The Audiovisual Media Authority role in safeguarding media freedom, ensuring pluralism, guaranteeing editorial independence, media ownership transparency and regulating state advertising alongside aligning with the best practices from EU Member States in regulating the audiovisual and online markets, was the central focus of a two-day working roundtable.
The activity was organized within the framework of the joint EU – Council of Europe program “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye III”, with the participation of Council of Europe expert Mr. Francesco Sciacchitano from the Italian regulatory authority AGCOM.
During the discussions, Mr. Sciacchitano shared with AMA staff the most advanced European experiences related to the challenges in the audiovisual and digital markets, public rights protection and the effective implementation of the new European legislative frameworks for media (EMFA) and digital services (DSA).
The roundtable was opened by AMA’s Chairwoman, Ms. Armela Krasniqi, who emphasized the strategic importance of this process for the institutional strengthening of AMA as a guarantor of media freedom, editorial independence and the public rights. She appreciated the international partners support in improving the legal framework and ensuring a sustainable, transparent and trustworthy media environment.
Over the course of two-days, the discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening AMA’s capacities as a regulatory authority, particularly in terms of law enforcement, increasing institutional autonomy and enhancing its ability to address the challenges posed by the digital age. Special attention was also given to the need for effective monitoring of the online market in line with the latest European Union directives.
This activity marks a significant step forward in Albania’s path toward harmonization with the EU acquis in the field of media and digital services, further reinforcing AMA’s role as a key institution in safeguarding the public interest and ensuring a free, safe and inclusive media space.
