Albanian journalist between professional standards and external pressures

Abstract

Not only in Albania, but even beyond, freedom of information is guaranteed by the constitution, but however it consistently remains a controversial issue. Media, mainly its employees, generally, for various reasons do not go beyond their requests. Pressure over journalists is increasingly growing from politics, media owners, advertisers etc. This paper will analyse the three main dimensions that are related to the freedom and status of journalist in the Albanian media, with the accompanying duality between the exercise of professional standards and pressure coming from abroad. Firstly, the paper will shed light on the importance of the status of journalist. The main problems faced by Albanian journalists in a media market where the profession continues being unregulated. Secondly, the paper will evaluate the main sources affecting the freedom of albanian journalists in practicing the profession. Thirdly, depending on the upper mentioned conditions, the study will analyze the economical dependence (state) of Albanian journalists and its consequences. At the end of the study, based on cause-effect analysis, is intended to find the main problems dealing with the community of Albanian journalists.