Algerian Government Backs Away From Licensing New Private TV Channels

The Ministry of Communication has issued a decision to cancel the opening of new private television channels in Algeria.

 In the latest issue of the Official Gazette, a decision was issued by the Ministry of Communications to repeal a previous decision to pave the way for the adoption of new private television channels.

According to the Ministerial Decree: “The provisions of the decree of 8th of Dhul Qa’da 1438 corresponding to July 31, 2017, which includes the opening of the announcement of the candidacies for granting licenses to establish thematic Television broadcasting channels, shall be canceled”.

The services of Communication Minister Mr. Djamel Kaouane did not provide any clarification on the reasons for rescinding the decision three months after his announcement.

In mid-October, the Ministry of Communication issued a decision to open candidacy bids for the granting of licenses for the establishment of new private television broadcasting channels.

However, the Minister of Communication argued, of late, that the scrapping of the decision to open the candidacy bids for the granting of licenses for the establishment of new television channels in Algeria aims to respond to the “requirements” of the development of the Algerian audiovisual scene, taking into account the “observations and expectations” of the actors in the sector.