October 15 – The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has opened a new communications chapter via the launch of a dedicated channel, FSHF TV, which this week premiered its first show titled ‘Në Shtëpinë e Futbollit’ (In the House of Football), hosted by Lenida Halilaj.
The station debuted with a studio-based show with guests including Armand Duka, president of FSHF, Fatjon Kodra, Director of PR and Communication at FSHF, Florian Riza, a football specialist; and Ylli Aga, Director of SuperSport. The panel’s discussion highlighted the new vision for Albanian football and the role FSHF TV is set to play in this development.
In his address, Duka described the channel’s launch as a necessity of the times and an important instrument for the development of football in the country.
“The idea was brought by the times. Things have changed a lot in recent years, and many things have become necessary for better communication, for reflection, and for achieving the final objectives of this institution, which is the development of football in the country and the growth in the number of footballers. You need to show as many activities as possible, provide as many positive examples as possible, and reflect on all the activities that you do not have the opportunity to reflect on through other official channels,” said Duka.
I don’t believe that only through television we will achieve the final goal of Albanian football, but it is one of the important communication weapons, and this television further completes the communication of the football community in Albania with the public.”
Speaking about the long-term vision of this project, Duka emphasised that FSHF TV is not just a broadcast channel but a broad platform for content production that will reflect every aspect of Albanian football, from championship matches to amateur football, women’s football, and developmental projects.
“This is not an Albanian invention. Undoubtedly, many other institutions and football bodies in Europe, and sports clubs – almost all developed clubs – have this. For federations, it is even more essential, as it serves a broader purpose. I think that what is transmitted to the public today, what is made available to the public by official television channels, is only ‘the tip of the iceberg’ of the real activities that FSHF conducts. A maximum of 5-6 matches per week are broadcast live or re-broadcast on television, at a time when around 500-600 matches are played in Albania per week, including amateur football. Why shouldn’t we broadcast this on this television?”
The FSHF President underlined the project is designed to generate resources to sustain itself financially, enhance opportunities for cooperation with sponsors, and create a modern communication platform.
“This is a project because it starts with television, with robotic cameras in all matches. The project is for us to record all matches and transmit them, not live because there is only one channel and more may be added in the future, but also through re-broadcasting. It is a very large financial project. The project was conceived alongside the budget. This television and this entire project will also generate finances to sustain itself and develop football. It will serve our sponsors. It will increase the number of sponsors, and it will enhance our service to sponsors, and why not, other economic communication tools to financially support the project.
“When the opening of this television was planned, it was also considered that one day it could be the broadcaster of the Albanian championship, if the market does not satisfy the interests of the clubs, because ultimately, it is known that the ‘Abissnet Superiore’ championship generates revenues for the clubs. If the market does not satisfy them and we reach a broadcasting formula through television, why not? But from day one, it has the right to re-broadcast the matches of the Albanian championship, archive footage which we have already reflected significantly and will continue to reflect, as well as those of the Albanian National Team, for which we have the right from international institutions to re-broadcast in Albania. Primarily, we will start with re-broadcasts, but in the future, why not with championship broadcasts?”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at [email protected]