Top Channel

Last updated

Top Channel Sh.A
TypeNational commercial network
Country Albania
Network DigitAlb
Headquarters Tirana, Albania
Programming
Language(s) Albanian
Picture format 576i (SDTV 16:9), 1080i (HDTV 16:9), 4K UHDTV 16:9, 8K UHDTV 16:9
Timeshift serviceAvailable via DigitAlb
Ownership
OwnerTop Media Group
Key peopleLori Hoxha (CEO)
Sister channels
History
Founded2001
Launched20 December 2001(23 years ago) (2001-12-20)
Founder Dritan Hoxha
Links
Website top-channel.tv
Availability
Terrestrial
Albania DVB-T2 or Analogue, UHF CH59 (depends on region)
Streaming media
DigitAlb OTT Top Channel

Top Channel ( often abbreviated as TCH) [1] is a national commercial television network based in Tirana, Albania, founded by Dritan Hoxha in 2001. [2] It is part of the Top Media Group, one of the largest media conglomerates in Albania, which includes Top Albania Radio, Top Gold Radio, My Music Radio, daily newspaper Shqip, daily magazine Shqip Magazine, coffee producer Lori Caffe, Digitalb, Top News, VGA Studio, musicAL, Dritan Hoxha Media Foundation and Imperial Cinemas.

Contents

History

Top Media former studios at the Pyramid of Tirana The pyramid of Tirana back view 07.jpg
Top Media former studios at the Pyramid of Tirana

Top Channel was established in 2000 and began experimental broadcasts on 30 July 2001 from the International Centre for Culture (Qendra Ndërkombëtare e Kulturës), also known as the Pyramid of Tirana. It officially started broadcasting on 20 December 2001 and quickly became a generalist television channel.

In 2003, a national survey ranked Top Channel as the most-watched TV station in Albania with 50% of the audience share, up from 11.9% in 2002. Its rise in popularity was attributed to its high-quality broadcasting technology and its programming focused on current issues in Albanian society. [3]

The channel began broadcasting in widescreen 16:9 high-definition format in 2009 and transitioned entirely to HD in 2012. Since September 2003, Top Channel has also been available via satellite across Europe through DigitAlb, and in North America via TVALB and Shqip TV. [4] It is also accessible through IPTV platforms and local cable providers in countries such as Switzerland.

Top Channel has cooperated with international organizations including UNDP, UNICEF, IOM, OSCE, USAID, and the Red Cross, as well as private partners like Vodafone. It also maintains partnerships with international news agencies such as Reuters.

Top Channel, Top Albania Radio, and Top Gold Radio were founded by media entrepreneur Dritan Hoxha. After his death in a car accident in 2008, his wife Vjollca Hoxha assumed leadership of the company. Their daughter, Lori Hoxha, later became involved in the management of the group and was appointed CEO of Top Media in 2022. [5]

On 27 March 2023, a shooting occurred at the Top Channel headquarters in Tirana, resulting in the death of security guard Pal Kola. The shots were fired from a Range Rover using an AK-47 rifle. The vehicle was later found burned. [6]

In 2025, the channel shifted focus away from films and series, replacing them with new original shows.

Programmes

Program Overview
Program NameDescriptionKey HostsAiring Period
News Bulletins & ReportsDaily news coverage on national and international events.Ongoing
E DiellWeekly show with entertainment, interviews, and music. Adi Krasta, Alban Dudushi, Xhemi Shehu, Edi Manushi2008–present
Fiks Fare Satirical show exposing corruption and social issues.Daily
ShqipPolitical talk show with live interviews and analysis. Rudina Xhunga 2002–2015
Ftesë në 5Afternoon talk show with guests from various fields.Since 2018
Portokalli Comedy show with sketches, satire, and live acts.Since 2003
Top StoryPolitical debate and investigative interviews. Sokol Balla, Grida Duma 2006–2017, 2022–present
Top ShowTalk show covering culture, politics, and society.Alban Dudushi2003–2020
Top Fest Music competition for Albanian-speaking artists.2004–2015
Big Brother Albania Reality show with contestants living in isolation. Arbana Osmani, Ledion Liço 2008–present
StarTop Business reality show with startup pitches. Eno Popi 2022–2023

See also

References

  1. "Top Channel – Sondazhi i TCH & McLaughlin: Ja kush i fiton zgjedhjet". Top Channel (in Albanian). 29 April 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  2. "Change Log - KingOfSat". KingOfSat.
  3. "About Top Channel" (in Albanian). Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  4. "Top Channel - LyngSat". LyngSat.
  5. "Lori Hoxha feston sot ditëlindjen, sa vjeç bën CEO e Top Medias". Vox News (in Albanian). Retrieved 12 April 2025.
  6. "Top Channel TV's statement on terrorist attack with an employee killed at its main headquarters". Top Channel.