The Albanian Center for Quality Journalism (ACQJ) is an independent, non-political and non-profit organization based in Tirana, Albania, run by young professionals with backgrounds in media and law. Our mission is to improve the quality of journalism through training and fostering collaboration among young investigative journalists, promoting ethical journalism based on accurate and fair reporting. We aim to ensure that journalists are fast, independent and responsive to the needs of readers.

Our main aim is to raise the standards of journalism by improving the news reporting, writing and professional ethics of young journalists. We cooperate with educational and training institutions to develop human and material capacities in the field of journalism. Through training in investigative journalism, multimedia productions and data-based journalism, we create opportunities for the professional growth of young journalists.

ACQJ's main initiatives include:

• Increasing Capacities: We organize training programs for young journalists and journalism students, providing them with investigative journalism skills, multimedia storytelling techniques and long-form reporting tools. ACQJ has trained over 60 independent investigative journalists and 20 multimedia professionals.
• Safe Spaces for Expression: ACQJ provides platforms for young journalists, journalism students and civil society organizations to amplify their voices and messages to a wider audience.
• Public Awareness and Advocacy: We provide objective, fast and accurate information on public issues and advocate for public interests through the media, always respecting ACQJ's strict editorial standards.
• Networking and Support: Providing resources and Services to support professional and emerging investigative journalists in Albania. Our publications are in Albanian and English on several platforms, using the latest techniques and opportunities for professionals in the field.
• Workshops and Seminars: We organize and promote workshops on various topics, such as the right to information, legal protection of journalists and the use of multimedia tools in journalism.
• Research and Media Policies: ACQJ has conducted research on media policies and the labor market for young journalists in Albania, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities they face. Recent reports include reviews on infrastructure investments of the Municipality of Tirana and studies on increasing the capacities of young people in the fight against disinformation.
• Collaborations: ACQJ closely cooperates with various media, civil society organizations and regulatory bodies. Through our projects, we have built partnerships with organizations such as the Albanian Media Institute, Voice of America, BIRN-Albania, Faktoje and others.
• Media Productions: ACQJ has a long-term agreement with RTSH, the national public broadcaster, to produce and broadcast biweekly television programs with a focus on investigative journalism. We also produce documentaries, multimedia content and investigative articles on social, environmental and economic issues.

Donors:
Our work is supported by a number of donors, including the European Union, the Open Society Foundation in Albania, the United States Embassy in Tirana, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), LevizAlbania, and various embassies in Albania.