Albania rose one place in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index from its all-time low of 84 to 83, but this was due to the poor performance of other countries. Overall, its score decreased signaling a worsening situation in the country.
In their analysis of the situation in the country, Reporters Without Borders noted that one positive development was the formation of the country’s first ethical self-regulation platform. The Ethical Media Alliance was formed in the first months of 2020 with Exit as a founding member, and as board members. Throughout the year, the board has been addressing complaints from citizens and making decisions based on whether the content is ethical or not.
Otherwise, the analysis reflects a number of negative and concerning issues.
It noted that “the government stepped up pressure on the media” with its pushing of the so-called “anti-defamation law”, despite ongoing criticism from media organisations an the fact that “the Venice Commission advised against it.”
they also noted that the government’s behavior “encouraged pro-government businessmen and officials to sue journalists, while the use of denigrating language has turned reporters into possible targets of attack.” You can see an updated list of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s insults against media workers here.
It also noted that “physical attacks are common and the authorities fail to punish them”.
Rama’s now-infamous Vodafone voice message where he warned citizens to “protect themselves from the media” during the COVID-19 pandemic, also got a mention. Likewise, his refusal to help journalists with economic aid was also highlighted even though it resulted in newspapers halting presses for around six weeks.
The government’s ban on more than two people being in a studio at once also caused financial issues and had an impact on media pluralism, according to RSF.
Attacks by the police described as “attempts to criminalize journalism” were observed as “police arrested and roughed up reporters during demonstrations.”
RSF also mentioned the government’s attempts to shut down two TV stations that were critical of the Municipality of Tirana, Ora News TV and Channel One.
“Interior ministry officials accompanied by police took control of the administration of the two channels in August, claiming that their owner was suspected of drug trafficking.”
Exit spoke to Pavol Szalai, Head of the European and Balkan desk at RSF.
“The state of press freedom in Albania continues to deteriorate according to the new World Press Freedom Index. Albania’s score has worsened. Albania has moved up by 1 rank, which is not significant. The ranking of each country depends also on the ranking of other countries.
In terms of Europe, RSF said that the region is being challenged by “illiberal democracies” and has largely lost its leadership capacity.
“With a few exceptions, the picture is disastrous in the east and south of the continent.”
RSF said that journalism, which is “arguably the best vaccine against the virus of disinformation is blocked or seriously impeded in 73 countries and constrained in a further 59.
“The Index data reflect a dramatic deterioration in people’s access to information and an increase in obstacles to news coverage. The coronavirus pandemic has been used as grounds to block journalists’ access to information sources and reporting in the field. Will this access be restored when the pandemic is over?” they asked.
“Journalism is the best vaccine against disinformation,” RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. “Unfortunately, its production and distribution are too often blocked by political, economic, technological and, sometimes, even cultural factors. In response to the virality of disinformation across borders, on digital platforms and via social media, journalism provides the most effective means of ensuring that public debate is based on a diverse range of established facts.”
The report also found that acts of violence against journalists almost doubled in the EU and Balkans.
