SECTOR 1 1.12 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups. With the notable exception of Act 90-07 of 3 April 1990, which – all panellists agree – was drafted following consultations with professional organisations and unions of journalists, legislative and regulatory instruments concerning the information sector are rather “served upon” the actors than shared during a participatory process. “they are not the decisionmakers; they are merely there to keep schedules” At best, certain drafts were sent to editorial offices, often via the internet, but the opinion of stakeholders has never been taken into consideration. The government relies on its appropriate services or prefers to recruit experts or consultants. The various ministers, who have successively led the department of communications since the dissolution of the Higher Information Council in 1993 have each organised several seminars on the Information Act 90-07 of 3 April 1990. However, according to one of the panellists, “they are not the decision-makers; they are merely there to keep schedules”. 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: 1.4 Average score for sector 1: 2.3* For 2009 the indicators were reviewed, amended and some new indicators such as those addressing Information Communication Technology (ICT) were added. Consequently, the comparison of some indicators of the 2005 and 2007 report is not applicable (n/a) in some instances in which the indicator is new or has been amended. Evidently, this has to be taken into account too, when the overall sector scores are compared. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009 25