"The Media, Transparency and Accountability in Albania project sought to strengthen the role of the Albanian media to promote transparency and government accountability by 1) investigating and informing citizens on issues of civic concern and corruption, and 2) developing, implementing and enforcing its own ethical and professional standards. The project was implemented by IREX Europe through the Hapur Foundation (a centre for investigative journalism), and the Union of Albanian Journalists (a professional association). IREX intended to support the Hapur Foundation in its efforts to increase Albanian media reporting on corruption through the development of magazine-style investigative TV programs produced by journalists from a country-wide network of stations. IREX also intended to support the Union s organizational capacity to advocate for journalists, monitor threats to media freedom, and build consensus on professional standards. IREX provided some training to both institutions at the start of the project and provided two experts in investigative reporting for some of the training. The $300,000 project ran from October 2008 through September 2010. The evaluation field work took place in February 2011, well after the project was completed. As a result, the evaluators relied on 1) project and other documents; 2) interviews; and 3) project products to conduct the evaluation. Findings: The project built on portions of an earlier media development project funded by USAID and implemented by IREX U.S. As a result, most of the project framework was already in place, making implementation of the UNDEF-funded activities by IREX Europe relatively straightforward. The project objectives and activities were relevant given the high levels of corruption, the lack of objective investigatory reporting and the difficult environment for journalists and outlets attempting to cover these types of issues in Albania. Hapur s reporting appeared to have been timely, investigating issues such as the preferential privatization of state assets and the functioning of unlicensed clinics. The Union s work to protect journalists and develop standards for independent journalism also served an important function in Albania s difficult media climate. Investigatory reporting is sensitive and most journalists work informally and have no protection other than the solidarity of other journalists coordinated through the Union [...]" (Executive summary)