Albania

[AL] NCRT Report Approved in the Parliament

IRIS 2010-6:1/7

Ilda Londo

Albanian Media Institute

On 1 April 2010 the Parliamentary Commission on Education, Public Media and Information Means issued a resolution that approved the Annual Report on the Activities of the Këshilli Kombëtar i Radios dhe Televizionit (National Council of Radio and Television - NCRT) for 2009 (see IRIS 2005-4: 6).

The Report provides information on the main activities of the regulator in 2009, especially with regard to the licensing of new television and radio stations, the fight against piracy, the problems with frequency spectrum coverage, etc. Specific attention is paid to the preparations for the strategy for the transition to digital broadcasting.

The resolution approved by the Parliamentary Commission praised the work of the regulator, stating that it has increased efficiency in its work and has contributed to improving the quality of broadcasting services and protection of consumer and operators’ interests.

However, the Parliament demands as quickly as possible the implementation of the digital switchover strategy, a greater efficiency against piracy in broadcasting as well as tougher implementation of ethical norms in broadcasting programmes.

The Parliamentary Commission reviewed the annual report and approved the resolution only with the participation of members from the ruling majority. The members of the opposition have refused to participate in most parliamentary activities, claiming the need for more transparency regarding the process and results that led to the composition of the current Parliament.