The newly appointed Director General of Albania’s public broadcaster, RTSH, Eni Vasili, has acknowledged that the institution is facing what she described as a “catastrophic situation of debts and obligations.” Speaking to BIRN, Vasili confirmed that numerous journalists and contributors remain unpaid for months, a crisis inherited from previous management.
“I thank all the journalists, authors, and moderators of March–June 2025 projects for their understanding regarding delays in RTSH payments,” Vasili said, noting that projects had been promised without secured funds. “This does not make the new management responsible, which has found itself in a catastrophic situation and is trying to do its best to manage it,” she added.
Vasili explained that the broadcaster is currently prioritizing payments, especially to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), warning that failure to settle overdue obligations dating back to January 2024 could jeopardize RTSH’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest and risk the loss of key broadcasting rights. “It would also face international courts for non-payment of contracts with foreigners,” she warned.
The RTSH Board is expected to soon review the company’s internal debts, while the finance department is preparing decisions on next steps. Vasili took over as head of the broadcaster in April 2025, following a period of turmoil under her predecessor, Alfred Peza, whose abrupt dismissal of around 150 employees left RTSH mired in lawsuits and deep financial strain.