STATEMENT
With regard to public statements concerning an alleged monopolisation of the audiovisual market and claims that the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) is “refusing to respond” to concerns raised by certain operators, AMA considers it necessary to inform the public of the factual situation and the exercise of its statutory powers:
The facts must be considered in their entirety, rather than selectively presented.
The facts speak louder than statements:
In Albania, 84 entities are authorised by AMA to retransmit audiovisual services. Only 5 of these have not yet reached commercial agreements with DigitAlb and Tring regarding the relevant broadcasting rights.
This figure does not demonstrate either institutional inaction or a restriction of competition. On the contrary, the specific circumstances reveal a reality that cannot be overlooked: 3 of these 5 entities have been identified and fined by AMA for television piracy, while one is administered by the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets.
Therefore, the failure to conclude these five commercial agreements cannot automatically be presented as the result of anti-competitive conduct. In each case, the entity’s record of compliance with the law, the legality of the content being retransmitted and compliance with obligations relating to broadcasting rights must be assessed.
AMA has addressed, and continues to address, this matter within the scope of its statutory responsibilities. Based on the facts and information available to date, there are no elements demonstrating that the failure to conclude these five agreements constitutes a restriction of competition or substantiating allegations of inaction by AMA.
The protection of competition cannot be invoked as an argument to minimise or justify piracy.
No entity can seek the protection of the law while disregarding its own violations.
Through its ongoing communication with the rights holders, Digitalb and Tring, AMA has been informed that the deadline for concluding commercial agreements with retransmission operators was extended until 31 July 2026. According to the information provided to the Authority by the rights holders (Digitalb and Tring), agreements have been reached with 79 entities.
At the same time, AMA also requested information on the process from the Association of Cable Radio and Television Broadcasters (RrTL), but has received no response.
AMA does not act on the basis of pressure or political rhetoric. It acts in accordance with the law, the facts and the public interest.
Finally, it’s important to recall that this is a paid television service, which subscribers choose on a commercial basis, while citizens also have free access to Free-to-Air (FTA) channels.
The Audiovisual Media Authority remains committed to ensuring a pluralistic, functional and competitive audiovisual market, exercising its functions in accordance with the law, the facts and the principle of proportionality.
