TIRANA, April 30 – “Reporters Without Borders” has published its latest report on media freedom in Albania. The report highlights pressure on press freedom and media independence. It links this pressure to conflicts of interest between business and politics, an incomplete legal framework, and political influence over media regulation.
The report first describes the media landscape. A small group of companies owns most of the influential private media outlets in Albania. It also notes links between these companies and politically connected sectors such as construction.
It then examines the legal framework. The Constitution and international commitments guarantee press freedom. However, the report says protection of journalistic sources remains insufficient. It also points to partial decriminalisation of defamation as a potential improvement for media freedom.
The report also assesses the economic structure of the sector. It states that ownership of most media outlets is concentrated in four or five companies.
Finally, it outlines the social and cultural environment. Women journalists make up the majority of the profession. They face online harassment and, in some cases, gender-based discrimination within media organisations. The report also notes that self-censorship remains widespread. At the same time, it mentions the creation of an ethics self-regulation platform, the first of its kind in Albania.
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