SECTOR 4 4.3 The media cover the full spectrum of events, issues and cultures, including business/economics, cultural, local and investigative stories. It is indisputable that the Algerian media is interested in all aspects and segments of the society. But journalists generally treat information in a superficial manner. Investigative journalism is hardly practiced. Most exposures are, in actual fact, more or less organized “leaks from the judicial system”, whereas journalists could have performed their own investigation. This was particularly the case in the “Khalifa affair”, a renowned businessman, who fraudulently organised the bankruptcy of his financial empire and hence provoked the ruin of many Algerian families. Prior to being informed through the judicial proceedings in 2003, it appears that the media had several leads to warrant further investigations on their part. Most exposures are, in actual fact, more or less organized “leaks from the judicial system” Certain issues are much less exposed than others in newspaper columns and on programmes broadcast by “heavy duty media”. Scientific information in particular is of little interest. Concerning sports information, certain sports receive greater attention and coverage than others. It should however be acknowledged that the public service fully plays its role in this particular area by giving air time to sports that are not covered by the private media. With a network of 800 to 900 regional correspondents countrywide, the Algerian media provides increasingly abundant and professional local information. 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: 54 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009 2.6