Algerian Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson Ammar Belhimer announced that the Press Aid Fund, which was frozen in 2014, is set to be reactivated in 2021. This move aims to help private media outlets overcome their financial difficulties, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund's reactivation was approved by the Prime Minister based on a proposal by Belhimer.
Belhimer revealed that ten projects were launched in January 2020 to revitalize the press sector, which had been neglected for a long time. These projects include the establishment of a suitable legal framework for regulating the electronic press, updating the statutes of TDA for commercializing products offered by Alcomsat-1, and regulating advertising, polling, and communication agencies. The minister stated that most of these projects are well underway.
The 2021 plan also includes amending the organic law on information from 2012 to adapt it to the new Constitution and changes in the sector. This amendment will be done in consultation with all stakeholders and professionals in the sector. Additionally, work will continue on other projects, such as developing a legal framework for advertising and regulating the activity of communication companies.
Belhimer noted that the advertising market has not been left in a state of anarchy, with the Algerian National Advertising Corporation (ANEP) taking steps to regulate access to public announcements. ANEP has established 15 transitional criteria for accessing public announcements, which will take effect soon. He also mentioned that a decree has been issued to put an end to the anarchy in the electronic press.
The minister acknowledged that the communication sector has been facing significant challenges and that rectifying the situation will take time and perseverance. He expressed regret that the sector had been plagued by unauthorized individuals and businesspeople for a long time. Belhimer emphasized the importance of digital security, highlighting the need for all electronic sites to be hosted locally to protect the country's data.
Belhimer invited electronic newspapers to host their sites within the ".dz" domain, citing the country's growing capabilities in this area. He noted that national operators such as TDA, Algeria Telecom, Mobilis, and the Algeria Press Service (APS) have data centers that can meet the hosting needs of electronic sites and store computerized content.
The minister reaffirmed that the new Algeria, as announced by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, places great importance on press freedom as a pillar of democracy. He stated that the President's program prioritizes the communication sector and the development of a favorable environment for media professionals. Belhimer also reiterated that there are no prisoners of opinion in Algeria and that journalists are subject to the law like any other citizen.
Key points
- Algeria plans to reactivate its Press Aid Fund in 2021 to support private media outlets struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Algerian government has launched several projects to revitalize the press sector, including the establishment of a suitable legal framework for regulating the electronic press.
- The government emphasizes the importance of digital security, with a focus on hosting electronic sites locally to protect the country's data.
