SECTOR 3 3.7 The state/public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary interference through its budget and from all commercial pressure. EPTV (national television) is well protected from financial difficulties; however, it is certainly not beyond reach of the government’s grip, its main donor. The public television is financed through direct government aid (budget subsidies), television fees paid by households through Sonelgaz (national electricity and gas company) bills and revenue from advertisements. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 1.6 3.8 The state/public broadcaster is technically accessible in the entire country. With the combination of over-the-air and satellite, EPTV is accessible nationwide with the exception of a few remote areas. The transmission of sound and image is ensured by TDA (Télédiffusion d’Algérie), the technical arm of public broadcasting. It relies on digital technology and space broadcasting. The TDA’s investment programme is focusing, among other areas, on the expansion of coverage and the continuity of broadcasting. National coverage should be achieved when Algeria completes the transition to digital broadcasting by 2015. To this effect, the country will rely on DTT. A strategic committee chaired by the Secretary of State for Communications was set up to review the modalities of the switchover from analogue to digital. 46 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009