Article 1.Purpose and scope

This policy sets out the principles and procedures for the creation, selection, verification, publication, broadcasting, moderation and correction of content by Zjarr Televizion (hereinafter “Zjarr TV”). It applies to the audiovisual services, the official website and the digital spaces administered by Zjarr TV, according to the nature of each service. Third-party content is treated according to the degree of control and editorial responsibility exercised by the broadcaster.

Article 2.Independence of journalists and internal pluralism

Zjarr TV guarantees the professional, intellectual and editorial independence of its journalists, presenters and authors. Authors of opinion programmes may choose their own topics, perspective and political, philosophical or social orientation, within the approved scope of the programme, the law and professional standards. Authors are not required to align their views with the convictions of the owner, administrators or managers. Different views, including opposing ones, may coexist. The orientation of a programme and its nature as commentary or opinion are made clear to the public. Freedom of opinion does not authorise the distortion of facts and does not override the obligations of accuracy, impartiality where legally applicable, pluralism and the protection of rights.

Article 3.Individual responsibility and broadcaster responsibility

Every author, journalist and editor bears professional and ethical responsibility for their own work, the sources used and the checking of factual claims; individual legal liability applies in accordance with the law and the relevant contractual relationship. Views expressed in opinion programmes do not necessarily represent the institutional position of Zjarr TV. This provision does not release the broadcaster from the editorial responsibility and legal obligations it has for broadcast content. Management may intervene to prevent legal violations, correct inaccuracies and enforce standards, through reasoned and proportionate measures.

Article 4.Freedom of criticism and satire

Zjarr TV recognises the value of public debate, investigation, humour, irony, parody and satire. Strong criticism of institutions, parties and public figures is permitted within the law. Satirical or opinion content is distinguished from factual reporting and does not present an unverified claim as fact. Unlawful incitement to hatred or violence, unjustified violation of dignity and infringement of protected rights are prohibited.

Article 5.Selection criteria

News is selected according to its importance to the public interest, impact on citizens, timeliness, credibility, social relevance, thematic diversity and the need for context. Priority is not given to stories solely for sensationalism or advertising interest. The newsroom strives to represent significant voices and perspectives without creating false balance between proven facts and unsupported claims.

Article 6.Fact, opinion and advertising

Factual reporting is clearly separated from analysis, commentary, satire, advertising and commercial communication. Sponsorships and paid content are identified in accordance with legal requirements. Journalists do not present personal preferences as verified facts; headlines and footage must not create a materially false impression.

Article 7.Independence from interests and conflicts

News decisions are not bought and are not conditioned by advertisers or the subjects of reporting. Significant conflicts of interest are declared within the newsroom and managed with appropriate measures. Gifts or benefits that could influence editorial coverage are not accepted.

Article 8.Dignity and protection

Content respects human dignity, privacy, personal data, the presumption of innocence and the protection of minors. The identities and images of children or vulnerable persons are handled with extra care. Graphic or distressing content is used only when justified by the public interest, with appropriate warnings and restrictions.

Article 9.Verification before publication

For factual claims, the origin, date, location, context and consistency with available evidence are checked. Where possible, information is cross-checked against independent sources, primary documents and responses from the parties involved. No mechanical number of sources is set: the level of verification depends on the significance and risk of the claim. Unverified information is clearly marked as such or is not published.

Article 10.Video, photographs and social media

For material from social media or digital sources, the author and original source (where they can be found), time, location, editing, recycling out of context and signs of manipulation are checked. Synthetic or AI-generated content is not presented as authentic recordings of events. Reconstructed, illustrative or generated material is labelled where it risks being misunderstood by the public.

Article 11.Confidential sources and the response of the other party

The identity of confidential sources is protected within the limits of the law. The use of an anonymous source requires careful assessment of its credibility and the reason for anonymity. For serious allegations against a person or institution, the position of that party is sought where reasonable and possible; a non-response is described accurately and is not presented as an admission.

Article 12.Scope of moderation

These rules apply to comments, public messages and user materials on the website and social media accounts controlled by Zjarr TV, to the extent permitted by the platform's technical tools. The policy does not promise continuous monitoring of every comment.

Article 13.Content that may be restricted

Content may be deleted, hidden from view, restricted or reported if it contains:

• credible threats;
• unlawful incitement to violence or hatred;
• unauthorised publication of private data;
• exploitation or endangerment of children;
• defamation or clearly unsupported factual accusations where they create serious risk;
• scams, spam, fraudulent impersonation;
• material that clearly infringes copyright;
• or other violations of the law and of the host platform's rules.

Political disagreement, criticism of Zjarr TV or satirical expression are not, in themselves, grounds for deletion.

Article 14.Moderation process

Moderation is carried out based on a contextual assessment of content and risk: no intervention, warning, hiding/deletion, restriction of the user, reporting to the host platform or to the authorities where legally required. Where technically possible and appropriate, the user may request a review through the published contact. Decisions must not be based solely on the author's political orientation.

Article 15.Correction of inaccuracies

Material inaccuracies are corrected as soon as possible after verification. On the website, the correction is noted next to the affected content with the date and a description of the change where necessary. For television broadcasts, the correction or clarification is made in a form appropriate to the significance and extent of the error. Purely linguistic changes that do not alter the meaning do not always require a public note.

Article 16.Updates and archive

As events develop, stories may be updated, distinguishing new facts from earlier ones. A significant inaccuracy is not deleted without reason so as to create the impression that it was never published. The newsroom keeps, as far as possible and as required, records of corrections and of the requests that prompted them.

Article 17.Public contacts

The public may send complaints, correction requests, reports of inaccuracies and requests to exercise the right of reply to: [email protected] and/or to the postal address: Zjarr Televizion, Rr. 3 Dëshmorët, pll. Jera 3, K.1, Yzberisht, Tirana, Albania. These details are prominently published on the official website (see the contact section).

Article 18.Handling procedure

A request must identify the content, the date or link of publication, the specific claim and the sender's contact information. The newsroom acknowledges receipt where possible, examines the evidence, hears the parties as necessary and provides a reasoned response within the mandatory legal deadlines. In cases of urgency or ongoing risk, immediate measures are considered. The complainant's data is processed only for the purpose of the procedure and in accordance with the law.

Article 19.Right of reply

Requests for the right of reply are examined and handled in accordance with Law No. 97/2013, as amended, the Broadcasting Code and applicable secondary legislation. This document neither extends nor limits the deadlines or criteria set by law. Opinion, subjective assessment and satire are distinguished from factual claims, but are not excluded from review when they contain specific verifiable claims.

Article 20.Organisation and responsibilities

Authors and journalists apply the standards to the material they prepare; editors and programme managers ensure professional oversight; the person designated by Zjarr TV for complaints manages communication with the audience. Decisions that affect the lawful expression of opinion are reasoned and limited to what is necessary to enforce the law and the standards.

Article 21.Publication, amendments and entry into force

This policy is published in a dedicated and accessible section of the Zjarr TV website, in web and PDF format. The date of approval, the date of entry into force and any updates are recorded in the document. The policy is reviewed when the law, editorial practice or audience needs change.