Exit.al in collaboration with the Albanian Media Council, the Albanian Helsinki Committee and with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania, held a virtual conference entitled ‘Solutions and self-regulation amid a challenging media freedom environment in Albania.’
The discussion opened with an address from Ambassador Guusje Korthals Altes who reiterated the Netherlands dedication to supporting and upholding media freedom and the freedom of expression.
During the event, Exit.al journalist and Ethical Media Alliance board member Alice Taylor spoke about the challenges she faced while covering political news in Albania. This included a smear campaign against her and the revocation of her residence permit approval when she was six months pregnant. But, undeterred, Alice detailed how she harnessed the fear and channelled it into speaking up on matters of media freedom and freedom of expression in the country.
“When you become a journalist, you know what the risks are. You have to be prepared to work without fear, or favour and most of all, to speak the truth, even if your voice shakes,” she said.
She explains the challenges facing media workers, and the public, but reminds the audience that there is still hope.
Investigative journalist at Exit.al, Rezearta Caushaj then explained how Exit started as a passion project but evolved into one of the leading, critical, independent voices in the country. But this is not an easy position to hold. With pressure coming from every side, the risk of being blacklisted, struggles relating to funding and maintaining independence are around every corner.
“Our biggest fear is that one day, we will have to give up Exit,” she explains.
The Executive Director of the Albanian Helsinki Committee, Erida Skendaj then tackled one of the main issues facing journalists- the lack of labour laws and the fact that those that exist are not enforced. She explained how many work without contracts, with low salaries, are forced to work long hours and have no real form of recourse. Fear of losing their job or being blacklisted leads to journalists not speaking up, therefore allowing the cycle to continue. By tackling labour laws, demanding enforcement, and standing up for their rights, journalists can begin to enjoy a fairer working environment.
Lastly, Koloreto Cukali the Executive Director of the Albanian Media Council noted that in order for things to change, we need to address the business model under which many media operate. Owners should be experienced and qualified in journalism, funding should come from legal sources, and journalists should be empowered to be ethical, professional, and supported. The formation of proper journalist unions and a focus on education and self-regulation models are other ways that a better media climate can be nurtured
The event was well attended by local journalists and media stakeholders and provided a detailed, honest, and at times, raw, overview of what it’s like to work in a complex and challenging media environment.
A video clip of highlight will be streamed at the World Press Freedom Conference on 9 and 10 December.
You can listen to a podcast of the event here.
