SECTOR 3 3.10 The state/public broadcaster offers balanced and fair information in news and current affairs, reflecting the full spectrum of diverse views and opinions. The Algerian broadcasting media offers “more information on the violence in Palestine than the turmoil in Algeria” Most of the information offered by the public broadcaster consists of government communication and international news. The Algerian broadcasting media offers “more information on the violence in Palestine than the turmoil in Algeria”. Nonetheless, during election periods, an ad hoc committee is in charge of distributing air time between the various contending candidates. It shall, however, be noted that political parties that are not part of the elections or have boycotted the polls do not have the right to participate in debates aired by the public broadcaster. 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: 1.0 3.11 The state/public broadcaster offers as much diverse and creative local content as economically achievable. It seems that in the absence of competition from the national private sector, the public broadcaster makes no effort to diversify its content. And yet, there are no economic constraints restricting the capacity of EPTV in this area. 48 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009