In accordance with the competencies defined by Law no. 97/2013, “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania”, as amended, the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) has drafted the proposed act “On several additions and amendments to the Regulation ‘On the criteria and procedures for granting authorizations’,” initially approved by Decision no. 99, dated 07.06.2017.
This draft act aims to further improve the regulatory framework for granting authorizations by reflecting current developments in the media market, technological challenges and the need to strengthen measures that ensure the protection of broadcasting rights, signal integrity and fair competition. In this context, AMA has launched a series of consultative roundtables with stakeholders in various cities across the country, with the goal of ensuring a process that is as inclusive and transparent as possible. Following the initial stop in Kukës, the public consultations continued in the city of Dibër, where a working roundtable was held with the participation of local authorized operators and AMA representatives. During this meeting, the concrete proposals for amendments to the regulation were presented and discussed, including the following:
Enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of the procedures for granting authorizations;
Improving the criteria for evaluating applications and strengthening the obligations related to the broadcasting rights protection;
Reinforcing mechanisms to prevent the audiovisual signal distribution manipulation, in order to ensure compliance with licensing terms and authorized boundaries.
In her opening remarks to the participants, AMA’s Chairwoman, Ms. Armela Krasniqi, emphasized the importance of these consultations as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the regulatory framework and to strengthen public trust:
“The Audiovisual Media Authority remains committed to prevent the terrestrial signal distribution manipulation for purposes that violate licensing conditions and broadcasting rights. Consultations such as the one here in Dibër are essential for building a cooperative relationship with operators and ensuring a fair, secure and sustainable market”.
Ms. Krasniqi also underlined the importance of further aligning Albanian legislation with the European Union’s acquis communautaire and with the best regulatory practices of EU member states. This alignment is essential to guarantee a consolidated media market that upholds fair competition, protects consumer rights and ensures the integrity of the entire audiovisual distribution chain.
The Audiovisual Media Authority will continue its series of consultative roundtables in other cities across the country, aiming to ensure the broadest possible inclusion of relevant stakeholders and to guarantee that every proposed amendment to the bylaw is based on open dialogue, transparency and mutual understanding.
