SECTOR 2 right may, under no circumstance, constitute a restriction to the freedom of expression of editorial desks of concerned publications and outlets”. (Article 9). However, the text stipulates immediately after that “public sector media outlets must under no circumstance be influenced or accept consideration that may compromise the accuracy of the information. They shall provide equal opportunity for the expression of various opinions and thoughts”. Nonetheless, the panel believes that there are no special provisions to protect these media outlets from the interference of the public authority. 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: 1.0 2.5 Adequate competition legislation/regulation seeks to prevent media concentration and monopolies In the opinion of the panel, the strategy of operating through a “front man” is mainly used by the wealthy to take root in the media sector to attain more or less candid objectives. Though there is a “hint of legislation” regarding the issue of a “front man” and a law regulating competition in all sectors, there are no explicit provisions per se on concentration and monopoly in the media sector. It shall be recalled that prior to its dissolution, the Higher Information Council was in charge of serving notice to owners, in the event of abuse of dominant position, to dispose of assets. Besides, the penal provisions of the said law sanction “whosoever, is convicted of having acted as a front man for the owner, co-owner or sponsor of a publication especially in exchange of shares in the publications company”. The beneficiary of the “front man” operation also comes within the provisions of the law. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009 33