In a continued effort to advance media freedom and improve the safety of journalists in Albania, SCiDEV, BIRN Albania, and Qendra Faktoje, working in close collaboration with OBC Transeuropa organized a roundtable discussion that brought together media professionals, researchers, and civil society actors.
The event served as a platform to present and discuss key findings from ongoing research on journalists’ perceptions of media freedom in Albania. Participants were also introduced to the Media Advocacy Shadow Report for Albania, which included a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at fostering a healthier media environment.
An important highlight of the roundtable was the presentation of the Indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety Index 2023 for Albania by researcher Ms. Blerjana Bino. The report paints a concerning picture of the state of media freedom in the country. It reveals that independent and professional journalism is facing increasing strain due to a complex web of structural challenges.
Among the most pressing issues identified are the deep entanglements between political, economic, and media interests, the concentration of media ownership, and a lack of transparency in the sector. These factors contribute to an environment where independent journalism struggles to thrive. Further compounding the problem are inadequate legal protections for journalists, poor working conditions, and ongoing threats to their safety.
During the roundtable, participants openly shared their experiences and offered critical feedback on the data and findings. Their input reinforced the need for urgent, systemic reforms to support a free and safe press in Albania.
The report calls for a multifaceted approach to addressing these challenges. Key recommendations include:
- Strengthening the legal framework to better protect journalists and media workers.
- Improving working conditions and job security for media professionals.
- Enhancing the capacity of institutions to respond to threats and safeguard journalists’ rights.
As stakeholders from across the media landscape continue to engage in dialogue and advocacy, such collaborative initiatives remain essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and the integrity of journalism in Albania.
