Since Monday, 18.11.2024, audiovisual medias have also been covering the tragic event that occurred in the capital, claiming the life of a 14-year-old.
The coverage of the event’s dynamics and the investigation into the causes that drove the group of adolescents toward violence, resulting in the death of one and injuries to several others, has been carried out with professionalism and care by most audiovisual medias. The aim has been to ensure that the reporting does not further harm the families and loved ones, respecting their grief and sorrow.
However, during monitoring, instances of unnecessary or unverified information being published have been noted. Such actions constitute an abuse, aiming to exploit the event from a sensationalist perspective, neglecting its human aspect. Naturally, such cases will be addressed in compliance with legal provisions. However, today the priority remains the preservation of professional ethics and adherence to human principles.
In the name of the best interests of the child, respect for the grief of the families, the sensitivity of the Albanian public, and the shared social responsibility to prevent such incidents from becoming precedents, the Audiovisual Media Authority calls for maximum professionalism and accountability. This must align with the standards set forth in Law No. 97/2013, “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania,” as amended, the Broadcasting Code, and other applicable regulations.
The Audiovisual Media Authority, which continues to monitor broadcasts, will review any cases of non-compliance with legal requirements and address them with the respective editorial offices. The Authority’s expectation is for the event to be reflected both professionally and ethically, respecting the grief, emotions, and dignity of those affected.
Audiovisual Media Authority