President Begaj Attends the 85th Anniversary Celebration of Radio Tirana
The President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bajram Begaj, participated today in the celebration of the 85th anniversary of Radio Tirana.
President Begaj acknowledged the voices that have informed Albanians through Radio Tirana and the journalists who have contributed over the years to the development of Albanian radio broadcasting.
He commended Radio Tirana for keeping alive the connections with compatriots abroad, the Albanian language, patriotism, and the international recognition of Albania.
“Radio Tirana, with its programs for compatriots, was the only way of maintaining contact with Albanians in their lands in former Yugoslavia. It was their sole source of information in the Albanian language. Its role in the 1980s, with the start of protests in Kosovo, was crucial for informing Albanians in former Yugoslavia. It has played an extraordinary role in unifying the Albanian language among Albanians both inside and outside the country, as well as in preserving its purity. The preservation and flourishing of the Albanian language remains essential for our identity. As one of the few radios broadcasting in multiple foreign languages, it also promotes Albania and its potential.”
This media institution began broadcasting on November 28, 1938, as the first radio station in Albania. Over the years, Radio Tirana has faced several challenges: Italian occupation, German occupation, and the dictatorial regime, until it transformed into a free media after the 1990s.
President Begaj stated, “Being the only source of information for decades, it was used by various regimes for propaganda, but this does not diminish its contribution. Radio Tirana is a treasure that must be protected and cultivated,” and encouraged the staff to carry out this mission for all Albanian and foreign listeners.