Sources of information for citizens There are currently about 320 papers listed in Algeria publishing in the French, Arabic or Tamazight languages. Out of a total of 2,500,000 print runs (recorded on 3 May 2009), the daily newspaper El Khabar (Arabic) alone accounts for 500,000 copies. There are newspapers for each sector and for people from all works of life. The broadcasting sector is on the contrary controlled by the government. There are no private commercial television or radio stations. Consequently, citizens who can afford it have satellite dishes. It is impossible for the international broadcasting media to transmit from Algeria. The international print media and the internet are accessible. There have, however, been a few instances of banning of foreign newspapers (Le Monde, Jeune Afrique). Due to the sheer size of the country, distribution of the print media is difficult in certain areas. There is also a difference in the cost of newspapers between the capital and certain regions. An equalization fund was established in the 90s but has never actually functioned. Fortunately a few printing houses, scattered around, contribute towards reducing these inequalities. In the broadcasting field, the government has established regional stations. Editorial independence of public print media The six daily government newspapers have no editorial independence, despite of the provisions of article 9 of Act 90-07, which stipulates the contrary. These newspapers are not widely circulated. The media landscape It is difficult to ascertain that the print media is controlled by a handful because the practice of using a “front man” exists. The legislation in Algeria is pretty weak regarding concentration. In the 90s, the government tried to encourage the diversification of the media through financial and economic incentives. However, these incentives are on the decline each year. For instance, the government has stopped its annual allocation of 13 million to the media since 2003. The government declares that this sum is currently used to subsidize newsprint paper and housing for journalists. There is no apparent willingness to make space for others in the Algerian media landscape. However, efforts are being made in the public broadcasting field to take into account language and cultural diversities. Political diversity is mainly reflected in the private media. 8 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009