Press Freedom In Albania

Abstract: By academics and journalists alike, a free press is often seen as fundamental to a functioning democracy. A lot of research has been carried out in the field, examining the relation between press freedom, democracy and corruption. This thesis uses the example of Albania to build on the research on press freedom, looking into what conditions are necessary for a functioning free press as well as exploring the relationship between such a press and the society and political environment in which it functions. We find that even though Albania has no legal restraints on the media or freedom of opinion, other restraints are in place which prevent the country from meeting the necessary conditions for a functioning free press.