Algeria: communication minister’s agenda to restructure information sector

Information and communication sector in Algeria is heading for an internal « liberation revolution » to be reorganized and restructured. Hamid Gurine has worked on reviewing the sector and eliminating immoral and unprofessional practices since he was appointed as minister. This is part of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s program on information, journalism and expression freedom.

After a “temporary commission” has started examining “Journalists’ Card” and audio-visual regulation committee, the recovery and reform mission is expected to continue. A set of laws and executive decrees including the new law on advertising will be adopted.

Temporary commission to grant Journalists’ Card

An attempt was launched to form a temporary commission to take a census of professional journalists in accordance with reasonable conditions.   

According to sources, this is just “the beginning to pave the way for journalists so that they would benefit from other advantages.” A total of 2,000 cards have been granted to journalists since July.

The law on advertising is ready

According to the same sources, a preliminary draft law on advertising is ready and was submitted by the communication ministry to the cabinet. It is expected to be presented at a cabinet meeting them at Parliament.

The cabinet is expected to finish examining the draft law before the end of the year. It will be discussed and approved at Parliament in the next Autumn session.

Ethics Council for journalists

The ministry focuses on the feasibility of Ethics Council as part of the legal restructuration.

The Council is meant to end the anarchy as a “political will” to eliminate “corruption hotspots” in terms of advertising, printing or distribution.