Sokol Balla
Sokol Balla | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 7, 1973 |
| Alma mater | University of Tirana |
| Occupations | Journalist, author, political analyst |
| Television | Real Story |
| Children | 3 |
Sokol Balla (Albanian pronunciation: [ˈsɔkɔl ˈbala]; born May 7, 1973) is an Albanian journalist, writer, television host and political analyst, best known as the host of the political talk show Real Story.[1] Over the years, he has been affiliated with several major Albanian television networks, where he has hosted or contributed to a variety of political programs including Fahrenheit, Top Story, and Exclusive.
Early life and education
Balla was born on May 7, 1973 in Tirana, Albania. He joined the University of Tirana, initially studying philosophy before switching to journalism, completing a four-year degree. His professional career in journalism began in 1992 at the foreign news department of RTSH, the Albanian public broadcaster.
Career
Throughout his career, Balla has worked with numerous Albanian media outlets. He has been a contributor to print publications such as Gazeta Shqiptare and Koha Jonë, and has held executive and editorial positions in Albanian national televisions, including Vizion Plus, Top Channel, Report TV, News 24,[2] and ABC News.[3]
Bibliography
| Title | Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Antishqiptari – Ditari i çrregullt i muajve të nxehtë dimër 2003 - dimër 2004[4] | 2015 | 55 |
| 33[5] | 2010 | UET Press |
| Fjala e lirë, sfidë europiane – Mbi lirinë e shprehjes kur kërkojmë eurointegrimin[6] | 2011 | UET Press |
| Loja që ndryshoi Shqipërinë[7] | 2016 | UET Press |
| Koli i Bardhës shkon në Afrikë[8] | 2024 | UET Press |
Awards and honors
Balla has received several professional honors, including:
- Leadership of the Year (2017)
- Decoration Grand Master ("Mjeshtër i Madh") awarded by President Bajram Begaj in 2023[9]
- Career Award ( Çmimi i Karrierës) from Koha Jonë newspaper in 2023[10]
References
- ^ "Interview of U.S. Ambassador Yuri Kim with Sokol Balla". U.S. Embassy in Albania. December 11, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ "Transcript of Interview of DAS Gabriel Escobar with Sokol Balla – Real Story, News 24 TV". U.S. Embassy in Albania. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "Kryeministri Edi Rama sonte në "Real Story", përballë gazetarit Sokol Balla në ABC News" (in Albanian). ABC News Albania. May 7, 2025. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ Balla, Sokol (2015). Antishqiptari – Ditari i çrregullt i muajve të nxehtë dimër 2003 - dimër 2004 (in Albanian). Tirana: 55. ISBN 9789994371525.
- ^ Balla, Sokol (2010). 33 (in Albanian). Tirana: UET Press. ISBN 9789995639297.
- ^ Balla, Sokol (2011). Fjala e lirë, sfidë europiane – Mbi lirinë e shprehjes kur kërkojmë eurointegrimin (in Albanian). Tirana: UET Press. ISBN 9789995639273.
- ^ Balla, Sokol (2016). Loja që ndryshoi Shqipërinë (in Albanian). Tirana: UET Press. ISBN 9789928190994.
- ^ Balla, Sokol (2024). Koli i Bardhës shkon në Afrikë (in Albanian). Tirana: UET Press. ISBN 9789928388667.
- ^ "Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë Bajram Begaj dekoron gazetarin Sokol Balla me titullin "Mjeshtër i Madh"". President.al (in Albanian). December 8, 2023.
- ^ "Sondazhi i vitit, Koha Jonë ndan vlerësimet e publikut, Sokol Balla çmimin e karrierës". ABC News Albania (in Albanian). December 8, 2023.