The Misinterpretations Fueling Criticism of Journalist Adi Krasta in Kosovo

The recent criticism of Adi Krasta, a well-known Albanian journalist now working for Kosovo's public broadcaster RTK, is neither well-founded nor fair. The attacks from some journalists in Kosovo aren’t based on his professional goals, but rather on fabricated claims about his so-called "oppositional" stance against the Albanian government.

There is often a misunderstanding between Albania and Kosovo when it comes to public intellectuals, journalists, and other figures. These individuals are frequently promoted through clientelism, and Krasta is no exception.

Many of Krasta's critics label him as a dissident of both Edi Rama and Sali Berisha, something that seems to anger them. But if you truly believe RTK hired a journalist who opposes these two Albanian politicians, then why complain about him? Furthermore, it’s doubtful that Krasta even sees himself as a dissident.

Krasta is primarily known in Albania as a popular television host, beginning his career in 1992 with various music shows and later hosting numerous TV and radio programs. He is one of the best in this field in Albania. While he was physically attacked during his early career under Berisha's administration, neither he nor Berisha have ever clarified the incident, even when Krasta later worked for Berisha's television channel.

At the same time, rumours spread by Berisha suggested that Krasta had a conflict with Edi Rama in 2013. Rama denied this, and Krasta has remained silent on the matter. If such incidents are seen as political dissidence or opposition journalism, that's the issue of those who believe it, not Krasta's concern. If people are captivated by his eloquence, it’s simply because he’s a skilled speaker, not a dissident.

Krasta's movements between different TV stations are contractual, not political. He was let go from Top Channel, Albania's largest private TV station, due to low ratings, though he later accused the station of being funded by drug money. He then moved to Agon TV, a station owned by an Italian family with alleged mafia connections. When Agon TV shut down, Krasta returned to Top Channel, disregarding his previous accusations. Afterward, he worked for a station owned by Berisha’s family.

While these moves show some boldness, they do not equate to dissidence. Today, Krasta continues to work for Berisha’s TV station in Albania while serving as the vice director of RTK in Kosovo. It seems likely that he’s on track to become RTK's director before Kosovo’s general elections.

I don’t believe Albin Kurti has made a bad choice here. A TV host like Krasta can certainly manage a national broadcaster, which Kurti likely aims to use for political purposes. Since Krasta isn’t a journalist, he’ll likely focus on entertainment, while the broadcaster’s editorial line will be managed by someone from Kurti’s circle.

Krasta isn’t pursuing a career as a dissident; he’s aiming to lead Kosovo’s public broadcaster with the backing of the ruling party. So, instead of attacking him over misunderstandings, you should either work to protect RTK’s independence or accept Kurti’s choice. In this case, it’s not a bad one. Krasta will handle the entertainment side, while Kurti and his team manage the politics.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "Keqkuptime thelbësore në sulmet ndaj Krastës në Kosovë"