Media freedom faces structural threats in both Albania and Italy, despite legal frameworks. Ownership concentration and economic insecurity drive self-censorship.
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Journalists in Albania and Italy operate within vastly different institutional realities; Italy, as an EU founding member, has a consolidated legal framework like the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), while Albania is a candidate country rapidly aligning its legislation with Brussels’ standards. However, internal editorial environments in both countries are significantly affected by owner influence, dependence on political and commercial funds, pressure from business interests, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), and self-censorship.
In Albania, despite constitutional guarantees of free press, a paradox exists: while the country ranks relatively high globally for press freedom, a large percentage of journalists report worsening freedom of expression and information access, with many citing pressure or self-censorship due to concentrated media ownership by economic groups involved in state-regulated sectors. Investigative journalist Geri Emiri notes that the issue is often systemic self-censorship rather than direct censorship. Media expert Inva Hasanaliaj emphasizes that financial insecurity prevents journalistic independence, leading to poor quality or misleading information for the public. Political pressure remains a major factor, especially during elections, with journalists reporting restrictions on critical questioning.
In Italy, despite EU membership, media freedom faces risks from political and commercial owner influence at a “medium-high risk” level. Reports indicate an increase in threatened journalists, particularly those covering climate change, and SLAPP suits remain prevalent among EU nations. Investigative journalist Nuri Fatolahzadeh describes how threats induce psychological intimidation leading to self-censorship.
The comparison reveals that while legal frameworks like EMFA are necessary, they are insufficient without structural changes regarding media ownership transparency and the economic sustainability of newsrooms in both countries. Both nations suffer from concentrated ownership and financial insecurity for journalists, making true editorial freedom dependent on daily practices within newsrooms rather than just legislation.
