The Albanian television station Zjarr has a history of controversy, and a few years ago, it sparked a significant debate with a daring decision that still attracts attention today. The station’s choice to employ braless news anchors initiated a discussion, with opinions divided on whether this was a progressive move or an inappropriate breach of decorum.

In a time when women have tirelessly advocated for equality, respect in the workplace, and the cessation of objectification in media, Zjarr’s provocative format evoked strong feelings and reignited enduring discussions regarding the representation of women in media.

The news channel’s decision to feature scantily clad anchors, made in 2016, received considerable attention not only in Albania but also internationally. Seeking to enhance ratings and draw in viewers, Zjarr TV adopted a format where its female presenters delivered news while dressed in revealing attire—frequently donning open jackets without anything underneath.

This strategy was particularly unconventional in Albania, a conservative nation in the Balkans with a notable Muslim demographic. Read more below