Small State, Big Stories

In this episode, we widen our view in both time and space. Media analyst Lutfi Dervishi provides a fresh perspective on the global trends and dynamics shaping the media landscape in Albania.

In this episode, journalists Franziska Tschinderle and Ilir Tsouko recall their first joint assignment in Albania in the spring of 2021. Back then, they wrote a profile of the recently re-elected Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, which was published in a Swiss magazine. Soon after, several altered versions of their article appeared in various Albanian media...

Amid opposition protests, wiretaps are released which are said to prove systematic election manipulation by Albania’s ruling party. Why were they published in the German tabloid The BILD, of all places?

A strange speech in parliament, a manipulated photo and alleged statements by medical staff are intended to convince the Albanian public of the prime minister's cocaine abuse. For Albania, too, fake news is a serious issue. Where does it come from and why does it spread particularly quickly here?

One fine summer's day, Albanian special forces storm a media house known for being critical of the government. Its owner is accused of engaging in criminal schemes. Had the government cracked down on organized crime or on the free press?

A media owner who doesn't believe in the truth. A politician who declared war on fake news. And a journalist who wants to teach the prime minister a lesson. In this podcast, author Anja Troelenberg tells big stories from the small Balkan state of Albania. The first three episodes take a look at the place where these stories are being produced: The Media Landscape. Supported by the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation Tirana. To be heard from August 4.