FLASH NEWS
Media freedom in Albania amid political pressure and journalists' insecurity
2026-03-14 14:13:02 / AKTUALITET
Media freedom in Albania during 2025 was accompanied by pressures on journalists, restrictions on reporting, and structural problems in the sector, according to the annual report on media freedom and the safety of journalists in the country, published on March 12.
"40.6% of journalists report having experienced threats or intimidation related to their work during 2025," the report released to the media highlighted.
The report's findings show that pressures on journalists are not only related to direct threats, but also to the climate of fear that affects the way they report on issues of public interest.
"68% of journalists state that they have felt restricted in reporting due to fear of censorship or retaliation," it is emphasized.
The annual report “Tracking Albania’s Progress on Media Freedom and Safety of Journalists in Line with EU Standards” is published by “BIRN Albania” in partnership with “SCiDEV”, the “Faktoje” Center and analyzes the main developments that have impacted the media environment in the country during 2025. The study examines issues related to the safety of journalists, media pluralism, sector regulation, election coverage and working conditions in the media.
The report is also based on a survey conducted with 106 journalists in the country, through which their perceptions on media freedom, pressures on reporting and working conditions in the sector were analyzed.
One of the most sensitive moments for the media during the year was the period of the May 2025 parliamentary elections, which, according to the report, served as an important test for media freedom and journalists' access to information.
"About 70% of journalists who covered the campaign reported difficulties in accessing information," the report states.
The report also highlights that dozens of cases of violations against journalists were documented during the year, including threats, online harassment, and other forms of pressure, reflecting ongoing challenges to the safety and independence of the profession.
"During the year, 42 cases of violations against journalists were documented, including threats, online harassment and other forms of pressure," it is highlighted.
Although the report notes some institutional steps to improve the legal framework and protection mechanisms for journalists, the authors emphasize that the media environment in Albania continues to be affected by structural problems related to political pressure, concentration of media ownership, and precarious working conditions for journalists.
The report's findings show that journalists in Albania simultaneously face threats, pressure on reporting, difficulties in accessing information, and uncertainty in working conditions.
The report concludes with recommendations for strengthening legal protection for journalists, increasing transparency of media ownership, and improving working conditions in the sector, as necessary steps to guarantee a freer media environment in line with European standards./ Amfora.al
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