OSCE Presence, University of Tirana strengthen partnership to advance media development

Ambassador Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, met with Prof. Dr. Mark Marku, Dean of University of Tirana’s Faculty of History and Philology, on 26 May 2025, to discuss strengthening collaboration and advancing Albania’s goals in the areas of media freedom and freedom of expression.

Given Marku’s role as lead facilitator of the government–media Promoting Freedom of Expression in Albania through Open Dialogue platform and the rapid progress of its working groups, the discussion also aimed to enhance co-ordination between the Presence’s media development efforts and the Open Dialogue. 

The Open Dialogue working groups have been addressing critical media issues, including journalist safety, media legislation, self-regulation and the working conditions of media professionals – areas also prioritized by the Presence. Ambassador Tarran praised the constructive discussions held under the Open Dialogue platform and reaffirmed the Presence’s support to complement this work through its media development programme and the engagement with the Parliament and other institutions.

Looking ahead, the Presence and the University will collaborate on key topics such as the independence of RTSH, Albania’s public service media, and transparency in media ownership. These efforts will help shape the agenda of the Presence’s upcoming annual Media Development Forum.

The meeting also addressed past and current joint initiatives, including the Media in Focus project, the Media Partners Group and regional journalism student exchange programmes. The exchange programmes, in particular, provide students with practical exposure to regional media environments, including regulatory frameworks, public service media and journalism associations across the region. Ambassador Tarran reaffirmed the Presence’s commitment to supporting such initiatives as a means of strengthening bilateral academic co-operation in journalism education.

Following the meeting, Ambassador Tarran toured the University’s Integrated Digital Media Laboratory, where students produce podcasts and other media content as part of their academic education.