first public restrictions institution. on indispensability, There have also proportionality,been several changes violations in stipulations, of the right expandingto privacy, thetrade scope secrets, of limitations copyright, and patents. Suggestions by international experts helped to make the law Othermore specific,important and pieces to match of legislation international include standards the Law in on the Digital field Broadcasts,of the right to information. the Law on Telecommunications in the Republic of Albania, and the Law on the Regulatory Body on Telecommunications, which established the second regulatory institution, the Regulatory Body on Telecommunications (ERT). The Regulatory Body has witnessed significant changes in the oftenlandscape undermined of the Albanian the relationship media. Politicalbetween interferencethe regulatory in institution the election and of KKRT members, resistance to its rulings, or interference by other means has regulatory legislation, which raised serious concerns regarding the fragility broadcasters. In 2006, the parliament approved significant changes in the of the media when it comes to politics.

35 The Law No. 119/2014 On the Right to Information, Article 3 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on 37 36, aimed at addressing issuesThe Law which No. concerned 9472 On Digitalaccess Broadcastsand sustainability in the in Republic the framework of Albania, of which was approved in 2007, and the Strategy universal decoders to provide to all subscribers free-of-charge access to the switch to37 digital broadcasting. The law compelled broadcasters to use document which guided the passage to digital broadcasting, was only all channels. The Strategy on Transition to Digital Broadcasts, the official started operations and went bankrupt, while two other commercial digital approved in 2012. During this whole time, a private digital TV platform had and faced with pressure by companies operating digital platforms, that platforms continued to operate normally. Considering these developments, national digital networks would be assigned in beauty contest procedures, wanted to protect their own interests, the Strategy decided that licenses on platforms and those broadcast media companies which were deemed which meant that the competition would take place between existing digital that entered the licensing process were probably the only commercial entitiessufficiently interested, experienced and capable to take to this operate job on. these Even networks, though the application companies switch to digital broadcasting in Albania is still a work in progress, and of beauty contest principle violated the rules of fair competition. The broadcaster the task to build two national digital platforms, a portion of the Strategy of Transition to Digital Technology has assigned to the public A very important development for the freedom of press and38 media in which should host broadcasts of private radio and TV stations. legislativeAlbania were reform the was amendments the crowning of legal achievement provisions of ofseven the years Criminal of efforts Code andon defamation, perseverance getting by a ingroup line ofwith civil European society organizations,democratic standards. the Albanian This the necessary political and media consensus in order to adopt these Media Institute, and the Justice Initiative, which managed to garner criteriaamendments. that courts As a result have toof takethese into changes consideration in the legislation, when deliberating standards onof guaranteeing the freedom of expression improved significantly, while the cases of injuries to reputation were clarified. Furthermore, changes in this

36

37 Strategy of the Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasts (2012)

38 OSFA (2012) The development of Digital Media: Albania. Report on Albania. Page 77 Albanian Media Institute (2018) Media Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

38 law made sure that journalists would not suffer imprisonment because of

The most important changes in the criminal code, as far as the39 media is their jobs, but defamation is still not completely decriminalized. have to go through the same procedures as ordinary citizens in case they claimconcerned, injury included to their the reputation, lifting of andspecial the protection abrogation to of public imprisonment officials, who for defamation. On the other hand, amendments to the civil code identified clear, specific and exhaustive criteria for judges in providing damages in cases of libel and slander. Also, one of the changes was the introduction of the Theseproportionality criteria included concept an in analysisawarding on damages, whether andthe authordefined of the the criteria allegations that the courts should take into account in determining liability and damages. have been reported truthfully or misrepresented, whether such allegations violatedhad respected the privacy the rules of ofthe professional plaintiff, the ethics, public whether interest allegations in publishing or quotes the story, whether the information provided was a fact or an opinion, as well as the veracity of published statements. In addition, the courts should also Theseconsider changes the financial to the criminalburden that and the civil damages code were awarded demanded will impose by the onmedia the defendant, which is especially relevant in lawsuits against media outlets. community, and signified a step up in the efforts to ensure freedom of pres changesand media, aim but at in“regulating December the 2019 rights, the parliamentobligations adopted and responsibilities amendments ofto mediaphysical legislation, and legal alsopersons known providing as the “anti-defamationaudio and audiovisual package.” services, These electronic publishing services, through electronic communication networks, as well as to promote media pluralism and other important issues related to media services, in accordance with international standards and

40 conventions.” This law covers linear radio and TV broadcasts, nonlinear itsradio provisions and TV broadcasts, “cannot be theirinterpreted supporting in such services a way andas to services allow censorship of electronic or publishing, but not the print media. Even though the law clearly states that to limit the right to freedom of speech and expression,” the Albanian media

39 Londo, I., Zguri, Rr (2014) Media online në Shqipëri: legjislacioni, vetë-rregullimi, zhvillimi dhe prirjet kryesore (Online media in Albania: legislation, self-regulation, development

40 and main trends). Page, 9-10. Albanian Media Institute, Tirana. Law No. 91/2019 On some changes and amendments to the law no.97/2013 on audiovisual media in the Republic of Albania, revised (Për disa ndryshime dhe shtesa në ligjin nr.97/2013 për mediat audiovizive në Republikën e Shqipërisë, të ndryshuar). Article 1 Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

39 legislation may “increase the risk of censorship and self-censorship in the localand the media, international and could communitycontribute tohas further expressed setbacks concerns on media that freedom this type and of freedomBorders ofstated expression that “the in Albania, laws would which, further based ondeteriorate the June41 2019 the situationassessment of ofpress seven freedom international in a country organizations, where governmentis ‘deteriorating’.” regularly Reporters restricts Without access

of journalists to official information42 and controls the TV market via the inattribution the legislation of broadcast would violatelicenses.” the Theconstitution, President and of the potentially Republic undermine of Albania also vetoed this law, in January 2020, expressing concerns that these changes 43 regarding this law, and according the freedom of the media. 44 The Venice Commission has also reacted to them, first of all, the notion of “electronic publications” is too nebulously bloggers,and broadly or defined,people thereforehaving personal jeopardizing pages clarity on social and foreseeabilitynetwork platforms of the scope of application of the law. In particular, it is unclear whether individual

(Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.) publishing information from the media will be covered by this definition. fromSecondly, applying the not commission only to the states online that publication the area of of the application printed press of but the also law toextends everyone beyond interested professional in imparting media information,outlets and nothing ideas, views prevents to entertain, this law produce a chilling effect on ordinary individuals that would be deterred inform or educate the general public by online publications. This may from expressing any view online, for fear of possible sanctions left at the discretion of the AMA. In a country where pluralism in the current media environment is, to an important extent, stemming from individual bloggers and journalists, this raises serious concerns. Thirdly, the commission was concerned about the professional qualification of the members of the AMA and the Complaints Committee. Their qualification

41 Retrieved from https://balkaninsight.com/2019/07/19/censorship-bill-albania-rights- organizations-slams-anti-defamation-package/. Accessed on June 6, 2030, at 13.30 42 43 Retrieved from https://rsf.org/en/albania Accessed on June 6, 2020, at 13.09 https://balkaninsight.com/2020/01/13/president-turns-down-albania-controversial-

44 anti-defamation-law/ European Commission for Democracy through law (Venice Commission). Opinion on the law no.97/2013 on the audiovisual media service with draft amendments adopted on December 18, 2019. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

40 namely assessing facts and legal concepts which, in principle, fall within the should be sufficient to perform the tasks they will be entrusted with,

competence of a judge and require a fair balancing exercise between freedom of expression and information, and the individual rights of others and the interests of the society as a whole. According to the Venice Commission, clear eligibility criteria as regards the skills and experience needed for those chillingwho wanted effect to on be free members speech of and the politicalComplaints speech, Committee and that should this lawbe applied. suffers In summary, the Venice Commission considers that the law would have a The approval of the anti-defamation package also affected Albania’s ranking from vagueness, which further complicates it application. nd place, after dropping seven positions from the and evaluation by Reporters Without Bordersth for the year 2019, as the country was ranked in the 82 previousrankings yearover rankings.the years, Albania starting was from ranked 2003, 75 when in thethe presscountry freedom was ranked index classificationth in 2018. The chart below shows a steady decline in Albania’s

34when (the it was best ranked ranking in 102ever).nd Since then, Albania has been sliding down the table of classification year after year, and it reached rock bottom in 2013, Press Freedom Index place.- Albania Ranking 2003-2019

1

21

34 41 Ranking 50 61 62 76 85 82 82 75 81 80 79 80 87 88 96 82 101 102

121 GrafikuChart No. No.2 Mb 2ë shteturBased tek on t ëthedh ëdatanat e RFSprovided për vitet by (2003 RFS- 2019)for the period 2003-2019 Po ashtu, Indeksi i Qëndrueshmërisë së Medias (IREX) e vlerëson Shqipërinë me 2.71 pikë për vitin 2019 në kategorinë e fjalës së lirë, e cila krahasuar me vetëm një vit më parë ka shfaqur një rënie te lehte duke shkuar në 2.76 pikë, sikurse tregohet në grafikun më poshtë. Kështu, vendi ynë mbetet në kategorinë e vendeve “afër qëndrueshmërisë” së medias së pavarur, me pikët më larta shënuar në vitin 2016 (2.82). Trendi i Shqipërisë në këtë aspekt paraqitet i njëjtë për shumë vite duke filluar nga 2001, ku intervali mes të cilit shfaqen ulje- Media in Transition: reflections three decades on ngritje nga viti në vit është ai 1.98-2.82. 41

Grafiku No.3- Mbështetur në të dhënat nga Media Sustainablity Index, IREX (2001-2019) Press Freedom Index- Albania Ranking 2003-2019

1

21

34 41 Ranking 50 61 62 76 85 82 82 75 81 80 79 80 87 88 96 82 101 102

121 Grafiku No. 2 Mbështetur tek të dhënat e RFS për vitet (2003-2019) Similarly, the Media Sustainability Index, by IREX, has assigned Albania 2.71 Pothatpoints ashtu, the forIn countrydeksi the i yearQë ndrueshmfalls 2019 in ë theregardingrisë categorysë Medias free (IREX)of speech,countries e vlerëson a slightwhere Shqipërinë drop the mecomparedindependent 2.71 pikë to përlast vitin year’s 2019 2.76 në kategorinë points evaluation, e fjalës së lirë, as edepicted cila krahasuar in the me chart vetëm below. një vit mëThat parë means ka shfaqur një rënie te lehte duke shkuar në 2.76 pikë, sikurse tregohet në grafikun më poshtë. Kështu, vendi ynë mbetet në kategorinë e vendeve “afër qëndrueshmërisë” së medias së pavarur,media isme “nearly pikët më sustainable.” larta shënuar në The vitin best 2016 result (2.82). was Trendi achieved i Shqipërisë in 2016 në këtë with aspekt 2.82 paraqitetpoints. iAlbanianjëjtë për appears shumë vite to duke have filluar held nga a steady2001, ku position intervali mes for tëmany cilit shfaqen years uljein this- ngritjeclassification nga viti në sincevit është 2001, ai 1.98 with-2.82. slight changes year after year, as the all-time low stood at 1.98 and the all-time high was recorded at 2.82.

GrafikuChart No.3 No.3- Mb – Basedështetur on në ttheë dh dataënat nga provided Media Sustainablity by Media SustainabilityIndex, IREX (2001 Index,-2019) IREX (2001-2019)

partiallyAccording free to researchercountry has Rrapo a partially Zguri free the media,classification which isof partially Albanian trusted media byas “partially free” is merely one of the symptoms of the “partial syndrome”: a the public, and only partially meets international standards. In other words, this is an indication of a work-in–progress democracy, still with45 a long way to go to achieve the democracy levels of developed countries.

45 Zguri, Rr. (2019) Media image among the public and media trust in Albania. Albanian Media Institute, page 30. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

42 The relationship between media and politics (1990-2020)

In the early 90s, the media and politics(1) the engagedestablishment in a close of the and party complex media relationship.(2) Researcher Besnik Baka has identified three phases of media development in relation to politics: (1990-92), the establishment of the political media (1992-98),46 and (3) the establishment of the clientelistic media (1998-2011) . According to him, the media in Albania (as well as other countries in the Western Balkans) appears to be more of an extension of politics, rather than an independent instrument of information. As a result, he believed that politics was the most powerfulimportant mediafactor inwhich the development engaged in of an post-communist “oppositional pluralistrelationship” media. with Also, according to Godole, the early 90s were characterized by a relatively presspolitics. and The the politiciansfreedom of thatspeech, came preferring into power a subdued following press the and parliamentary a submissive elections in 1992 were inclined to adopt the old model of control over the on the recently liberated public forum, and the reporting by newspapers was journalism community. However, the press was vying to increase its influence 47 whichaggressive culminated and antagonistic. into physical During attacks the and period imprisonment 1994-1996, against the government politicians (the anticommunist majority) displayed clear signs of authoritarianism, dictatorship to democracy had to go through an intermediate stage, which accordingof the opposition to some and researchers, critical journalists. should be Because considered of that, as the the transition phase of fromnew

In the meantime, 48during this period journalist became owners of media authoritarianism. newoutlets, environment but the community of pluralism of journalists and freedom was of still speech, young journalism and inexperienced, could not, andas far should as western not, remain media modelsa domain were of politicalconcerned, parties, according therefore to Godole. it started In this to fromtransform political itself parties, into a domain marking of the the emergence professionals of aof press the field. eagerly This anticipatedperiod also witnessed the first serious attempts to establish a media system decoupled

46 Baka, B. (20111) Media dhe Politika: Tranzicioni drejt (pa)varësisë politike (Media and

47 Politics: The transition to political (in)dependence). Godole, A. (2014) Gazetaria shqiptare në tranzicion. Struktura, aktorët dhe tipologjia profesionale (Albanian journalism in transition. Structure, stakeholders and professional

48 characteristics). Papirus. Zguri, Rr. (2017) Marrëdhëniet mes medias dhe politikës (The relationship between media and politics). AMI. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

43 meantime, the independent media and politics faced each other off as two estatesby the in public, distant a precursorimmovable to positions, the establishment without any of close the relations free press. between In the government, while on the other side stood an authoritarian regime, which the two camps: on one side stood the media, critical and oppositional to the was unmoved by media criticism. Until 1998, the media developed largely as an institution of the political world and a literary endeavor, rather than an entrepreneurial pursuit. After 1998, following the emergence and strengthening of Albanian capital and capitalists, the market started to play an important role. Powerful tobusinessmen respond primarily from the to constructionmarket demands, industry, by overlooking and other fields,or neglecting started theirto invest public in role, the media.and serving During the this business period, and media political organizations interests of started their publishers. This is one of the reasons why various researchers (Zguri, 2017; aLani, new 2011; trend Baka, for businessmen, 2011, etc,) refer as theyto this were third trying period to ofassert development their positions as the phase of clientelistic media. Investing in TV stations and newspapers became media market developed in a rather fast pace, more in terms of numbers and secure protection and political leverage. As a result of this situation, the to fade gradually,49 the pressure on media outlets became more sophisticated, thanin accordance in quality. with While the repression developments against in the the media country, and journalistsswitching tobegun the phase of transition from “repression to pressure” in which “imprisonments and physical attacks against journalists seem to be left in the past, but the pressure they face remains, and as a matter of fact, it is becoming more and have reduced the level of independence of journalists, and are responsible formore the sophisticated.” weakening of This professional pressure, asstandards well as thein thelack mediaof financial industry, security, and

During the period 2000-2010, the relationship between media and politics biased reporting. was characterized by the exposure of the media to political pressure; the exploitation of the media for political purposes, which was evident and escalating all the time; a significantly weaker resistance by the media, and anproblems opening such to politicalas transparency, influence corruption, in exchange and for businessthe ownership benefits. of The media was facing “capitalistic tendencies and financial pressures,”

49 Ibid. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

44 media outlets. During this period, media organizations were divided primaryin two groups: aim was (1) to mediasupport outlets businesses that wereand clientelistic fighting for interests survival, of which their made them more susceptible to political pressure; It should and be (2) pointed media out whose that the access of political parties in the media50 has never been a problem, as a resultowners, of ratherthe large than number informing of political the public. and public affairs shows in the main

TV stations, which run almost on a daily basis, as well as strict laws on media reporting during electoral campaigns. Furthermore, the balance of topolitical political representation events, and journalists on TV debates have has been become prevented a rule from on most reporting political on shows. On the other hand, there have been restrictions of media access ofthese concern activities, for the because media, is political demotivating parties journalists, want to produce and has their drawn own harsh TV stories on electoral campaign events. This situation is becoming a source 51 criticismof the domineering from the media politician-journalist regarding the coverage relationship of political of the events. past years, andRelations the start between of a new parties phase changed of direct gradually, interaction following between a re-dimensioning media owners impartialityand political haselites. had This an new adverse phase impact is also characterizedon professional by authoritarianstandards in management of newsrooms by media owners. This compromised media considered over the years as a peculiarity associated with various stages of thejournalism. development In Albania,of the media, the but structure the hidden of media ownership ownership of the state has beenover does not mean that the relationship of the state with the media ownership hasmedia not has affected never thebeen media considered landscape, a problem not only for in the the media. sense However,of direct thisand

52 mediaindirect improved ownership slightly, of shares but atin themedia same companies. time politics became increasingly dependentDuring the periodand reliant 2013-2018, on the the media, situation which regarding was manifested the freedom by of the

50 Baka, B. (2011) Media dhe Politika. Tranzicioni drejt (pa)varësisë politike (Media and 51 bazuarPolitics: mbi The treguesittransition e toKëshillit political të (in)dependence). Evropës mbi median në demokraci (Albanian Media Albanian Media Institute (2018). Media Shqiptare dhe Standardet Evropiane. Raport i

Ibid,and European page Standards. Report based on indicators of the Council of Europe on media in 52 democracy).

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

45 as the increase in the amount of air time or space devoted to politics in the establishment ofThis TV mediatizationstations used by of politicalpolitics stemsparties from and politicians,media’s increased as well 53 Inmass these media. recent years it would appear that almost all the main media influence and the significant impact it can have in achieving political goals. side of the government, thus abandoning their public mission for the sake organizations, with few exceptions, attempt to align themselves on the position of the editors in chief has weakened within Albanian media outlets, “atof business a time wheninterests, media and owners giving upand the other role ofcharacters, the “fourth mainly estate.” politicians, Even the appearThe dependence to become of more the assertive,”media54 on businesswhich is ainterests reflection of of its the owners, state of and media its development in the country. mediafunctioning and the on alevel clientelistic of public basis trust, is closelymeaning related that the to the more level independent of public (miss) and trust in the media. There is a positive correlation between the freedom of the the freer the media is (including independence from Theclientelistic image of practices), the media theamong stronger the public will be and public’s media trust trust in in the Albania media,, researcherand vice-versa. Zguri In believesa study conducted by the Albanian Media Institute (2019) on that some of the main problems that the media face in Albania are: 1) bias, journalistsprejudice, and political clientelism; 2) dependence on business interests of media owners;55 and 3) verbal harassment and physical attacks against . The persistence of such serious problems, which threaten the functioning of the media and the fulfilling of its public mission, explains the Albanianfact why themedia Albanian shows mediathat there is still are only serious partially shortcomings free. On the and other challenges hand, the existence of such problems at the top of the list of issues facing the regarding certain aspects of media freedom and independence. The study also concluded that the management of media organizations – including owners, managers, editors in chief, editors, and analysts – enjoy the lowest level of public trust, when it comes to their independence and impartiality.

53 Zguri, Rr (2017) Marrëdhëniet mes medias dhe politikës (The relationship between media

54 and politics). Page 36. Londo, I (2016) Roli i kryeredaktorëve në mbrojtjen e integritetit të medias në Shqipëri. Rënia e rolit dhe ndikimit të kryeredaktorëve. (The role of editors-in-chief in safeguarding media integrity in Albania. The fall of the role and impact of editors-in-chief). South East 55 MediaEuropean Institute Media Observatory. Zguri, R. (2019) Media image amongst the public and media trust in Albania. Albanian

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

46 A conclusion

In providing a short summary on the freedom of press and media in Albania over the last 30 years, it should be pointed out that the situation has shifted primarilyfrom a complete along two control main overlines, mediastarting into with a partiallyrestrictive free legislation media. Similarly,and then the Albanian legislation on press, since the early 90s to date, has moved along the way, which have proven unsuccessful, regardless of efforts over the moving on to unqualified freedom, including short bursts of self-regulation There has been a blatant lack of vision or strategy in changes to legislation over theyears years, to introduce as most of self-regulation changes and amendmentsin the media. were born out of momentary

However, one of the positive aspects of debates on media regulation has been thenecessity, transformation rather than of athe clear process vision of to approval assist in and the adoptiondevelopment of policies of the media. on the media, which has shifted gradually from a political domain into a process of consultation involving all stakeholders, which is also thanks to international

The 2012 changes in the criminal and civil codes were an important pressure. as those changes in the legislation improved considerably standards of achievement in the field of freedom of press and freedom of media in Albania,

Inguaranteeing addition, changes the freedom in the of law speech, made as sure well thatas clarified journalists the criteria would thenot courtssuffer imprisonmentshould take into because consideration of their jobs, before but determining defamation liabilityis still not and completely damages. decriminalized. On the other hand, the adoption of the anti-defamation news,package conspiracy in 2019 wastheories, a step and back defamation, regarding thebut freedomit causes of more speech, harm media and and press in Albania. This package not only cannot solve the problem of fake The phenomenon of “media proletariat” is present in Albania, and the ownerslimits the of freedom the media of speech. dictate editorial policy based on their political and business connections, which perpetuates the culture of self-censorship between media professionals. Media oppression by the government is not detectable, but the financial pressure has increased over the years, and that Despitefosters clientelism,all the changes including in the legislationpolitical favors. over the Because years, ofthe this press situation in Albania, the media in Albania is not independent, even though it is still pluralistic. continues to be classified as partially free (according to Freedom House Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

47 theIndex), development in precarious of a conditionsfree and independent (according to media RSF Index),in Albania, and partiallyand the transitionsustainable to (according the category to Irex of Index).free press, There in isaccordance still much leftwith to internationaldo regarding standards.

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

48 CHAPTER 3 Professional challenges: the media between business and politics

Difficult working conditions: an endless status quo

The development of the Albanian media over the last three decades can be politically engaged media, while the second phase was dominated by the divided in two phases: the first phase was characterized by the so-called establishment and the development of clientelistic media. The first phase, Duringwhich spanned the second from earlystage 90s of untildevelopment, the turn of modelsthe century, of mediawas characterized ownership56 by a constant and fierce struggle between the media and the government . and other challenges, such as the inability of journalists to organize in unions,changed, weak and support media organizations by the public werefor the consumed freedom of by the financial media, problems,as well as

, problematic work relations. over 60 percent of journalists in Albania are younger than 30 years of age,57 According to a study on the labor market in Albania, conducted by IDRA while 80 percent of them are under the age 35. These data show that the media market is dominated by young people. There are no official data on the economic and social situation of journalists. TheyBased often on some lack data even and the information minimum of collected social protection by various toNGOs successfully it is clear playthat journalists find themselves in precarious positions in the media industry. warnedtheir role that in the the society. socio-economic Journalists’ situation associations of journalists and NGOs in that the deal country with hasthe freedom of media, and especially the Union of Journalists, have repeatedly The labor rights of media professionals are not regulated with any special been worsening over the years. regulation, besides the Code of Labor, which regulates work relations for all Baka, Media vs. Politika: Tranzicion drejt (pa)varësisë, 56 “Tregu i punës në media,” 57 2011, f. 3. IDRA, 2019, https://idracompany.com/files/ALB-Studimi%20 mbi%20hendekun%20e%20aft%C3%ABsive%20n%C3%AB%20media.pdf Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

49 Albanian citizens. The lack of a special legal protection for their profession hoursexposes at journalists work, failure to the to paysame overtime social problems or paid facingvacations, the wholeare some workforce of the in the country. Failure to pay social contributions, delays in salaries, long main problems in work relations. journalismEmployment in continues Albania overto be the a gray 58years, area such in theas Albanianproblems media.with contracts,A survey of the Media Institute in 2018 identified problems that have plagued fictitious payroll data, violation of rights at work, problems with salaries, etc. Namely, one third of the respondents said that they did not have work ofcontracts, the respondents while only said 24 percentthat their of thepay respondents was lower than said thethat average they had wage signed in a contract during their career in the media. On the other hand, 55 percent in receiving salaries, either regularly or on occasion, while at times pay was the public sector, while 59 percent of them said that there have been delays the number of delayed for months. 59 According to a report by the Albanian Helsinki Committee asmedia the abandonmentemployees dropped of their in profession 2019, for bythe journalists first time, duefrom to 6,200 unsatisfactory to 5,900 people. The main reason is the shutdown of several media outlets, as well working conditions. Based on the findings of this study, journalists in districts quite often work in more difficult conditions than their colleagues in Tirana. Their job security and salaries are lower than journalists working in the capital city. Informality (no work contracts) and anonymity are reportedly more widespread amongst journalists of online news sites. This does not allow them to claim copyright of their work, or build a professional profile for themselves, making it more difficult to become an equal member of the community of professional journalists. Similarly, young journalists report that their employers treat thethem workplace, worse than and experienced they complain journalists. especially In about the meantime, the reluctance there to is grant also gender discrimination in the workplace. Female journalists are harassed in them maternity leave, which affects their life choices. Albanian Media Institute, Skicimi i statusit të gazetarit dhe statusi i shoqatave të gazetarëve 58 dhe organizatave të medias (Outlining the status of journalists, and the status of associations

Raport studimor mbi të drejtat e punës së gazetarëve 59 (Studyof journalists report and on medialabor organizations),rights of journalists) 2018. , 2020, Albanian Helsinki Committee, https://ahc.org.al/wp-content/ uploads/2020/06/Raport-Studimor_Te-drejta-pune-per-gazetaret_ALB-1.pdf Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

50 60 theA report public by news the Unionagency of Albanian Journalists Telegraphic points out Agency, the difficult and the situation public regarding working conditions in over 90 percent of media outlets, including broadcaster Albanian Radio Television. Journalists are not paid overtime in none of these media. There are no official data on the level of salaries in the media. However, the Union states that there are three levels of wages for journalists, depending on their position, the media they work for, and its location. Journalists with high salaries are paid in average61 In USD the 550 meantime, – 600 per there month, is a the huge second difference tier is paid USD 450 - 500, while lower level media pay their journalists an average salary of USD 300 a month. between the Tirana-based media, and those in the districts. The average62 The salary of journalists in local media outlets is around USD 150 - 220, and they numberusually workof journalists, for more which than onemeans medium, that there in a is totally an urgent informal need way.for action Union says 63that journalists in the districts make up 45 percent of the total in this field . Interviews with journalists and the experience of the Union over the years reveal another source of concern: lost years of work, which have gone reportedunrecorded that due the tonumber failure of to years pay socialthey had contribution worked under for manycontracts years. did Innot a survey conducted by the Union, 65 percent of the responding journalists Media employees have also been cheated and lied at, as payments of social64 contributionsmatch the number have ofnot years been they paid had at all,really or havespent been working paid inonly the for media. a few

65 years.contributions Furthermore, are paid the by employers,data provided they by are the based Union, on as the well minimum as interviews salary, ratherwith journalists, than the actual reveal wage a new of media trend employees, in work relations: raising once even more when concerns social regarding the level of informality in the media industry. According to the 60 Gazetari i pasiguruar dhe financat e munguara për një pension bazik për gazetarët (The uninsured journalists and missing resources to pay them basicUnion pensions), of Albanian Journalists, 61 2020. 62 Interview with Aleksandër Çipa. 63 Interview with Aleksandër Çipa. Praktikat informale të punës në mediat shqiptare (Informal 64 Ibid.work practices in the Albanian media), Union of Albanian Journalists,

65 2012, page 21. Interview with Aleksandër Çipa. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

51 66 Union, 9867 percentpoints out, of media journalism outlets in do Albania not report resembles the accurate more level an off-balance of salaries sweatshop,of their employees. as working conditions are poor, and work relations are clearly As IDRA dysfunctional. As a result, journalists still lack a well-defined professional status in accordance with acceptable and respectable legal standards. Professional dilemmas same time a new generation of journalists came along, rich in ambition Media outlets mushroomed in Albania since the 90s, In andfact, aroundjournalism the 68 and passion, but poor in professional knowledge. education in Albania had quite a late start. The first school of journalism untilwas establishedthe early 70s, within and was the later Department replaced ofby Social a number Sciences of classes and whichLaw, which were was built according to the soviet model. As a Theresult, school journalism functioned education for ten wasyears, a scarce commodity during the communist69 period, and it was reintroduced in taught by the same professors. 70 the university system only in71 1992, as a branch of the Department of History- Philology in the University of Tirana, a public university. A study conducted by IDRA with 800 journalists, revealed that 46 percent of the respondents held a master’s degree (MA), and almost one third of them had a bachelor diploma (BA - 29 percent). Almost half of media professionals (46 percent) have not majored in journalism, and do not have any other Theformal principle qualification of editorial in the fieldindependence of journalism. is formallyAn overwhelming guaranteed number by law, of butjournalists no other (90%), measures regardless have beenof their put education, in place to have enforce studied this in principle Albania. on the everyday work of the media. In reality, there are no institutions or 66 67 Tregu i punës në media (The media labor market), Ibid. Education of Journalists in Albania IDRA, 2019. 68 Albanian Media Institute, Journalism Education in Mainstream Media: Education Trends and 69 BejtjaTraining et al.,Needs , 2001. 70 , July 2009. 71 Studim për profesionistët e medias: Panoramë e medias në Shqipëri (Study on media professionals:Ibid. An overview of the Albanian media), IDRA, 2019, https://www.idrainstitute.org/ files/Panoram%C3%ABn%20e%20Medias%20n%C3%AB%20Shqip%C3%ABri.pdf Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

52 autonomy and independence of journalists is probably one of the most instruments to protect journalists from interference by media owners. The themselvesneglected aspects with their of the owners media and legislation, their interests, and to and some as a extent result, has the beenlack ignored by the public opinion as well. Media organizations often identify issue becomes a topic of discussion only when there are new incidents or developments,of journalists’ professionaland it does not autonomy appear isto consideredbe a constant a fait source accompli. of concern This

A series of studies on the freedom of media and professionalism in regarding the safeguard of media independence. media, which are more interested in protecting the political and business journalism confirm that self-censorship is deeply ingrained in the Albanian 72, regarding self-censorship in the media, revealed that 73 percent ofinterests respondents of their believed owners, that rather Albanian than the journalists public interest. avoid reporting A study conducted on stories by BIRN that might harm the interests of their media organization. Media employees were asked to provide information regarding their personal experiences on73 this issue, and it turned out that 48 percent of them had avoided reporting on certain stories or events, often or occasionally during their careers. suchWhen decisions asked regarding to suppress the structureinformation of newsroomswould come and as aother result elements of signals that or might encourage self-censorship, 56 percent of the respondents said that 74 direct orders by editors and media owners. countrySelf-censorship is quite common amongst media professionals in Albania, says another75 study conducted by IDRA on the situation of journalists in the . The respondents believed that “almost all media outlets censor themselves” (41 percent), and that “some media exercise self-censorship” (36 percent). Stories are “suspended” or “postponed” because of: i) pressure by theygovernment, “were pressured” ii) pressure by by their political editors parties, to avoid and iii)writing pressure stories by businesses, on certain all equally intimidating. Around 36 percent of the respondents stated that topics or events. Similarly, around 38 percent of the respondents stated that they72 had been pressuredTë mbyllësh një by sy their ndaj lajmit:owner Autocensura or media në manager. median shqiptare (Journalists look the other way: Self-censorship in the Albanian media) BIRN Albania, 73 , 2015, https://birn.eu.com/wp- content/uploads/2017/06/Broshure-Vetecensura.pdf Ibid. 74 “Studim për profesionistët e medias: Panoramë e medias në Shqipëri (Study on media 75 professionals:Ibid. An overview of the Albanian media),” IDRA, 2019. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

53 According to the Transformation Index of the Bertelsmann Foundation improved(BTI), the Albanianover the mediayears theirlandscape coverage is diverse, of political as all processes,the main political government party policieshave their and own missteps media liaison(which offices, take up and a aconsiderable wide array of portion media outletsof media’s has to use them as instruments to gain political credit and lucrative contracts in attention). However, the media is usually financed by businesses, which tend

Theexchange report of found favorable that politicalan analysis coverage, of the limitations complicating of thethis freedom way the qualityof speech of media reporting. has identified three main restrictive factors, which were mentioned more often as responsible for third party interference: meddling by politicians (62 percent), intervention by the government (61 percent), and pressure Moreby media than owners30 percent (60 of percent). respondents Another also reported important that factor self-censorship appears to and be corruptioninterference are by some businessmen of the main and factors the business that limit community the freedom (43 of percent). speech 76

(respectivelyon ethical issues, 39 and but 31 this percent) usually .happens in times of crisis, or in cases of Time after time journalism circles engage in reflections and discussions and concerned regarding the respect of ethical standards in the media, but problematic and controversial reports. This shows that journalists are aware

Thehowever weak the support media by community media professionals has not yet to decided self-regulation to relinquish initiatives a portion could of its “sovereignty,” and to yield to the authority of self-regulating institutions. their jobs, as well as valuing business interest above professionalism in be caused by the difficult financial situation of journalists, the fear of losing injournalism cooperation by a withmajority the twoof media main organizations journalism associations in the country. at the time, but The first Code of Ethics was drafted in 1996 by the Albanian Media Institute, there was no endorsement or official adoption of the Code. In another push in put2006, forth the theCode idea of Ethicsof establishing was amended a self-regulating and updated instrument in joint efforts or institution, between the Albanian Media Institute and a group of local media experts. They also place with the owners of the main media outlets in the country, editors, media based on models adopted by other countries. At the time, consultations took main media actors in the country hesitated to endorse the establishment of experts, and journalists. Even though most of them agreed in principle, the

76

Ibid. Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

54 self-regulating instruments, which would oversee the enforcement of the ethical guidelines of the Code, and take decisions that would be accepted theand leadershipacknowledged of the by allAlbanian media organizations.Media Institute, including the drafting of a The Code of Ethics was revised again in 2018 by a group of experts under everydayseries of guidelineswork, and on presents ethical itsbehavior point ofin viewthe online on the media. role thatThe freenew pressCode of Ethics identifies the rights and obligations of journalists during their to ethical regulations in other countries, regarding issues taken under consideration,and journalism such should as accuracyplay in a insociety. reporting, This separatingcode has a fact similar from approach opinion, respect for minorities, victims and people in need, protection of editorial independence, serving of public interest, respecting the principle of innocent until proven guilty, right of reply and rebuttal, clear separation of editorial and advertising content, respect of privacy, copyright, etc. Conflicts of interest are also included in the Code of Ethics, even though it shoulddeals only refrain briefly from with reporting this problem. on topics Among and sectors other in issues, which the they Code could points have out that news should not be exploited for personal gain, and that journalists a vested interest. In 2017, the Albanian Media Institute brought together a group of experts to review the Code, and draft the guidebook Ethical Guidelines for Online andJournalism. guidelines Both have these been documents drafted went on throughvarious ajournalism process of consultationsectors and with the media community. Besides the Code of Ethics, other regulations reporting on minorities, reporting on marginalized groups, reporting on topics, such as investigative journalism, reporting on victims of trafficking, to journalists, and their conscience, but there are no penalties in play for elections, etc. Even in these cases the respect of ethical guidelines is left up any violation of rules. One of the recent developments is the establishment of the Media Council in 2015 by a group of journalists, which was supported by the Council 77of Europe. The council aimed at pushing for the improvement of professional standards in journalism through the respect of Code of Ethics guidelines . So far, this council has established its offices and has selected a board of complaints, with the support of foreign donors. However, it is still too soon

77

Press statement announcing the establishment of the Media Council, http://www. javanews.al/fomohet-keshilli-i-medias/ Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

55 to judge the effect that this council could have on media self-regulation in

Audiovisualthe country. Media Authority processes complaints lodged by the public or publicBesides institutions these initiatives, regarding the Complaints media content, Committee which ofcould the regulatorybe insulting body to

In Albania, the right to reply and the publishing of corrections are protected human dignity, and in violation of human rights. compel the guilty party to pay for the publishing of the court decision in one by law. Article 43 of the criminal code says that the courts have discretion to or several newspapers, as well as radio and TV stations. Similarly, article 617 party,of the whichcivil code published regulates false, the truncated, publication or ofmisleading false or misleading information, information. to publish It says that the court, upon request of the injured party, can order the guilty hasa refutation approved and guidelines correction. and The procedures law on broadcast regulating media the also right deals of atreply length in with the right of reply (article 53), while the Audiovisual Media Authority There have been78 several court decisions, in which the right of reply and broadcastcorrections media. was used The to rightrestore of thereply honor is also and included reputation in the of individuals,Code of Ethics. but there are no data on their voluntary use by the media following complaints because there are almost no instruments to facilitate the dialogue between lodged by the public. It is believed that these cases are few and far in between, the media and the public. Many media outlets, little pluralism

Even though there is a substantial number of media outlets in Albania, quantity by itself does not necessarily guarantee a satisfactory level of media broadcastingpluralism. As licensesa matter has of fact,opened media the expertsway to monopolies, believe that or the at 2016the very decision least, by the Constitutional Court to lift restrictions on the ownership of national licenses to operate national digital networks have been granted to two main privateit has caused media media groups, concentration which is a source in a few of hands.concern Presently, regarding four the out future of five of pluralism AMA, Guidelines in the onmedia procedures industry. of processing complaints and the exercise of the right of 78 reply,

http://ama.gov.al/preview/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/RREGULLORE-MBI- PROCEDURAT-P%C3%8BR-TRAJTIMIN-E-ANKESAVE-DHE-P%C3%8BR-USHTRIMIN-E- S%C3%8B-DREJT%C3%8BS-S%C3%8B-P%C3%8BRGJIGJES.pdf Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

56 , when it comes to market pluralism, the Albanian media landscape According79 to the latest report by the Center for Pluralism and Media Freedom is classified as high risk (80 percent), due to a lack of transparency regarding media ownership, as well as the influence of commercial interests, business and political interests of media owners over the media editorial policy. isThe very number high of- in media relation outlets to the (traditional size of the media population and new and ones) the is advertising quite high, marketconsidering - but the there size are of theno bankruptcies,domestic market. and Thethat numbermay lead of one media to deduceoutlets appear that the real challenge for Albania is to have fewer media outlets, that media organizations are not abiding by the rules of the market. It would rather than a lot. Although the media industry is turning its gaze towards Eventhe internet after 30(online years media of market 19 percent), liberalization, with newspapers there have retreating not been (at any 13 meaningfulpercent), TV stilldevelopments remains the inmost collecting important and medium publishing (64 percent). reliable and lack of these data hampers the discussion on the direction that the media systematic data on the media market, and finances of media outlets. The on media ownership is a step back regarding the guaranteeing of pluralism market is taking. However, it clearly appears that the lifting of restrictions

Albaniain the media. showed that there is a huge concentration of ownership in the In 2018,80 a study conducted by Reporters without Borders, and BIRN media industry. The data provided by a poll agency, showed that there is a mid-level concentration of ownership in the TV market, in which media showedoutlets owneda larger by market four concentration businessmen accountedat the hands for of 48.93these four percent owners, of the at public. On the other hand, the data provided by another polling agency

58.60 percent of the public. Estimates on the concentration of ownership in radio and newspaper markets show a similar trend: radio stations hand,owned the by measuringfour businessmen of such concentration,account for 63.96 based percent on the of percentage the public, ofwhile the four owners of newspapers reach 43.29 percent of the public. On the other

“Monitoring Media Pluralism in the Digital Era: Application 79 of the Media Pluralism Monitor in the European Union, Albania and Turkey in the yearsEuropean 2018-2019,” University Institute,

2020, Country report Albania by Likmeta, Voko, & Matlija: https:// cadmus.eui.eu/bitstream/handle/1814/67816/albania_results_mpm_2020_cmpf.

80 pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y See https://albania.mom-rsf.org/sq/ Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

57 public which follows these media, presents even more alarming data: the two main families that own TV stations control over 70 percent of the TV Thismarket, concentration while the four of ownership owners mentioned is translated above into account a concentration for 89,6 ofpercent funds andof the advertising, market. which hinders the ability of other media outlets to collect a wouldsufficient suggest or satisfactory that funds amount and fair of competition revenue to supportare not necessarily their operations. translated This may also cause a narrowing of narrative in the media, even though experience The advertising market in Albania is relatively small, especially when taking into pluralism of content in the media. into account the large number of media outlets in the country. The market clearly favors TV stations, which claim the lion’s share of advertising funds. While the press media continues to free fall, the online news sites have grown stronger, even though the dominance of TV stations in the advertising market Transparencyis stronger than in ever.the media Radio market continues in toAlbania claim regarding its small, butaudience unchanged, levels continuesshare of advertising to be very funds. poor, and as a result advertising funds are distributed companies in the media market, such as advertising agencies, and partner companiessubjectively. of On media the other outlets, hand, complicates the emergence even furtherand strengthening the situation, of newand increases the number of factors that affect the bottom line of media organizations. As a result, the absence of a rich advertising market, or alternative means of providing financial support to the media, are factors Effortsthat influence to improve to some legislation extent editorialon public policies advertising and thehave media been contentfew and that far reaches the public. in between. The present regulation does not guarantee full transparency of this process, and allows a wide range of actors to benefit from government funds for public advertising or campaigns. This makes it harder to analyze and evaluate the way that public funds are used, in relation to media outlets. Similarly, poor transparency in the management of media companies and the advertising market makes this process even more difficult.

Media in Transition: reflections three decades on

58 References:

Guidelines on procedures of processing complaints and the exercise of the right to reply. AMA (2015). Towards Broadcasting Freedom. An analysis of the New Broadcasting Law Article XIX (1997). Albania: Statistical Indicators of the Market of Electronic Communications. . Article 19. pdfAKEP (2020) Available at: https://akep.al/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Raport-T4_2019. Media dhe Politika: Tranzicioni drejt (pa)varësisë politike (Media and Politics: The transition to political (in)dependence). Baka, B. (2011). Education of Journalists in Albania ISHM, Tirana, Albania. Bejtja et al., (2001). . Peace Institute, Ljubljana, Të mbyllësh një sy ndaj lajmit: Autocensura në median Slovenia. shqiptare (Journalists look the other way: Self-censorship in the Albanian media) BIRN Albania (2015). . Accessible at: https://birn.eu.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Broshure- Një shekull e gjysmë publicistikë shqiptare, (A century and a half Vetecensura.pdf of Albanian journalism) Boriçi, H. (1997). Histori e shtypit shqiptar. Nga fillimet deri në ditët . Gjergj Fishta, Tirana, Albania. tona ( Boriçi, H., & Marku, M. (2011). History of the Albanian press: From its beginnings to date). SHBLU, Tirana, Vetëcensurimi i gazetarëve brenda redaksisë (Self-censorship Albania. of journalists in newsrooms). Çipuri, R. (2015). PhD thesis, University of Tirana, Department of History and Philology. Tirana, Albania. Opinion on the law no.97/2013 on the audiovisual media service with draftEuropean amendments Commission adopted for on DemocracyDecember 18, through 2019. law (Venice Commission). (2020). Monitoring Media Pluralism in the Digital Era: Application of the Media Pluralism Monitor in the European Union, Albania Europeanand Turkey University during 2018-2019,” Institute (2020).

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