Independent journalism in Albania is under growing pressure, caught between escalating anti-media rhetoric, political polarization, and concerns over media integrity. This article examines how political discourse, smear campaigns, shifting international narratives, and structural challenges within the media ecosystem shape the media freedom and integrity landscape in Albania, Blerjana Bino writes for SafeJournalists Network.

Albania’s media landscape is troubled by politicization, financial pressures, and varying ethical standards. While some outlets uphold professional journalism, others engage in partisan reporting, propaganda, or paid content, fueling public skepticism and justifying politicians to dismiss critical stories. Media polarization mirrors political divides, with news coverage often reflecting party loyalties or other vested interests. Many journalists work under precarious conditions, facing pressure from media owners or political interests, which can compromise editorial integrity. Despite these challenges, courageous journalists continue to expose corruption and hold officials accountable. The key challenge is to strengthen professional standards while protecting media freedom and investigative journalism from political and economic pressures.

While attacks on independent journalism and civil society pose a serious threat to media freedom and democratic accountability, it is equally important to recognize the broader challenges of media integrity in Albania. Defending media freedom must go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen journalistic standards, ensure editorial independence, and foster a media environment that prioritizes accuracy, accountability, and the public interest.