Tirana – 23 March 2026
SafeJournalists Network (SJN) takes note of the dismissal of journalist Ilir Babaramo from Report TV and is closely following developments related to the case, which has generated significant public debate in Albania. Babaramo, a prominent journalist with decades of experience who had been part of Report TV for around eight years, stated that he was effectively told he could not continue working while criticising the government, implying that his removal was linked to his editorial stance.
Report TV has rejected this claim. In its public response, the broadcaster stated that Babaramo’s dismissal was due to a serious breach of professional ethics and a breakdown of trust within the newsroom, emphasising that the decision was not related to political criticism but to conduct considered incompatible with internal standards and professional responsibilities. Specifically, the broadcaster cited on-air statements made by Babaramo during a live broadcast on 22 March, in which he accused a colleague of receiving political instructions through an earpiece, allegations Report TV described as unfounded and damaging to both the institution and the individual concerned.
The case quickly escalated into the political arena. Representatives of the Democratic Party used strong and personalised language, with party leader Sali Berisha calling broadcaster owner Carlo Bollino “the number one supermafioso of Albanian media,” while framing the dismissal as a sign of pressure on critical voices. Secretary General Flamur Noka similarly argued that journalists are being removed when their reporting contradicts the financial interests of media owners toward the government, portraying the situation as indicative of a wider problem affecting media freedom. While concerns about ownership pressures on editorial independence are legitimate and well documented in the Albanian media landscape, including by SafeJournalists Network and other independent reporting, the use of such language risks conflating media freedom issues with partisan political messaging and may ultimately weaken accountability efforts.
Reactions have also emerged within the media community itself, revealing a further layer of tension surrounding the case. Journalist Andi Bushati used strong and highly personal language against Report TV journalist Danjela Maloku, accusing her of “pafytyrësi” (a term implying lack of integrity or shamelessness) and suggesting that she had acted against the interests of a fellow journalist. Maloku responded by rejecting this framing and stating that she did not intend to become involved in what she described as a conflict between colleagues, emphasizing that she does not engage in such disputes.
The Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) has called for a transparent and fact-based clarification of the case, emphasising the need to respect both professional standards and the rights of journalists. AGSH underlined that such situations should be assessed through clear procedures and verifiable information, rather than competing narratives.
SJN notes that cases where allegations of political pressure intersect with claims of professional misconduct require careful and evidence-based assessment. The competing accounts have not yet been independently verified, and the full procedural record of the dismissal has not been made public. The public dimension this case has taken, involving both political and media actors, makes independent and transparent clarification all the more necessary.
SJN calls for full transparency regarding the grounds and procedures followed in this case, including whether due process and adequate safeguards for editorial independence were respected. Upholding both the protection of journalists and adherence to professional standards remains essential for maintaining the integrity of the media environment.