USAID

Democracy and Governance in Albania (DGA)

Program Overview

Download Albania Democracy and Governance Information Sheet

Download Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2006: Albania

In 2005, IREX became consortium partner with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Partners for Democratic Change to implement the Democracy and Governance in Albania (DGA) program, supported by USAID. IREX works with local media outlets to provide training, small grants, and consulting to support the ongoing development of independent media in Albania and the region.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Support independent media to engage citizens, NGOs, media, and political parties to improve transparency, fight corruption, and promote better governance

PROJECT RESULTS

"Hapur," an investigative journalism television program, produced and broadcast twice per month on 20 media outlets including TVSH
"Heroes of Albania," profiling civic participation initiatives, broadcast twice per month across country.
Journalists' Union successfully advancing media reforms and labor rights for journalists.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Anti-Corruption Investigative Journalism: IREX provides support to local TV broadcasters and news teams to produce programs such as "Hapur" that investigates corruption. Stories have exposed the abuse of public funds, customs corruption, infrastructure scandals, and instances of human trafficking.
Civic Journalism: IREX supports civic journalism including the production of the indigenous television program "Heroes of Albania" that depicts how common citizens inspire civic participation to improve their communities.
Local Television Sector and Network Development: IREX helped to establish AlbNet, the first private television network of local stations in Albania. Eight television stations air shared programming and seek to preserve local broadcasting around the country.
Media Reform and Professional Associations: Since more than 90 percent of Albanian journalists work without employment contracts, IREX has helped to establish a trade association to develop industry-wide employment standards and a journalistic code of conduct.