Fatjon Hoxhalli, chair of the Governing Council of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), has called for a review of the public broadcaster’s funding model. He said the institution needs a sustainable financial framework.

Speaking to the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information during its review of the 2027 draft budget, Hoxhalli said state funding for 2026 stands at ALL 890 million. By the end of October, RTSH had used 84% of its annual allocation.

He said the request goes beyond additional financial support. RTSH’s annual revenue averages no more than ALL 2.6 billion. The television receiver service fee accounts for around 52% of this total, the state budget contributes 34%, and other revenue provides the remaining 14%. The fee has remained unchanged for 10 years and is among the lowest in the region.

Hoxhalli also highlighted rising costs, including salary increases over the years, repeated increases in the minimum wage and the alignment of the Symphony Orchestra’s salaries with those of comparable arts institutions. He said these necessary measures have created permanent costs while revenue sources have remained unchanged, placing continuous pressure on RTSH’s liquidity.

He called on lawmakers to increase funding in the 2027 budget and support a broader review of the public broadcaster’s financing model.

/a.p./