AMA Chairperson in USA Focuses on Media and Disinformation – “Contributors to Information Integrity and Media Freedom Policies”

The AMA Chairperson Visits U.S. State Department to Address Media Transparency and Disinformation

The Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) Chairperson Armela Krasniqi has concluded a two-day official visit to the United States, where she met with representatives from the U.S. State Department to discuss critical issues facing Albania’s media landscape.

The high-level meetings centered on several key topics, including media ownership transparency, the incorporation of European regulatory frameworks into Albanian legislation, and ongoing legal initiatives aimed at reforming the country’s media market. These discussions come at a time when Albania continues to strengthen its media regulations in alignment with European Union standards.

During the meetings, Krasniqi presented AMA’s recent initiatives designed to regulate video-sharing platforms, a growing sector that has raised regulatory concerns worldwide. She also addressed the challenges posed by disinformation, hate speech, and information integrity in Albania – issues that have become increasingly prominent in the global media discourse.

“This visit serves our institution, which is no longer just a beneficiary but also a contributor to policies regarding information integrity and media freedom,” Krasniqi stated following the meetings, highlighting Albania’s evolving role from policy recipient to active participant in international media governance conversations.

The timing of these discussions is significant as countries worldwide grapple with regulating digital media platforms and combating the spread of misinformation. Albania’s efforts reflect a broader European push toward creating more transparent, accountable media environments while balancing free speech concerns with the need to curb harmful content.

During her visit to Washington, Krasniqi also made a stop at Johns Hopkins University, where she engaged in discussions on the challenges facing the media market and the impact of emerging technologies. These conversations provided an opportunity for Krasniqi to share AMA’s experience in regulating the audiovisual market and adapting to digital developments.

Albania’s media regulatory framework has been undergoing substantial changes in recent years as the country works to harmonize its laws with EU standards, a critical component of its broader European integration process. The AMA has been at the forefront of these efforts, working to develop frameworks that address new digital realities while safeguarding media pluralism and freedom.

The discussions in Washington also touched on the challenges of media concentration and the need for transparent ownership structures—issues that have long plagued media markets across the Balkans. By addressing these concerns at the international level, Albania’s regulatory authority is seeking both expertise and support for its reform agenda.

Media experts note that the collaboration between Albanian regulatory authorities and U.S. institutions signals increased international attention to media freedom and information integrity in the Western Balkans region. This partnership comes at a crucial time when democratic institutions worldwide are facing mounting pressure from disinformation campaigns and digital manipulation.

The exchanges also reflect growing recognition that media regulation in the digital age requires international cooperation, as platforms and content easily cross national borders. For Albania, strengthening ties with American institutions provides valuable insights into regulatory approaches and technologies that can help address these complex challenges.

As Albania continues its path toward European integration, the regulatory framework for its media sector represents an important benchmark of progress. The AMA’s active engagement with international partners underscores Albania’s commitment to building a media environment that meets European standards while addressing the unique challenges of its national context.