SECTOR 1 1.6 Entry into and practice of the journalistic profession is legally unrestricted. There is effectively no law that restricts entry into or practice of the journalistic profession. According to Act 90-07 “is considered a professional journalist, any individual, who devotes himself to seeking, collecting, selecting, using and presenting information and exercises this activity as their regular profession and main source of income”. However, in compliance with executive decree number 08-140 of 4 Jumada El Oula 1429 corresponding to 10 May 2008 on the working conditions of journalists, “all individuals aspiring to exercise the journalistic trade must hold a higher education diploma directly or indirectly related to the profession, shall have no record of criminal or other offence and shall enjoy their civil and civic rights. However, any individual with qualifications that are in line with journalistic activities may exercise the profession of journalist”. Regarding the conditions for obtaining, as well as for the issuance and withdrawal of a professional press card, Act 90-07 refers the matter to the Higher Information Council (CSI). Prior to its dissolution in 1993, the CSI had issued – on a temporary basis – about 1,400 professional cards pending the establishment of a joint committee in this regard. This committee was never set up. Consequently, journalists have what the panel members called “in-house cards”, i.e. cards issued by employers. It shall be noted that in Algeria, the editor of a media outlet must necessarily be a journalist according to law. 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: 4.3 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009 19