At the meeting held on April 1st, 2025, in accordance with Law no.97/2013 “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania,” the Steering Council of the Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH) with Decision No.13, announced the call for applications for the selection of the Director General of RTSH.
The selection process is outlined in Article 10 of the RTSH Statute and in Article 3 of the Regulation on the Procedure for the Selection of the Director General of RTSH. Candidates must submit their applications within 10 days from the date of the announcement, following which their eligibility is assessed based on criteria such as professional expertise, relevant qualifications, and impartiality. Eligible candidates will present their platforms to the Steering Council, highlighting their vision and strategic plans for RTSH. A candidate must secure three-fifths of the votes from all members of the Steering Council in the first round to be elected. If no candidate achieves this threshold, up to five voting rounds are conducted, with a majority vote being sufficient in later rounds. As a last resort, sortation (drawing lots) may be used to finalize the decision.
The Director General of RTSH shall not be in violation of Article 104 of Law no.97/2013 “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania,” as amended. Additionally, candidates for the position must possess the relevant qualifications and integrity in accordance with Law No. 138/2015 “On the Guarantee of the Integrity of Individuals elected, appointed, or exercising public functions”, cleanness of personality in accordance with Law No. 45/2015, “On the Right to Information on Documents of the former State Security of the People`s Socialist Republic of Albania.” Moreover, they must not be in a conflict of interest, as defined in Article 97 of Law No. 97/2013 “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania”, as amended.
On April 15, the application period for the new Director General of RTSH, based on the decision of the Steering Council dated April 1, was officially closed. After the application period, the Steering Council shall review the submitted applications in a second meeting and proceed with the selection process.
Applicants for the position of Director General of RTSH are as follows: Gëzim Xhaxhaj, Flamur Buçpapaj, Kliton Rama, Zoje Jakaj (Marashi), Jetmir Shpuza, Laureta Roshi, Ermal Hoxha, Eni Vasili, Harrila Koçi, Engjëllush Musai, Mimoza Haxhiaj, Elton Metaj and Enrik Mehmeti.
SafeJournalists will closely follow the selection process, emphasizing the importance of impartiality, professional integrity, and adherence to Albania’s audiovisual media laws.