Until 1991 Albania had two daily newspapers, both controlled by the Communist Party, with a total circulation of approx. 135,000. When the Communist regime fell in 1991-92, a number of new, independent newspapers were established. In 2000, the country had 12 daily newspapers and 18 weekly / weekly newspapers. The most important daily newspapers following the liberation from communism have been the Socialist Party’s Zëri in Popullit and the Democratic Party’s Rilindja Demokratike. However, the circulation figures for the daily newspapers are low. In 2012, 26 newspapers were published nationally, but the total circulation was no higher than 70,000.
The state broadcaster RTSh was given a freer position in 1991, but is still government-friendly because of the funding scheme. In 2000, the country had two nationwide TV channels and 45 local television stations, one nationwide radio channel and 31 local radios. someone who sends in Greek and Macedonian. The country’s television broadcasts were started in 1961.
Albania’s constitution guarantees freedom of the press, but the media situation in the country is only “partially free” (Freedom House 2011). Despite the media diversity, the substance is characterized by the owners’ political and financial interests, and journalists are often under pressure and self-censoring. In global ratings of press freedom, Albania received a 96th place in 2010-2011, with an annual decline from a 34th place in 2003 (Reporters without borders’ Press Freedom Index). Even before this, the situation was highly critical (Human Rights Watch 2002). The Internet is free, but still not widely used in the poorest and most isolated areas.
