In 2016, Albania’s small TV station Zjarr TV shocked audiences by having anchors present the news in an unconventional style, sparking nationwide debate. The channel claimed it was “transparent” journalism meant to engage younger viewers, but critics accused it of turning news into spectacle and undermining credibility.
The experiment drew global attention—some saw it as bold innovation, others as a publicity stunt. While Zjarr briefly gained visibility, it didn’t solve the deeper issues facing Albanian media: financial struggles, political influence, and competition from global platforms.
The controversy left one lasting lesson: in journalism, creativity can attract viewers, but long-term trust comes only from credibility and serious reporting.
