The Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA), following with concern the reports about the tragic event in Tirana, where a 14-year-old lost his life and several others were injured, expresses its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and full solidarity with the injured and their families.
AMA, considering the highest priority to be the importance of reporting and full transparency regarding the event, with heightened public sensitivity, as a duty of the media, and audiovisual media in particular, in this regard. It has continuously monitored the reporting of the event, repeatedly calling the attention of audiovisual entities to cases of misuse of minors’ data or the pressure by certain media outlets for involving minors in various reports, which constitute violations of the Broadcasting Code of the Republic of Albania.
In this context, AMA wants to emphasize the importance of responsible and ethical reporting by audiovisual media, focusing on:
- Respecting human dignity and the privacy of victims and their families. Publishing information that infringes on private life or causes further suffering to affected families is unethical and contrary to professional reporting standards.
- Basing all reporting on credible sources and adhering to the truth of the events. Inaccurate or incomplete information can lead to confusion, harm investigations, aggravate the situation for minors presumed innocent, and negatively affect the mental health and dignity of the minors and families involved!
- Beyond informing, media has a responsibility to promote public awareness about the importance of preventing such incidents, ensuring accountability, and holding institutions responsible, while contributing to shaping a fair and engaged public opinion!
AMA reminds that reporting on such serious events is not merely a professional duty but also an act of social responsibility.
Therefore, it urges all audiovisual entities to strictly comply with the relevant laws and regulations regarding ethics and reporting standards.
Having exhausted all warnings and reminders, and in consideration of the high public sensitivity surrounding this issue, AMA, in compliance with Law No. 97/2013 “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania” and the Broadcasting Code of the Republic of Albania for the minors protection and the harm prevention, will closely monitor how this event is handled and reported in the media. It will take immediate measures, utilizing the full force of the law as well as the legal and administrative tools at its disposal, against any entity that violates these standards.
Audiovisual Media Authority Board
