Report/ 60 suspicious emails and only 17% digitized...RTSH's legacy at risk

Suela Gjidede

Albanian Radio Television appears to have had a difficult year in 2024, according to the official report recently presented to the Albanian Parliament.

One of the most highlighted problems in the RTSH annual report is the institution's poor technological state and the slow pace of digitization of the historical archive.

According to the report, the process of digitizing the archive has begun, but has remained at minimal levels.

"In total, 71,987 minutes were digitized in the period January-December 2024, which constitutes only 17% of the total materials ," the report of the Archives Directorate states.

This means that over 80% of RTSH's historical materials remain inaccessible in digital form.

"The main problem is the lack of investment and the delay in the digitization process of
archival materials that are in old technology formats, including:
16 mm film, Ampex 2 inch, Bosch I inch.
The Archive Directorate has a very great concern regarding the security of the digital file of
materials that are in the RTSH storage ," the report also states. 

The digitized materials mainly include:

Music concerts of the RTSH Symphony Orchestra
District festivals and competitions of young voices
Theater at the Microphone and Artistic Speech shows

However, the report emphasizes that “ one of the most important undeveloped potentials was the digitization of the blaiv archive…” , underlining that this remains an untapped strategic reserve.

60 suspicious emails with malicious content

In terms of technology, RTSH faces an outdated infrastructure.

“The existing IT systems and transmission networks were outdated and inadequate for an institution of this level, ” the report states.

This situation has exposed the institution to attacks and data loss.

"As part of the security measures, advanced filtering and monitoring policies have been implemented that have
proven effective in identifying and blocking around 60 suspicious emails with
malicious content or viruses ," the report states.

The report highlights that "such investments have not been made due to a lack of financial funds and the poor economic situation of RTSH." 

These shortcomings not only hinder professional development and broadcast efficiency, but also jeopardize cybersecurity and the preservation of audiovisual cultural heritage.