Media Pluralism

Ten indicators of Risks to Media Pluralism aim to run a diagnostic on the health of the media sector in Albania by assessing three dimensions: economic, legal and political. How concentrated is the media market both horizontally (in each sector) and vertically (across sectors) in Albania? What are the greatest risks to Media Pluralism? Do the Media in Albania provide space for public debate that includes all voices, all viewpoints including those that are critical of people in power?

Indicators of Risks to Media Pluralism

Media Audience Concentration

high

Media Market Concentration

High

Regulatory Safeguards: Media Ownership Concentration

high

Cross-media Ownership Concentration

high

Regulatory Safeguards: Cross-Media Ownership Concentration

high

Ownership Transparency

medium

Regulatory Safeguards: Ownership Transparency

Medium

Political Control Over Media Outlets

HIGH

Political Control Over Infrastructure

Medium

State Control Over Media Resources

Medium

Regulatory Safeguards: Net Neutrality

High

Gender Imbalance in the Media Industry

High

Findings Articles

Political Pressure

Media And Journalists Under Fire

Although physical attacks against journalists and their relatives remain limited in Albania, the cases that are reported are not always thoroughly investigated. Otherwise, harassment and intimidation, verbal abuse and smear campaigns, both online and offline, remain quite common and often come from the highest echelons of power, undermining the very fabric of free speech and freedom of the press.

Pluralism

Media Concentration

The European Commission has repeatedly highlighted Albania’s high concentration of audiences and media ownership in its annual country reports, as an issue of concern regarding media freedom, as it stifles the plurality of voices needed for an informed populace. New data collected and analyzed by the MOM Albania team shows that little or no progress was made in the past five years (2018-2023).

Independence

Who Controls the Media in Albania?

Albania's government employs a multifaceted strategy of rewards and punishments to shape media coverage. While certain prominent media outlets receive subsidies and concessions, those critical of the ruling party face fines, inspections, and other punitive measures. Government subsidies and contracts are not only limited to media outlets but also extend to the non-media businesses of owners, further entwining economic interests with editorial decisions.