Much has been written about the problems faced by the media and journalists in Albania. But it is not all doom and gloom. Despite the attacks, restrictions, limitations and intimidation, there is hope for a better future.
Koloreto Cukali, writer and head of the countries Albanian Media Council believes that although times are troubling, there could be light at the end of the tunnel.
“I’m inclined to believe that the darkest hour is before dawn and I really believe that right now, this is our darkest hour.”
He hopes we can find a way to survive it through collaboration between professional journalists, the progressive forces of society, and citizens who appreciate an honest media. In addition to this, with the AMC he is working to tackle some of the issues head-on.
Earlier this year, the Albanian Alliance for Ethical Media was created which brings together over twenty local media who all have a desire to work towards better professional standards. Put on pause due to the pandemic, Cukali has great plans for the platform which will promote accountability, self-regulation, and professional ethics across print, online, and digital media.
But it isn’t just journalists who have work to do.
“Let’s not forget, a strong media will need a strong citizen community to support. The people must help the media to be stronger, so they can protect them in return,” he said.
International media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders has a number of suggestions, putting the burden of change on Albanian authorities.
“The state authorities should investigate all physical attacks and threats – online or offline – against journalists and swiftly punish the perpetrators and the masterminds of these attacks and threats. The climate of impunity for crimes against journalists should disappear.”
They also stated that politicians themselves should refrain from hate speech and undermining journalists credibility, even those that criticise them.
One thing is clear across the board from all stakeholders and that is that the proposed “anti-defamation” laws are not compatible with democracy, freedom of expression, or Albania’s EU aspirations.
RSF said that the package must be withdrawn from parliament, as did the European Centre of Press and Media Freedom. Both state that it is not in line with Council of Europe, human rights, or EU standards.
Exit contacted a representative of the Albanian government to ask for their comments on how they will ensure the media environment is brought in line with their EU accession obligations, but no answer was received.
Albana Vokshi of the Democratic Party, currently in opposition said one of the first actions the party will take should they be in power, is to annul the package entirely.
“The Democratic Party has stated that among its first decisions in government will be the annulment of the “Anti-Defamation Package”, which will return independence to the media, freeing it from political interference.”
She said that following consultation with journalists’ unions and organisations, they will present legislation that will seek to improve working conditions for journalists including better pay, secure working conditions, and protection from external pressure.
Head of the UN Mission, Brian J. Williams was also clear in his support of the media against initiatives designed to advance other rights at the expense of limiting media freedom. He said that journalists should look to self-regulation and disproportionate punishments should not be used against them.
But what is being done on the ground to empower Albania’s journalists?
The United Nations is working in a number of areas to advance human rights through empowering people to recognise, uphold and protect them. The media, Williams said, has a role to play in ensuring people know what their rights are. Through a series of capacity building measures for journalists both nationally and sub-regionally, as well as ongoing cooperation with development partners, they are confident in their firm support of a free Albanian media.
The British Embassy has also been active in helping journalists expand their skill sets and increase professionalism.
Ambassador Duncan Norman told Exit that they are engaged in several projects to increase media independence, support media literacy, and fight disinformation. They have supported media professionals via a Masters Programme in Investigative Journalism at the University of Tirana and worked with fact-checking service Faktoje.
Other projects in the pipeline include enhancing legal education and labour rights for Albanian journalists and helping them to create diverse and quality content.
Swedish Ambassador Elsa Hastad has voiced her support for journalists in Albania on a number of occasions since she took office last year. She explained to Exit how the Swedish Institute is training journalists and making it possible for them to participate in the Stockholm Internet Forum that takes place every year.
She said; “Sweden will continue to be a reliable partner for Albania and that includes the media sector. This is a priority for us.”
Hastad noted that over the last 20 years, Sweden has prioritized human rights and democracy in Albania and that this will continue as the country makes its way along the EU accession path.
“We will continue to support the work of journalists and push for an enabling environment for media in our communication with the public and in political dialogue.”
But there is one message that prevailed through all of the interviews, and that is the need for solidarity.
Head of the Union of Albanian Journalists, Aleksander Cipa said that journalists in the country are divided and factionalised. This results in a lack of support for each other as well as a failure to claim their individual rights.
“Journalists should trust one another and support those who raise and defend issues that affect the entire community.”
And he is right. Those that speak up, often risk lash back, attacks, and blacklisting so we should be mindful to respect the risk they take in taking a stand for us all.
