In a bid to boost viewership, Albanian TV station Zjarr made headlines with an unconventional approach: hiring young journalist Enki Bracaj, who delivered news segments without wearing a bra. Albania, a traditionally conservative Balkan nation where about 60% of the population identifies as Muslim, reacted strongly to the station’s choice, sparking heated debates and garnering widespread attention on social media.
Despite the initial backlash, Zjarr’s strategy proved remarkably successful. “In Albania, where political influence often manipulates the news, viewers were ready for a medium that delivered information ‘naked’—both literally and symbolically,” explained Zjarr TV owner Ismet Drishti in a 2016 interview with AFP.
Drishti emphasized that the presentation aimed not at sensationalism but at promoting transparency in news reporting. “We aren’t selling sex; we’re presenting the news as it is. This approach is both symbolic and effective for publicity.”
Enki Bracaj, then 21, quickly became a local celebrity after joining Zjarr in 2016. She explained that the idea to present braless was her own, inspired by her decision to wear an open blouse to her job interview.
“In this competitive industry, I just found a way to stand out,” Enki said, noting that her family was supportive of her choice. “To succeed, I knew I had to be bold and offer something different.”
When Enki eventually left Zjarr, rumors circulated that salary disputes were to blame, but the station felt she overstepped when she took a modeling opportunity with Playboy.
Her successor, 24-year-old Greta Hoxhaj, followed a similar style in her on-air presentation. “I worked in local television for five years with little recognition,” Hoxhaj said. “In just three months at Zjarr, I became a star.” She noted that her appearance on air was far more provocative than her everyday style.
Videos of these Albanian news anchors have since gone viral, igniting debate. While some viewers support their choice of dress, others argue that media outlets should prioritize professionalism and respect.
“Too many women on TV have necklines that are way too low,” one viewer commented. Another added, “It’s disheartening to see such tactics used just to gain screen time.”
Despite the criticism, Hoxhaj remains unfazed. “What matters is that I’m succeeding in my work and enjoying my newfound fame. I have a beautiful life filled with love,” she shared.
What do you think about this approach to news broadcasting?
Feel free to SHARE this story with friends and family on Facebook!
Life Today of Nicollette Sheridan, Star of the Iconic Soap Opera ‘Knots Landing’
Nicollette Sheridan rose to stardom as Paige Matheson on the beloved soap opera Knots Landing and later became a fan-favorite for her portrayal of the mischievous Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives. However, beyond her on-screen fame, Sheridan’s life has been marked by a series of high-profile relationships and personal challenges. Let’s take a closer look at her journey and how she’s doing today.
From Soap Opera Star to Hollywood Icon
Sheridan captivated audiences in the 1980s with her role as Paige Matheson on Knots Landing, a spinoff of the legendary series Dallas. Introduced in 1986, Sheridan’s character became a standout for her beauty, cunning, and layered personality.
“Paige is different. She’s strong, she’s ambitious, she’s bright, she’s mischievous,” Sheridan explained, reflecting on her iconic role.
Her performance earned her the 1990 Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress and a spot on People magazine’s list of “50 Most Beautiful People.”
A Hollywood Upbringing
Born in England, Sheridan moved to the United States at age 10. Growing up in Hollywood with her mother, actress Sally Adams, and her mother’s partner, Telly Savalas (best known as Blofeld in the James Bond films), Sheridan faced challenges adapting to her new environment. Her British accent initially made her stand out, and she worked hard to adopt an American accent to fit in.
“All the kids used to make fun of [my accent], and I hated it. So I practiced every day talking with an American accent and pretty much mastered it,” she shared in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times in 1988.
Tumultuous Relationships
Sheridan’s personal life has been as eventful as her career. Her first marriage was to actor Harry Hamlin in 1991, but the union lasted only 11 months. Controversy arose when Hamlin’s second wife, Lisa Rinna, alleged on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills that Sheridan had an affair with singer Michael Bolton during their marriage—a claim Sheridan has repeatedly denied.
Following her divorce, Sheridan did date Michael Bolton, with the couple engaging in an on-again, off-again relationship that spanned nearly two decades. They reunited in 2005, became engaged in 2006, but ended their relationship in 2008.
Sheridan’s second marriage, to actor Aaron Phypers, was equally short-lived, lasting just six months. Interestingly, both Hamlin and Phypers later married stars of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, with Hamlin marrying Lisa Rinna and Phypers tying the knot with Denise Richards.
Challenges on Desperate Housewives
Sheridan’s time on Desperate Housewives ended abruptly when her character, Edie Britt, was unexpectedly killed off.
Sheridan alleged that her dismissal stemmed from a confrontation with the show’s creator, Marc Cherry, whom she accused of physical assault. Sheridan also claimed Cherry fostered a toxic work environment, but her lawsuit against him was ultimately dismissed in 2017.
Edie Britt’s departure left fans devastated, with many arguing the show was never the same without her.
A Shift in Focus
After her high-profile exit from Desperate Housewives, Sheridan stepped away from the limelight, focusing on smaller projects. She appeared in several Hallmark Channel films and joined the Dynasty reboot in 2017 as the iconic Alexis Carrington. However, she left the show in 2019 to prioritize her family, particularly her ailing mother.
“Working on the Dynasty reboot and reprising the iconic role of Alexis has been thoroughly enjoyable, but the chance to spend precious time with my terminally ill mother is more important to me right now,” Sheridan told TV Line.
Where Is She Now?
Today, Nicollette Sheridan continues to embrace a quieter life away from Hollywood’s hustle and bustle, focusing on what matters most to her.
What do you think about Nicollette Sheridan’s journey? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this story with fans who’d love to catch up on her incredible life and career!
Leave a Reply