Albania’s press freedom is at a critical juncture. Ranked 99th in the World Press Freedom Index, it faces challenges threatening the right to information. A collaboration between Reporters without Borders and local media stakeholders has created a number of policy recommendations that they believe will help the country’s media environment.

In terms of Strengthening Journalists’ Safety, they recommend enabling the early dismissal of manifestly abusive lawsuits, Supporting victims through remedies and imposing sanctions on aggressors.

When it comes to the Confidentiality of Sources, they call for Correcting loopholes in existing laws to protect journalists’ sources, and ensuring judicial remedies for journalists subjected to undue surveillance.

They also ask for a National Action Plan laying down measure to prosecute crimes against journalists and provide law enforcement with proper training.

As for Ensuring Media Independence, they want measures to prevent media shareholders from interfering in editorial decisions, for the RTSH the public broadcaster to have stable and transparent funding, and an independent process for process leadership appointments.

On ownership Transparency,media outlets should disclose direct and indirect ownership and potential conflicts of interest. In return media should benefit from tax breaks, interest-free loans to support growth.

Subscription models should be promoted with help from banks and advertising spending should go to only verified and trustworthy media

On copyright, media should have more protection without it restricting freedom of expression.