Media Ownership
Kosovo's media sector exhibits a diverse range of ownership structures. Most media outlets are owned by individuals, with backgrounds spanning journalism to various business sectors. Others are part of larger business conglomerates. The involvement of individuals from sectors like construction, education, and healthcare in media ownership adds to the diversity in management styles and content approaches. Cross-border influences, especially from Albania, also play a role, with some Kosovo media outlets having Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) based in Albania, highlighting the interconnectedness of the regional media landscape.
The transparency of media ownership in Kosovo varies. Some entities are forthcoming about their ownership and financials, while others remain less transparent. Sources such as the Kosovo Business Registration Agency and the Independent Media Commission provide limited insights, and detailed financial information from media outlets is rare.
Influential figures in the media sector include Ilir Tafa, an actor and businessman, who through Media Invest Sh.p.k controls several news outlets. Additionally, journalist Afërdita Saraçini Kelmendi owns a significant portion of Company 21 Sh.p.k, which operates multiple TV and radio channels.
Family connections are also influential in media ownership. An example is Flaka Surroi, who took over Grupi Koha from her brother, underscoring the role of family businesses in the media, where personal and corporate interests often intersect.
A notable trend is the rise of owners focusing exclusively on online media, indicative of a shift towards specialized media ownership, aligning with evolving consumption patterns.
Despite the growing prominence of digital media, traditional forms like television and radio remain influential. Television is a key source of information and entertainment, with several channels operating nationwide.
Radio is adapting to the digital age, with many stations transitioning to online streaming to leverage increased internet access and adapting to listener preferences.
As of January 2021, following the discontinuation of Koha Ditore's print edition, Kosovo no longer has any print media outlets. The move to online platforms, now almost universal among Kosovo's news providers, signifies a change in the country's approach to news dissemination and consumption.
