The media in Albania has fallen prey to misinformation and false news. The report requested by the European Parliament shows that unlike the market in the region, where the media struggles to survive by being fed on the market, in Albania, some have found an alternative source of income, including the use for the benefit of owners or customers.
The President of the Union of Albanian Journalists, Aleksandër Çipa, said in an interview to Euronews Albania that the misinformation comes mainly from online media, while adding that based on the data that the union has, it is noticed that in the last three years, in addition to Albanian media, almost 13 online media have been added, funded by other countries.
He said that the typology of these media appears in the form of Albanian language sections of international media. According to Mr. Çipa, these media are being fed mainly from Russia, Turkey, Italy, Iran, etc.
"Specifically the reality of online media, the problems of online media are bigger than traditional media in Albania. Online media, which can be appreciated for a professional refinement are still unnoticed in the information market, but still, we have to admit a fact, in three years that in the spectrum of Albanian online media have come almost 13 online media funded by various countries, including international countries. They can be considered a type of section in the Albanian language of international media, they are like Russia, Turkey, China, Italy, Iran. This is something that has not been noticed", Çipa said.
The executive director of the Institute for Democracy, Media, and Culture, Jonila Godole, said that there is an increased presence of misinformation in Albania and for this she published some data, which according to her prove the concerns raised by the European Parliament.
In addition to the media, Ms. Godole says there are also high-ranking politicians who spread fake news or as it is otherwise known as "Fake News".