In a move to liberalise the audio-visual sector, Algerian Communications Minister Mohand Said held a press conference at a media industry seminar in Algiers recently. Though the law is not yet ready for the same, the networks clearly are. Currently channels like Djazairia, Ennahar TV, Echourouk TV or Numidia News are already being watched while […]
In a move to liberalise the audio-visual sector, Algerian Communications Minister Mohand Said held a press conference at a media industry seminar in Algiers recently. Though the law is not yet ready for the same, the networks clearly are.
Currently channels like Djazairia, Ennahar TV, Echourouk TV or Numidia News are already being watched while more stations are in the process of being launched. Broadcast stations from abroad that are widely watched in Algeria include Morocco based and privately owned Medi1 and Al Magharibia.
Nadia Zemmouche, editor-in-chief for Echourouk TV, spoke of the material and financial difficulties impacting their journalistic work.
“Not being able to broadcast from Algeria is a problem. We can’t do live shows, and even our news show needs to be sent in two hours before its broadcast which prohibits us from covering the most recent news. With these temporary studios and our humble financial means, it all reeks of amateurism,” she said.
As for the Algerians, they are enjoying the new alternatives
“It’s wonderful to have these stations,” says student Hassiba Lamri.
“It’s such a change from the state television’s official views. Finally we’re hearing the people’s voice, people complaining, speaking up freely about their problems. I think that’s what Algerians were missing, a voice.”
