12.06.2023 History of the media
Radio Tirana. The History of a Broadcasting Station Founded by Royal Decree
Małgorzata Dwornik
On November 28, 1938, King Zogu I and his wife, Queen Geraldine, officially inaugurated Albania's first radio station. Radio Tirana kept its origins a secret for decades. When it finally revealed its early history, the revelation surprised not only listeners but even its own staff.
In 1937, Albania, a nation with ancient roots, had been a kingdom for nine years under the rule of Ahmet Zogu, the former president and prime minister, known as the King of All Albanians, Zogu I.
Despite promises of tolerance, democracy, and freedom, the young kingdom was marked by dictatorship, political persecution, and terror, with policies oriented towards Italy and Great Britain. Internal unrest was a daily occurrence for Albanians, often escalating into bloody uprisings.
Amidst such turmoil, in 1937, the capital city of Tirana saw the establishment of the country`s first shortwave radio transmitter. Initially used for communication, it also broadcast three hours of music daily. Within a year, a decision was made to launch a full-fledged radio station.
Good Morning, This Is Radio Tirana
On July 7, 1938, King Zogu I signed a decree authorizing the establishment of the station:
The Royal Government is authorized, in agreement with a specialized company (Philips), to establish here in Tirana a radio station for radiotelegraphy, radiotelephony, and radio broadcasting with a capacity of 3 km. The total expenditure will amount to 122,500 gold francs. ("Official Journal" No. 15, July 21, 1938)
Three months later, on November 28, 1938, King Zogu I and Queen Geraldine officially inaugurated Albania’s first radio station, Radio Tirana. The station’s director was the writer and journalist Gjergj Bubani, and the editor was the composer Dhora Leka.
The first performers to greet listeners were singers Jorgji Truja and Marije Kraja, accompanied by the “Nana Mbretneshë” choir (live), followed by the resonant voice of Kaliopi Plasari (Nushi): Mirëdita, kjo është Radio Tirana (Good morning, this is Radio Tirana).
From that moment on, Ms. Plasari daily greeted listeners and announced: Këtu Radio Tirana! Po japim lajmet (This is Radio Tirana! Here is the news). Her excellent diction, unique voice, and polished delivery quickly won her the affection of the audience. Fluent in French, she often presented international news in that language. It was said that she created an academy of the Albanian language. She worked until 1964, when the communist regime forced her to leave.
The studio was located on the second floor of the town hall, occupying two large rooms. One room housed the office, while the other was used for broadcasting programs, all of which were aired live. The inaugural day featured speeches and patriotic music, but the second day’s schedule looked like this:
- 13:00 - Exact time - listener talk
- 13:10 - News
- 13:25 - Entertainment music
- 14:00 - Program end
- 19:00 - Exact time
- 19:02 - National Economy Minister God Rrok Gera opens a series of radio conferences
- 19:15 - Music concert
- 20:00 - News
- 20:15 - Dance music
- 20:45 - Program end
The modest team prepared daily three-hour programs (with a break) that were rich in music. Besides Dhora Leka, the singer Mihal Ciko, head of the music department, was also responsible for the content. They collaborated with Albanian artists across genres, including light, patriotic, and operatic music (Tefta Tashko Koço).
Medicine, Literature, and Sports
Thematic programs became very popular. Pediatrician and author of numerous articles and books, Hamdi Sulçebe, hosted a medical advice show Këshilla mjekësore (Medical Advice), while the writer and translator Sterjo Spasse discussed literature, both national and international.
Even before the station`s official launch, a test broadcast was conducted on September 1, 1938, featuring a live soccer match. The game between SK Tirana and Iraklis Kavalla (7:0) was commentated by sports journalist and editor of the newspaper Sporti Shqiptar, Anton Mazreku, making him Albania’s first radio sports journalist. He continued his collaboration with the station for many years.
Though the program was limited by global radio standards, it was enthusiastically received by Albanians, especially in Tirana. Many residents personally brought records to enrich the station’s music library.
Unfortunately, Radio Tirana`s peaceful on-air life was short-lived. Five months later, on April 7, 1939, Italy invaded Albania. The station’s director, Gjergj Bubani, personally took to the microphone, broadcasting news in several languages for three days—the time it took Italy to conquer Albania.
Years later, on April 9, 1944, the newspaper Bashkimi i Kombit wrote: In Berlin, London, and even in Rome, the voice of the Albanians, carried by its microphone, left a profound impact. In many civilized countries, the news disseminated by Radio Tirana prompted special editions in the most popular newspapers. During these critical moments, Albania had the opportunity to make its voice heard. Radio Tirana`s echo on this Black Friday was greater and stronger in the Balkan capitals, especially in Bucharest, Istanbul, and Sofia, where most Albanian exiles devoted to their homeland lived.
The Occupier Relocates and... Modernizes
On April 12, the Kingdom of Albania became part of Greater Italy through a personal union with the House of Savoy. King Zogu I was dethroned, and landowner Shefqet Verlaci became the country`s Prime Minister. Two days later, under Italian orders, Radio Tirana began broadcasting its programs in several foreign languages. In addition to Albanian, French, and English, the station used Serbo-Croatian, Greek, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish.
The two rooms in the town hall proved too small for the needs of the Italian occupiers. By the end of 1939, the studios were moved to a new building equipped with the latest technology of the time.
In 1940, a bi-weekly magazine, Radiorevista Tirana, was published, featuring the radio schedule as well as literary essays and articles on culture and art. Of course, fascist propaganda was evident throughout. Despite this, the radio station developed both on-air and behind the scenes. Professional development courses for Radio Tirana’s creative staff were introduced.
- The announcers` course was supervised by Kaliopi Plasari
- The vocal school was led by Tefta Tashko and pianist Tonin Guraziu under the watchful eye of Italian musician Mario Etore
- A guitar playing course was offered
- An instrumentalist school was established, where future musicians and composers like Nikolla Zoraqi, Ymer Skënderi, and Genc Bogdo took their first steps
- Italian engineer Antonio Galeaci trained the technical staff
Under the guidance of Italian radio colleagues, new programs were created. Ora gazmore (Happy Hour) featured music chosen by listeners, while Ora letrare (Literary Hour) discussed notable works of Albanian and world literature. Young listeners enjoyed their own Ora e fëmjëvë (Children`s Hour), and there were Italian language courses. Medical talks by Dr. Hamdi Sulçebe and sports reports by Anton Mazreku continued. Classical music, primarily performed by Italian artists, also had its place.
On July 14, 1943, the newspaper Tomori noted: Radio Tirana has broadcast about twenty great symphonic concerts, summarizing works of classical music by past and contemporary composers, including the five most popular Beethoven symphonies.
Radio Tirana Is Not Radio Roma!
Despite the Italian occupation and its significant influence on all aspects of life, including radio, the station sought to preserve its national identity. Music, especially folk, became the easiest and most accessible medium. During these challenging times, Radio Tirana saw the formation of the popular Toska ensemble and Mihal Ciko’s Shkodran group.
During nearly three years of Italian rule, Radio Tirana expanded its broadcast range so significantly that it introduced departmental divisions:
- Broadcasting, which included news
- Foreign language broadcasting
- Programming
- A theatrical group
- Technical operations
- Music and its various sections
At the time, the station employed a team of 50 people—a considerable number for such a small operation. Among them were many Italians. When this group demanded their programs, their music, director Bubani responded: This is Albania; this is Radio-Tirana, not Radio-Roma.
However, an occupier is still an occupier, and journalists had to moderate their content. Importantly, they still managed to speak. But when, on September 8, 1943, Germans replaced the Italians, everything changed.
Under German Occupation
Less than a month after Tirana was occupied, the entire Radio Tirana team attended a meeting organized by the Germans. This gathering turned out to be a Gestapo trap. Everyone was arrested, and several employees, including station director Gjergj Bubani, were charged with conspiracy. They faced execution by firing squad. Only the swift and effective intervention of former Culture Minister Mihal Zallari saved their lives.
In the end, the new occupiers allowed the station to operate but required it to broadcast programs promoting their agenda. By October, news was broadcast twice daily in German, and starting in January 1944, the station introduced Ora Gjermane (German Hour), featuring symphonic concerts by German musicians.
The station also premiered programs such as Dy fjaklë me dëgjuesit (Two Flames with the Listeners) and the folk music show E dini mirëfilli (You Know It Well), which continued to air long after the war ended.
One enduring legacy from this era was the theater. The microphone drama group inaugurated a series of plays performed both on stage and on-air. On June 12, 1944, the newspaper Bashkimi i Kombit reviewed: The Radio Tirana microphone drama group, without pretending to be bombastic advertising, presented itself as true art—simple and serious. Yet this simplicity brought even greater honor and was a revelation for us. A drama and two comedies. Three plays performed by four women and three men.
Radio Tirana broadcast until October 27, when fighting to liberate the capital began. By November, the station was still under German control, and they planned to demolish the building. A large-scale effort led by Islam Proska, head of the audiotheque, and Tirana residents saved 2,500 records and recordings. Engineer Galeaci also managed to remove some equipment. Ultimately, the station was saved from destruction by Mihal Ciko, the music director, who, under heavy fire, pleaded with the German command to spare the radio. His efforts succeeded, and by the morning of November 14, 1944, Radio Tirana was in the hands of partisans.
Accusations of Collaboration
Station director Gjergj Bubani had little reason to celebrate. Shortly after the capital`s liberation, he was arrested and accused of collaborating with the occupiers. According to the new authorities, he was a tool of enemy propaganda (as an agitator, propagandist, and publicist) through radio and newspapers. He wrote articles about the occupiers and against the people`s struggle.
His trial began in January 1945 and concluded with the sentence: 15 years in prison, confiscation of movable and immovable property, and loss of civil and political rights. He died on November 28, 1954. On the 80th anniversary of Radio Tirana in 2018, he was posthumously awarded the Skanderbeg Order. The country`s then-president, Ilir Meta, remarked: In recognition of his outstanding contributions as a prominent figure in culture, who made significant contributions to journalism, as well as the establishment and consolidation of Radio Tirana as its first director.
After the country`s liberation, the new communist authorities immediately summoned a team of radio personnel to Tirana. Dhora Leka, announcer Refik Bezhani, musician Mihal Ciko, and Italian engineer Antonio Galeaci were tasked with restarting the station. With the help of technicians Spiro Qirko, Ali Njuma, Todo Bojdani, and Bedri Mara, Radio Tirana intermittently aired test programs and old broadcasts starting March 23, 1945.
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By November 27, 1945, everything was ready—from technical equipment to a collection of records and a new schedule. Radio Tirana was officially back in operation.
Radio Tirana in a New Era
On November 28, during the parade of victorious partisans, Prime Minister Enver Hoxha addressed the nation over the airwaves. A few days later, the same Prime Minister announced to his fellow citizens that, although Radio Tirana had begun broadcasting in 1938...
...the entire bourgeois and reactionary press of that time was in the hands of the feudal-bourgeois clique of Zogu and served their class interests. Under the conditions of a primitive and restricted radio, alongside the ignorance of the regime, Radio Tirana was used as a tool to poison the conscience of the people and numb their awareness. The true service of the radio began only after the liberation of the country from Nazi-fascist occupiers, the overthrow of the feudal-bourgeois class, and the establishment of popular rule.
November 28 was officially recognized as the birth date of Albanian radio, and for the next 45 years, this date was celebrated as its anniversary. Everyone was shocked, but one does not argue with authority, especially communist authority. The radio staff decided to carry on with their work. The programming began at 7:00 PM with news in Albanian and concluded at 9:30 PM with news in Albanian, French, Serbo-Croatian, Italian, and Greek.
As the station resumed operations after the war, the position of director was given to Petro Kito, the regional party organization secretary. Over the next two decades, he worked tirelessly to develop Albanian radio broadcasting, even paving the way for television in the 1960s. He served as the director of Radio Tirana until 1961.
Rebuilding Radio`s Glory
Post-war times saw the return of former staff and the arrival of new employees. Although enthusiastic, many lacked formal training and experience with microphones. During this period, numerous pre-war journalists with degrees in law, literature, or economics were either imprisoned, had emigrated, or were executed. Intellectuals were unwelcome in Albania (and elsewhere), with occasional exceptions made for certain artists.
Nevertheless, familiar voices like Kaliopi Nushi, Anton Mazreku, and Hamdi Sulçebe returned to the microphone, joined by newcomers such as presenter Evanthi Zoraqi (later Ciko), future writer Anton Andoni, and young technician Emil Plumbi, who penned humorous essays.
Despite the radio staff growing to 35 full-time employees in 1946, new programs continued to emerge. Alongside Literary Hour and Children’s Hour, new shows included:
- Orën partizane (Partisan Hour), edited by the young poet Fatmir Gjata
- Orën e rinisë (Youth Hour), prepared by members of the Anti-Fascist Youth Liberation Union, Arben Puto and Stefanak Pollo
- Buletini i lajmeve (News Bulletin), supervised by Xorxhi Haxho
- The revamped Orës Gazmore (Entertainment Hour), hosted by Besim Levonja
- Ora e drejtësisë popullore (People’s Justice Hour), a socio-legal program
- Ora e hekurudhës (Railway Hour), showcasing youth initiatives
However, music dominated the airwaves. Listeners, eager for entertainment, awaited their favorite shows. Patriotic songs, folk tunes, popular hits, and even more challenging repertoire coexisted with political agitprop and communist tendencies. By the late 1940s, the Albanian government sought to endear itself to the public, but this goodwill was short-lived.
The station`s operations began to stabilize. Starting in January 1947, new broadcasting hours were introduced, divided into two blocks:
- 6:45 AM to 8:40 AM - morning block
- 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM - evening block
In the same year, a monthly publication titled Radiopëhapja was launched. Like its Italian predecessor, it focused on culture, art, music, and the radio schedule.
With only four presenters, the station announced a competition in the summer of 1947 to recruit more talent. The winner was Haki Bejleri, who contributed his vocal talents as well as his skills as a violinist and translator of Italian opera librettos—a valuable addition to the team.
Vera Zhejin: A 15-Year-Old at the Microphone
In February 1948, a new voice graced the airwaves. It belonged to 15-year-old pedagogical school student Vera Zhejin. Her voice greeted listeners in the morning, narrated bedtime stories for children in Bota e përrallave (World of Fairy Tales), and captivated adults in programs like Universiteti popullor i radios (Radio’s Popular University) and Enciklopedia e radios (Radio Encyclopedia). She often read news bulletins, occasionally in Italian.
Zhejin never made mistakes, earning her much acclaim. Over time, she honed her acting skills, performing in radio dramas, theater productions, and films. Quickly gaining popularity, she became a favorite alongside Kaliopi Nushi. In 1975, she left the radio to teach at the Institute of Arts.
As the station grew in popularity and staff, its equipment became outdated, and studio spaces cramped. In June 1949, plans were made to expand the station. A former Napravishta palace building was allocated for the project, with a completion date set for December 31, 1949. However, it wasn’t until December 1965 that the radio finally received proper facilities.
Music: Safer Than Words
The 1950s saw Radio Tirana not only praise its communist government but also its allies, including Yugoslavia, the USSR, and even distant China. The phonotheque filled with records from these countries, while interviews with foreign dignitaries highlighted their culture and history. Journalists had to tread carefully to avoid offending anyone or having their programs censored. Little did they know that political shifts a decade later would turn allies into adversaries, necessitating a purge of the archives.
It was safer not to comment but to inform and play a lot of music. This approach made Radio Tirana popular worldwide, alongside stations like Radio Luxembourg and Radio Andorra. Communist propaganda was present, as it had to be, but Albanian journalists worked to make it less intrusive than in other socialist and communist nations. Educational, cultural, and scientific programs remained prominent, and the sports section, still managed by Anton Mazreku, flourished.
In 1952, children’s programming was expanded from Sunday-only to additional slots on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Women also gained more airtime, with dedicated programs airing on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.
Just as things seemed to be improving, a personnel crisis arose. Albania cut ties with Yugoslavia and grew closer to the USSR. Despite Stalin`s death in 1953, this led to increased propaganda and pressure from the top. Albania’s government became more communist than its allies. Many staff members found it difficult to conform, trying to remain polite and objective, though their efforts often went unappreciated.
Tragic Consequences of Communist Investigative Journalism
In April 1956, at a Central Committee meeting, Vehip Demi, program director and party bureau member at Radio Tirana, accused two ministers of corruption. He highlighted the funding of the luxurious Bllokut district while many Tirana residents lived in poverty. Politely but firmly, he stated: We must openly admit that we are hesitant, afraid to express opinions and freely criticize. However, we want to ask where the funds for Bllokut came from. From which budget line? We must speak about this. It cannot be hidden. As communists, we cannot justify the existence of Bllokut.
Demi’s allegations were supported by several attendees. Soon after, the dissenters were arrested. Demi was imprisoned and murdered, while half of the station’s staff, including journalists Skënder Tupja, Findia Veizi, Koco Afezolli, and Masar Bekteshi, lost their jobs. Director Petro Kitos, who was abroad at the time, received only a reprimand and a warning. This was neither the first nor the last wave of repression against the station`s employees.
The following year, the Prime Minister’s Office issued Directive No. 424 on July 17, 1957: Based on the directives of the Central Committee of the ALP, we demand a comprehensive review aimed at further simplifying the state administrative apparatus. This includes reviewing organizational structures, redundancies, work parallelisms, and all factors contributing to organizational inflation.
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As a result, the number of programs was reduced to 15. Youth, scientific, and technical programs, several regular reports, symphonic concerts, and Russian and Turkish hours were discontinued. This decision was particularly contentious, as the second radio program, launched shortly before, had been airing on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 PM to midnight. Eventually, this program was also discontinued.
The Cow: A Master of the Background
The late 1950s saw a decline in "love" for the USSR and the start of a great "friendship" with China. Prime Minister Enver Hoxha did not accept Soviet criticism of the cult of personality, viewed Khrushchev`s ideas as revisionist, and implemented his version of communism in Albania. Difficult times began for Albanians.
The radio staff did their best to manage. Journalist and chronicler of Radio Tirana Venali Kavaje recalled those days: The recording studios in both radio buildings were almost primitive. During recordings or even broadcasts, because the walls weren’t thick enough, all kinds of noises, even a rooster crowing, could be heard. A cow in the courtyard of a nearby house became the subject of an article in the popular newspaper of the time. ‘The Cow That Frightened Radio Tirana’ was the headline.
There was no air conditioning, the equipment was heavily worn, the offices were furnished with old furniture, and many essential items were missing. It’s no wonder everyone was euphoric when, during a September 1959 evening meeting with a Soviet delegation, a declaration was made to construct a cultural palace and a new building for Radio Tirana. Unfortunately, everything fell through because in December 1961, Albania severed relations with the USSR, and all promises remained unfulfilled.
The offended government and party decided to show they could handle such investments independently. In September 1962, they signed a contract with the 21 Dhjetiri Construction Company and laid the foundation stone for the new radio building. Oversight of this initiative was entrusted to the new Radio Tirana director, Thanas Nano, who had taken office on January 20, 1961.
Construction lasted three years, and on December 5, 1965, the brand-new studios had their premiere. Credit must go to the team of Albanian technicians led by Emil Plumbi and Chinese specialists responsible for installing entirely new equipment.
A Grand Headquarters with Challenges
There was ample space in the three-story quadrilateral building. It featured spacious studios, glass-walled corridors, and a phonotheque and archive in the basement. All the foreign departments of the radio, which had grown to eight since 1961, also found a home there. In addition to existing departments like English and Greek, journalists and announcers speaking German, Bulgarian, Spanish, and Polish joined the team. Plans included more languages such as Persian, Chinese, and Swedish to ensure the party’s voice and Enver Hoxha’s message would inspire the world’s nations to fight imperialist exploitation and revisionist oppression.
On the second floor, the Radio Tirana Symphony Orchestra, established in 1962 by musicians Mustafa Krantja, Kristaq Panduku, Ymer Skënderi, and Abdulla Grimci, received its studio. In December of the same year, the orchestra made history by organizing the first Radio Song Festival, which continues today as Festivalin e Këngës (Song Festival).
One of the first non-musical programs aired from the new headquarters was Heroizmi popullit tonë në shekuj (The Heroism of Our People Through the Ages).
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The early 1960s brought not only a new director and headquarters for the radio but also the birth of Albanian television and the establishment of the national broadcaster RTSH, or Radio Televizioni Shqiptar, on April 29, 1960.
From then on, both institutions, like the press, served the propaganda of the Party of Labour, ‘praising the remarkable achievements of the people’ in ‘the new socialist society.’ At times, the propaganda spilled over so excessively that it provoked laughter not only among domestic audiences but also abroad. However, the former laughed quietly in the privacy of their homes. And so it continued for the next two decades.
Thanas Nano, who assumed the role of general director of RTSH in January 1961, caused unease among employees. He was not a broadcaster but a party activist. Nevertheless, he spearheaded several projects:
- implemented the project Revista radiofónica t bëmjes, diversifying and improving its quality;
- introduced pre-broadcast content reviews;
- approved the establishment of the Radio Archive in 1962;
- encouraged the inclusion of live material such as chronicles and radio reports;
- secured government approval to extend broadcasting hours from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM, allowing Radio Tirana to air continuously from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
While these achievements could be considered contributions, Nano was inaccessible, unsociable, and vengeful. He surrounded himself with incompetent individuals while undermining talented employees. Esteemed journalists like Pirro Nace and announcers Vera Zhejin, Feride Spahiun, and Haki Beleri left the station because of him. He also targeted the technical team, starting with Emil Plumbi, who had played a significant role in expanding the new radio station.
Nano attempted journalism but was largely unsuccessful. His tenure lasted over 10 years, ending in 1972. He returned a year later, more vengeful than ever. In 1975, he conducted a sweeping personnel purge, dismissing all the talented employees, including Kliton Gilani and Qemal Xhomo, as well as longtime dedicated staff like Findia Veizi and Maqo Afezolli. His discriminatory actions ended in January 1976 when Nano retired, allowing the station to breathe a sigh of relief.
Angels and Demons of Broadcasting
During Nano’s reign as general director of all broadcasting, the position of radio chief was entrusted to a woman, Nefo Mufti, in 1967. As the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister and a member of the Politburo, she contrasted sharply with her superior. She was warm, kind, and supportive. If she noticed someone struggling under the management’s policies, she tried to bring them to her team. This was the case with Bashim Trenova, who began in the foreign section but faced difficulties for being too inquisitive and believing in idealized relations among colleagues and antifascist fighters. He soon realized that what is sacred often falls from its pedestal, and values can turn into anti-values and vice versa.
Despite her husband’s position, Mufti was not favored by the regime. When she broadcasted a live report of the moon landing on July 20, 1969, it was deemed a grave mistake, portraying technical and scientific achievements of American imperialism, the sworn enemy of the people. The XI Radio Song Festival in 1972 and the introduction of the program Anketën muzikore also displeased dictator Hoxha. As a result, Mufti was removed from her post in April 1973 and expelled from the radio. For the same reason, Toda Lubonja, who briefly served as general director after Thanas Nano, was dismissed.
The other villain at the station was the head of the foreign department, Kico Pandeli. Not knowing foreign languages himself, he showed no respect for translators and journalists in his department. He insulted, bullied, ignored, and reduced salaries to the minimum. The department employed not only Albanians but also foreigners, such as the Pole Kazimierz Mijal (who ran the Polish section), the Maori June Taylor, and the Russian Tamara Kudrackaja (Gaci).
In the department, which occupied two floors of the radio building in the late 1960s and early 1970s and broadcasted in 17 languages, chaos, informant culture, and favoritism were rampant. Rebels were expelled with a wolf ticket and were lucky if they avoided prison. Pandeli left the radio only in 1988 (retirement). No one in the department missed him.
As Bashkim Trenova wrote, during those years, Radio Tirana, especially its foreign department, had one task and mission set by its leader Enver Hoxha: to awaken the global proletariat to overthrow capitalism and inspire oppressed nations to break the chains of slavery!
There were also bright moments. In April 1962, at the initiative of Virgjini Delianës and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture, the first nationwide competition for children in literature and language was held. Radio presenters, directors, and producers put their hearts into this project.
A Breeze of Normalcy. Illusory
As in many socialist countries, journalists in Albania at the time tried to endure, smuggle in ideas of democracy, and promote freedom of speech. Some paid for this with imprisonment or even their lives.
In 1965, Radio Tirana welcomed a journalistic duo who brought some fresh air to this rigid institution. Alfons Gurashi and Agron Çobani, young journalists fresh out of university, addressed not only political but also economic and social issues on the radio. They were the first to test portable tape recorders and ventured into the field for live broadcasts as part of the program Revistës Radiofonike (Radio Magazine). It was a revolution in live transmissions.
Both men quickly transitioned to television (working simultaneously in both institutions) but were dismissed for mishandling certain topics, specifically regarding reports on the dictator’s travels. They returned when a political thaw occurred.
In their programs (Gurashi hosted live discussions with listeners), they introduced a unique style of expression and a slightly different perspective on their reality (within the limits of censorship). They were the pioneers of the Albanian school of radio journalism.
From 1971, changes also occurred in the sports department. The esteemed Anton Mazreku stepped down, making way for another duo: Aleko Gjergo and Veli Rada. Youthful energy took over, and ten years later, the department achieved another milestone. On October 3, 1983, a program began broadcasting (still running today) titled Nga një ndeshje në tjetrën (From One Match to Another), featuring live coverage of first-league matches. Its main commentator was Ahmet Shqari.
When, on July 19, 1978, the Chinese broke off friendly relations with Albania, Radio Tirana immediately switched from smiles and embraces to attacks and hatred. A Chinese section was established to enlighten Chinese listeners on what they had lost.
On May 30, 1979, the Albanian journalistic community, unsympathetic to the communist government, bid farewell to two colleagues. Fadil Kokomani and Vangjel Lezho had been imprisoned in 1962 for attempting to escape the country. Sentenced to death, their punishment was later commuted to 25 years of hard labor.
Kokomani had worked at Radio Tirana since 1957 in the cultural department, specializing in interviews. Lezho, with two years less experience, focused on literature and children’s programming. Together, they formed a duo whose reports aired on radio and were printed in the magazine Nendori.
In 1978, both men were sent to the Spaçu labor camp. From there, on July 7, they sent a letter to the Central Committee of the Albanian Party of Labor, highlighting growing repression in the Albanian army and among industrial managers. In response, they were accused of founding a counterrevolutionary organization in prison (Articles 55 and 57 of the Penal Code), tried, and sentenced to death by firing squad. Lezho was executed on May 28, and Kokomani the following day. Their burial places remain unknown. Both became the protagonists of Fatos Lubonja’s novel “Ridënimi” (The Second Sentence), published in 1996.
Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship lasted until his death in 1985. Only then did the situation in Albania, including for journalists, begin to gradually ease. However, complete freedom was still a long way off.
The Road to Freedom
After the dictator’s death, Radio Tirana began implementing changes. To avoid accusations of vengeance or spite, the entire staff—from the third floor to the basement—remained unchanged. Those dissatisfied with the new reality left voluntarily, not by force. Over the next five years, step by step, changes were introduced to set Radio Tirana on the path to comprehensive freedom.
- In 1985, the second program, focused on culture and education, began operations without any issues.
- The Internationale, which always concluded the broadcast, was discontinued.
- Talk of democracy became increasingly bold, though censorship still existed and communists remained in power.
- Western music began cautiously appearing on the air.
- Discussions about religion started to surface.
- The foreign section’s broadcasts were reduced to seven languages and three hours daily.
In 1989, the controversial 45th anniversary celebration of Radio Tirana took place. The still-communist government and RTSH management (general director Marash Hayati and radio director Sefadin Çela) organized the event at the station. As Skifter Këlliçi wrote on July 28, 2018, on Shqiptarja.com:
In 1938, everyone mentioned above was over 15 years old. They might not have had radios at home, but after that year, they heard Albanian music and broadcasts coming from a station named Radio Tirana... The same should have been known by Ramiz Alina, born in 1925, Secretary of the Central Committee and President of the Socialist Republic of Albania.
Veterans who remembered the first director, Gjergji Bubani, and his fate were not invited to the celebrations. The older generation of journalists quietly marked the 51st anniversary of their radio. Less than two years later, the situation changed dramatically.
On December 14, 1990, Radio Tirana—still Albania’s sole broadcaster at the time—announced the formation of the Democratic Party and the proclamation of democratic pluralism. It was a historic day.
Protests raged in Tirana, and the statue of Enver Hoxha was toppled. Soldiers patrolled the radio’s corridors to maintain order on behalf of the dying regime, while Alfons Gurashi sat behind the microphone, reporting events from inside the station. The atmosphere was tense, and Thimi Nika, then the radio’s director, managed the situation. Although a print journalist by background, he was familiar with radio, and he successfully navigated the chaos. The radio emerged victorious. Its journalists passed the test of patriotism and the fight for their country’s freedom.
No More Taboo Topics
Soon, almost all programs changed their tone, and some adopted new formats. New shows emerged, embracing the world, different cultures, and religions. No topics were off-limits, and politics took on a new face. One of the first post-communist programs was Diapazon, an afternoon live show featuring daily commentary.
Arjana Qatipi and Albert Zholi, in their three-hour program Sot. Po nesër? (Today. Yes, Tomorrow?), addressed social issues. They spoke live with listeners, organized games, and featured plenty of music. Journalists from the cultural section also gained prominence. Valdete Antoni, a journalist and poet, along with Jani Duri and Vangjel Kozma, introduced listeners to poetry, art, and music—not only folk or patriotic but also contemporary, global, and popular. A standout program from this period was Zemër (Heart), dedicated to Albanian emigrants.
At the time, Radio Tirana served as society’s defender against the military (live broadcasts), a source of authority, and the most trusted bank of information. Although Albanian television also sought to improve its image, radio quickly gained the public’s trust in almost no time at all.
Once the country’s situation stabilized, Radio Tirana underwent changes in 1992. Skëndera Buçpapy became the general director, and Zalli Shkezen was appointed radio director. The directors focused on youth. Between June and August 1994, within the station’s 24-hour schedule, 10 hours of programming were handed over to a five-member team of young journalists. Adrian Krasta, Enkel Demi, Alma Sulaj, Ermenita Stafa, and Mimoza Picari created programs and shows based on their ideas, ranging from chronicles and reports to music and humor. The project operated under the unified title Heshtje Jo (Silence, No). The team proved their capabilities, and today, as experienced journalists, they work in both domestic and international media.
In the following years of freedom, radio journalists built their reputation and programming. Not everything from the past was discarded. Some shows were worth preserving, as listeners requested. Programs like Anketa Muzikore, Radio Posta, or Radio Perralles were among them. The radio theater also made a comeback, now broadcast as Mikrofoni i teatrite Radio Tiranes.
Freedom Threatened Again
On November 28, 1993, at 11:00 a.m., former and current employees of Radio Tirana gathered in the National Museum Hall to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the station’s founding. This time, none of the living, distinguished former employees were omitted. The memories seemed endless, with the event broadcast on both radio and television. A documentary series about the station, authored by Skifter Këlliçi, was aired in December on television. Many younger viewers learned about previously unknown details of the station`s activities during 1938-1944. The same author published the book Historia e Radiotelevizionit Shqiptar (1938-1990) in 2003. Although not all former RTSH directors appreciated the publication, it undoubtedly corrected the falsified history of Radio Tirana.
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Director Zalli Shkezen, who had long been a journalist in the children`s department and an author of books for young readers, continued to focus on educating the youngest generation during these new times. In the 1990s, this was a particularly vital educational task for broadcasters.
Albanian youth also received considerable attention. Radio produced educational programs, even broadcasting lectures for barricaded students. This occurred in 1997, during riots triggered by the collapse of pyramid investment schemes (Sude, Gjallica), which the government had encouraged.
Protests and strikes erupted, leading to tragic events in March when a state of emergency was declared. Armed groups began organizing their own structures, and on March 13, they seized control of Tirana. The government imposed censorship on state media and prohibited the activities of the few emerging private outlets.
June brought some calm with the Socialist Party`s election victory, but it wasn’t until September that the media landscape stabilized. A new press law was enacted (the press is free, and freedom of the press is legally protected), along with an amended law on broadcasting and television.
The latter law was of particular interest to Radio Tirana, as it allowed more airtime for presenting “alternative” viewpoints. A year later, real competition began to emerge (Club FM, Radio Albania), and the old station had to fight for its audience.
Spreading Its Wings
While television`s development caused radio`s decline in many countries, Albania lagged in this regard. Radio remained dominant for several years among media outlets. Television didn`t reach everywhere, but radio did (not always Radio Tirana). Although foreign capital was gradually entering the market, Albania joined the European Broadcasting Union only in 1999.
The late 1990s saw a significant leap in digitizing broadcasting. Sound engineer Kristaq Katundi, a remarkable figure at Radio Tirana, witnessed this transformation. He participated in recordings and broadcasts of nearly all programs, from children’s theater to symphony concerts, transitioning from reel-to-reel tapes to CDs. He saw the station evolve and modernize, always staying ahead. His colleagues bid him a final farewell in 2014.
The communist era left its mark on many journalists, but Katundi wasn’t the only loyal and dedicated employee. Elsa Xhai, one of the era’s most popular voices, was also part of this group. She began her career in 1971 and divided it into two phases: before and after 1990.
She recalled the first phase: We spent 12-hour shifts locked in broadcast studios on weekdays, holidays, and national mourning days. We spoke about successes and achievements, truths and untruths prepared by other editors and handed to us solely for broadcast. We whispered, waiting for the freedom of the 1990s.
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After communism`s fall, talents and opportunities flourished. Xhai participated in historical moments, including a seven-hour live broadcast with Agron Çobani covering Pope John Paul II’s visit to Albania, during which she conducted live interviews with attendees. Her debates on Radio Tirana’s second program significantly boosted listenership. She also gained recognition in 1999 for live broadcasts from refugee aid centers during the Kosovo crisis.
However, her proudest achievement was the program cycle Një shoqëri për të gjithë (A Society for All), which aired from 1993 to 2003 and focused on people with disabilities. She left radio in 2007 and now advocates for women’s rights.
The Power of Free Media
Albania quickly realized the strength of free media. Does RTSH and its two institutions belong to the world of freedom? Opinions vary, but Radio Tirana journalists strive to prove their objectivity and truthfulness. They draw on a long, challenging history and valuable experience. They do not fear the future.
In 2007, Radio Tirana embraced the internet, and on November 28, 2008, it launched a new program, Radio Tirana 3 (on the RTSH platform), featuring Radio Tirana International, broadcasting in seven languages (English, French, Greek, German, Italian, Serbian, Turkish).
The growth of the private media sector led to many journalists leaving state institutions, creating challenges but not paralyzing operations. RTSH lacked a general director from 2013 to 2016, until Thoma Gallçi took on the role. Under his leadership, the station modernized its broadcasting equipment, began live streaming, and made many programs available online.
Despite competition, young, passionate journalists with fresh ideas continue to join the veteran station. Among them is Andri Xhahu. His radio career began in 2003 at Radio Koha. Joining Radio Tirana in 2006, he quickly became a listener favorite with popular programs like:
Nata nuk do t`ja dijë (The Night Won’t Know), Bisedë me zë të ulët (Low-Voice Conversation), Deri në pikë të fundit (To the Last Point), and Hapur (Open). Since 2008, he has hosted Gjithçka Shqip (Everything Albanian), which was awarded Best Show Business Program in 2015. He has been the Eurovision Song Contest spokesperson and commentator since 2012 and the host of Në radio (On the Radio) since 2019.
In 2018, Radio Tirana celebrated its 80th anniversary, remaining a popular institution in the country. Despite having competitors and critics, it has loyal supporters and long-time listeners. Besides its three main programs, it offers several channels:
- Radio Tirana Klasik
- Radio Tirana Jazz
- Radio Tirana International
- Radio Tirana Fëmijë (for children)
Each channel (like RTSH television) has its own logo and broadcasts (recently) on FM frequencies. Until 2017, the station had operated on shortwave frequencies since its inception, occasionally using medium-wave frequencies.
The station maintains accounts on Facebook and Twitter, as well as a podcast section. For 40 years, the most beloved program has been the sports broadcast Nga një ndeshje në tjetrën (From One Match to Another), while the Festivalin e Këngës music festival enjoys the highest listenership.
On November 15, 2021, Enkelejd Joti became the company’s general director—a surprising nomination, as Joti had previously managed the University Hospital Center.
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In October 2022, Leka Bungo, head of the Radio and Television Presidents’ Council, wrote an open letter to the director:
Since your appointment, RTSH has undergone dozens of new changes. It’s not about regular employees but key figures who form the General Directorate Staff. Directors: Cabinet, Legal, Economic-Financial Sector, Administration, Technology and Information, Assistant General Director, Head of Accounting, and even the Cleaning Manager... All of them (including you) came to Albanian radio and television from the Tirana Hospital Center, where you were director. Regulations require the deputy director to be a media employee with at least five years of media experience, yet the Production Director, overseeing around 170 employees—most of whom are operators, editors, set designers, and artists—is an ENGINEER! This ENGINEER is also the director of the RTSH Song Festival...
Radio Tirana Timeline
- 1938, September 1 - First live transmission test: a football match
- 1938, November 28 - Official opening of Radio Tirana
- 1939, April 14 - Italian authorities take over the station
- 1939, December - Station relocated to a new building
- 1940 - Launch of the biweekly Radiorevista Tirana
- 1943, September 8 - Radio Tirana under German control
- 1944, June - Premiere of radio theater
- 1944, October 27 - Broadcasting suspended
- 1945, November 28 - Broadcasting resumes, marking the station’s “official” birth
- 1947, January - Introduction of morning and afternoon broadcast blocks
- 1947, July - First radio presenter competition
- 1952 - Expansion of children`s and women`s programming
- 1956 - Beginning of repression against the station and its journalists
- 1957 - Launch of a second radio program (discontinued in 1961)
- 1960, April 29 - Establishment of Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH)
- 1962, January 1 - Formation of the Radio Tirana Symphony Orchestra
- 1962 - Creation of the Radio Archive
- 1962, December - First Radio Song Festival
- 1963, January - Broadcasting from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- 1965, December 5 - Opening of Radio Tirana`s new headquarters
- 1975, May - Major staff purge
- 1979, May 30 - Symbolic funeral for executed Radio Tirana journalists (Fadil Kokomani and Vangjel Lezho)
- 1985 - Launch of Radio Tirana 2
- 1985 - Discontinuation of the Internationale as program closure
- 1985, April - Introduction of stereo music broadcasts
- 1989, November - Controversial 45th anniversary celebration
- 1991 - 24-hour broadcasting
- 1993, November 11 - Celebration of Radio Tirana’s 55th anniversary
- 1993-2003 - Broadcast cycle for persons with disabilities Një shoqëri për të gjithë
- 1997, June - New press law and broadcasting act
- 1999 - Digitalization and computerization of the station
- 2007 - Radio Tirana enters the internet
- 2008, November 28 - Launch of Radio Tirana 3
- 2017 - Station ceases shortwave broadcasting
- 2018 - 80th anniversary of the station
- 2021 - Personnel revolution
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