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Albania in the World Press Freedom Index 2022: Editorial Independence and Physical Integrity of Journalists at Risk

Politiko 2022-05-18 17:13:37

Albania in the World Press Freedom Index 2022: Editorial Independence and

According to the recently published World Index of Freedom of the Press by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Northern Macedonia and Montenegro made slight progress in media freedom in the Western Balkans compared to a year ago.

The index compares the level of press freedom enjoyed by journalists and the media in 180 countries and territories. The ranking of the Index is based on a point ranging from 0 to 100 assigned to each country or territory, where 100 is the best possible score (highest possible level of press freedom) and 0 worst.

According to this year's results, Northern Macedonia is ranked better in the region. This country was ranked 57th in the world. Kosovo is 61st, followed by Montenegro in 63rd place, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 67th. The worst results in the region were achieved by Serbia, which was ranked 79th in the world and Albania ranked 103rd.

The whole of the Western Balkans is in the category of "problematic" countries with press freedom. The results achieved by the countries are lower than last year, but paradoxically their ranking is higher.

However, as RSF warned, "in light of the new methodology, care must be taken when comparing the 2022 rankings and results with those of 2021."

The new methodology used 5 new indicators to compile the Index - political context, legal framework, economic context, socio-cultural context and security. He also gave a new definition of press freedom, writes the european western balkans.

Albania, Editorial Independence and Physical Integrity of Journalists at Risk

Compared to a year ago, when it reached a score of 69.41 and was ranked 83rd, Albania suffered a deterioration in the field of media freedom in 2022. With a score of 56.41, this country is ranked lowest in the Western Balkans region.

In addition to the editorial independence that is threatened through highly politicized institutions of media regulation and public media management, RSF estimates. He has been undermined by organized crime, the state's failure to provide protection and even police violence.

On the issue of supporting and respecting media autonomy and their role in holding government and politicians accountable, according to RSF, the situation is not good enough. Journalists critical of the government face regular political attacks aimed at discrediting them, and they have difficulty accessing public information, which threatens further restrictions from a recent centralization of government communication.

Most private media outlets are owned by companies that have some connections to politicians, and while there are hundreds of online media outlets in the country, only a small minority has a sustainable business model with transparent funding, RSF warned.