AMA’s Chair, Armela Krasniqi, participated in the 62nd Meeting of the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA). During the meeting, she participated in the panel discussion titled “How to set strategies in a fast-developing environment and implement them?”, where she presented to participants a key regulatory process carried out by AMA for the Albanian media market, namely, the Media Ownership Structure Transparency, identifying both direct and indirect beneficial owners, as well as the study on the economic activities of audiovisual media service providers beyond the media market.
Krasniqi explained to EPRA members how AMA has developed and published a comprehensive database on Ownership Structure Transparency, accessible through the institution’s official website. This database serves as a primary and continuously updated resource, containing detailed information on all licensed/authorized audiovisual media service providers operating in Albania. It includes data on both legal and natural persons, ensuring full transparency through the identification of ultimate beneficial owners. By making this information publicly available, AMA guarantees that the ownership structures of all audiovisual media service providers are fully transparent and traceable, thereby strengthening public trust and regulatory oversight.
The data included in the Media Ownership Transparency database are organized into 5 main audiovisual media service providers’ categories, reflecting the diversity of active operators in the Albanian media market. These categories include cable operators, providers, repetitive operators, audio and audiovisual entities. This integrated system allows AMA to maintain a dynamic and transparent ownership structures register, reflecting in real time any changes occurring in the audiovisual market.
In addition, AMA has conducted a comprehensive study on the economic investments of audiovisual media service providers beyond the media market. Within the framework of market monitoring, AMA analyzed the investments made by audio and audiovisual operators’ contributors across various sectors of the economy. This analysis transparently illustrates their participation in economic activities outside the media sector, providing a broader picture of capital distribution within the economy. The purpose of this detailed observation is not only to demonstrate the extent of investors’ interests but, above all, to enhance transparency within the media sector. The classification covers a wide range of economic fields, including agriculture, forestry and fisheries, extractive and manufacturing industries, transport, etc.
These initiatives represent a key step in promoting accountability and integrity within the audiovisual sector. Moreover, they reflect AMA’s strong commitment to aligning with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which highlights the importance of transparency and pluralism in media ownership.
The European Platform of Regulatory Authorities was established in 1995 in response to the growing need for cooperation among European regulatory bodies. With over 25 years of experience and a well-established professional network, EPRA is the oldest and largest network of broadcasting regulators in Europe, serving as an ideal forum for the exchange of information, case studies and best regulatory practices among European broadcasting authorities.
