 | |
| Type | National commercial network |
|---|---|
| Country | Albania |
| Network | DigitAlb |
| Headquarters | Tirana, Albania |
| Programming | |
| Language | Albanian |
| Picture format | 576i (SDTV16:9),1080i (HDTV16:9),4K UHDTV16:9,8K UHDTV16:9 |
| Timeshift service | Available viaDigitAlb |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Top Media Group |
| Key people | Lori Hoxha (CEO) |
| Sister channels |
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| History | |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Launched | 20 December 2001 (23 years ago) (2001-12-20) |
| Founder | Dritan Hoxha |
| Links | |
| Website | top-channel |
| Availability | |
| Terrestrial | |
| Albania | DVB-T2 orAnalogue,UHF CH59 (depends onregion) |
| Streaming media | |
| DigitAlb OTT | Top Channel |
Top Channel ( often abbreviated asTCH)[1] is a national commercial television network based inTirana, Albania, founded byDritan Hoxha in 2001.[2] It is part of theTop Media Group, one of the largest media conglomerates in Albania, which includes Top Albania Radio, Top Gold Radio, My Music Radio, daily newspaperShqip, daily magazine Shqip Magazine, coffee producerLori Caffe,Digitalb,Top News, VGA Studio,musicAL,Dritan Hoxha Media Foundation Imperial Cinemas andTop Channel Films.
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 thePyramid 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 widescreen16:9 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 throughDigitAlb, and in North America viaTVALB 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 includingUNDP,UNICEF,IOM,OSCE,USAID, and theRed Cross, as well as private partners likeVodafone. It also maintains partnerships with international news agencies such asReuters.
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 aRange Rover using anAK-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.
| Program Name | Description | Key Hosts | Airing Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| News Bulletins & Reports | Daily news coverage on national and international events. | — | Ongoing |
| E Diell | Weekly show with entertainment, interviews, and music. | Adi Krasta,Alban Dudushi, Xhemi Shehu, Edi Manushi | 2008–present |
| Fiks Fare | Satirical show exposing corruption and social issues. | Julian Deda Xhemi Shehu | Daily |
| Shqip | Political talk show with live interviews and analysis. | Rudina Xhunga | 2002–2015 |
| Ftesë në 5 | Afternoon talk show with guests from various fields. | Bieta Sulo | Since 2018 |
| Portokalli | Comedy show with sketches, satire, and live acts. | Salsano Rapi Kiara Tito Nevina Shtylla | Since 2003 |
| Top Story | Political debate and investigative interviews. | Sokol Balla Grida Duma | 2006–2017, 2022–present |
| Top Show | Talk show covering culture, politics, and society. | Alban Dudushi | 2003–2020 |
| 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 |
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| Online Streaming |
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| Affiliated channels abroad |
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