SECTOR 4 4.2 The standard of reporting follows the basic principles of accuracy and fairness. Reporting has mixed standards in Algeria, depending on the dedication of the journalist on the one hand and on the editorial line of the media outlet on the other hand. In general, however, reporting raises many technical and ethical issues. The panel particularly regrets the emergence of new practices in the profession that are sometimes on the other end of the spectrum of basic standards of good reporting. The main reasons for this weakness are that training programmes offered to journalists are of an extremely broad nature and there are no provisions within editorial offices for a reporter to specialize in a certain area. The gap of mentoring relations within editorial offices of one generation of journalists (the first journalists of independent Algeria) to another (the generation of upstarting journalists) is also given as a possible explanation. It must be said in addition that the prevailing political, economic, cultural and security conditions are not conducive to the development of good reporting. There are boundaries as well as issues qualified as sensitive. The fact remains that editorial staff includes excellent reporters, who similar to seniors, believe that “it doesn’t cost a thing to be serious”. 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: 1.9 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009 53