The way traditional and social media report on Albania’s past was discussed on Monday at a conference organized by the Institute for Democracy, Media, and Culture as part of the 10th Edition of the Days of Remembrance.
In a study conducted in collaboration with the Faculty of History and Philology, which presented preliminary findings from media monitoring, it was noted that social media has the most biased influence, often focusing on the glorification of the communist era. Meanwhile, traditional media tends to be more neutral and analytical, whereas online media blends analysis and personal stories, offering an intermediate perspective.
“Media plays an important role in transforming memory in different ways—bringing forward elements that are far from factual, focusing on events that may have no historical basis. Media is thus a crucial factor in confronting the past and preserving memory,” said Jonila Godole, Executive Director of IDMC.
Among the attendees was Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, who spoke about the EU’s approach to Albania regarding its communist past.
“The European Union strongly supports efforts to confront and understand the past as a fundamental pillar of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. A clear and honest examination of Albania’s communist past is essential—not only for justice but also as a foundation for a democratic and European future. Media plays a crucial role in shaping historical narratives, but there are challenges,” said Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania.
The study also highlights that media tends to focus heavily on specific historical figures, a point emphasized by Mark Marku, Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology:
“Over these 30 years, we have failed to heal society from its nostalgia for communism. Ideologies like communism can return in different forms, and they do so whenever societies create the conditions for them.”
Meanwhile, Artan Fuga, while praising the study, emphasized that journalists cannot write history.
“A historian works at home or in their study and does not participate in public debates. Secondly, for me, a journalist cannot create history. It is unimaginable for a journalist to act as a historian. Thirdly, social media cannot write history—it only preserves memory,” said Fuga.
At the conference, the most discussed topics were the periods 1941–1944 and 1961–1981. Additionally, it was noted that both traditional and online media make limited efforts to explore other historical periods or lesser-known historical events.
