In a time when information travels faster than truth, reliable media platforms are more important than ever. For Albania, Kosovo, and the global Albanian diaspora, media outlets like Exxtra24 play a critical role—not just as a source of news, but as a bridge of connection, a pillar of democracy, and a guardian of cultural identity.

A beacon of independent journalism

Media freedom in Albania and Kosovo continues to be at risk, from political interference to economic pressure and media ownership concentration. Reporters Without Borders’ 2023 World Press Freedom Index ranks Albania at position 85 among 180 countries and Kosovo at position 80. These rankings reflect a worrisome situation for independent journalism in the region, with political pressure and media ownership monopolies hindering true media freedom. It is in this atmosphere that Extra24 stands out in that it offers independent, balanced, and fact-checked news.

The media environment in Albania is often characterized by ownership concentration, where a couple of oligarchs control enormous segments of the media. A 2021 Freedom House report also documented that journalists are harassed and intimidated by oligarchs and political elites, limiting press freedom. 

“Free and independent media are essential to the democratic development of the Western Balkans” (European Commission, 2023).

By prioritizing truth over partisanship, Exxtra24 strengthens democratic institutions and encourages civic engagement—especially vital in countries where trust in institutions is often fragile.

Uniting Albanians across borders

Albanians are not limited to one state. With sizeable diaspora populations in Switzerland, the United States, Germany, and all of Europe, Albanian identity is transcontinental. Over 1.5 million Albanians are abroad, contributing to the culture and economies of host countries significantly, states the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS). Transnational media are vital in sustaining diaspora identities and maintaining socio-political ties with the homeland. Exxtra24 attempts to sustain that bridge in the form of news, culture, and the community voice. In Kosovo, nearly 30% of the citizens reside in diaspora (Agency of Statistics, 2021), though a strong base exists in countries like Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. For Albanians abroad, staying informed about developments back home fosters belonging and encourages continued involvement in national affairs.

Fighting disinformation and raising awareness

Disinformation is increasing in the Balkans region, often utilized to influence public opinion or support political agendas. According to a 2021 Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) report, 64% of the citizens in the Western Balkans reported witnessing false information on social media. Political polarization and political instability dominate the Albanian landscape, and thus disinformation becomes an influential political tool to manipulate the public mood. A Transparency International report in 2023 found that 73% of Albanians believe that disinformation is widespread, and public trust in the media has declined. A platform like Exxtra24, based on credibility, plays a vital role in halting this trend by providing confirmed information and debunking false information.

“The spread of disinformation weakens trust in institutions and destabilizes fragile democracies” (Freedom House, 2022).

With a commitment to transparency and media literacy, Exxtra24 builds resilience against manipulation and fosters a more informed society.

Preserving language and cultural identity

The Albanian diaspora, particularly in countries like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Greece the United States, and across Scandinavia, plays an outstanding role in the societal and economic life of both Albania and Kosovo. Every year, billions of euros are sent back home through remittances, but the diaspora’s influence extends far beyond financial contributions. Diaspora communities are often more critical, informed, and media-literate than many people in the region. They have access to independent journalism in their countries of residence and are familiar with democratic values and journalistic standards — and they hold the media in their homelands to high expectations. Many diaspora members closely follow political and social developments in Albania and Kosovo. They are often disappointed by the one-sidedness and superficiality of the reporting provided by Albanian-language media. What the diaspora demands is transparency, depth, and responsible journalism — and they are willing to support media outlets that meet these standards.

In the diaspora, especially among second- and third-generation Albanians, it is also important to preserve language and culture, which is a growing challenge. According to a 2019 study by the Albanian Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), about 45% of Albanians living abroad speak the Albanian language at home. In Kosovo, according to the Agency of Statistics, 2020, 95% of the population speaks Albanian, emphasizing the importance of media in the mother tongue”. By offering engaging, high-quality Albanian-language content, Exxtra24 plays a cultural preservation role.

“Media in the mother tongue is a key tool in maintaining diaspora identity” (Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 2011).

Exxtra24 isn’t just another media outlet—it’s a vital part of a larger mission: to inform, to unite, and to represent Albanians wherever they are. In a time when journalism is under pressure and truth is often contested, platforms like Exxtra24 are not a luxury—they are a necessity.

By Bahri TROJA