Oran – Minister of Communication, Mr. Mohamed Laagab, announced today in Oran that the Journalism Support Fund project has been finalized and is in the final enrichment phase before being presented to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
In a press statement at the end of his inspection visit to various media institutions in Oran, Minister Laagab stated, “Relaunching this fund is among the directives issued by the President. We have completed the project’s preparation and have sent copies to some media institutions for further enrichment.”
Minister Laagab noted that the fund had been frozen for several years, and efforts are underway to reclaim the funds previously allocated to it and to source new funding mechanisms apart from the public treasury. He also mentioned the development of a council for the ethics and professional conduct of journalism. “We have completed the executive decree for this council and are awaiting its publication in the official gazette,” he said.
The decree mandates that the council is responsible for drafting a professional ethics charter. “To save time, the ministry has prepared a draft charter, which will be handed over to the Ethics Council upon its establishment for further enrichment. It may also be presented to journalists and media institution officials for suggestions and ideas to ensure the charter is respected and adhered to, reinforcing the principle of consultation,” Laagab explained.
Additionally, the minister announced the initiation of several new legal provisions related to media, stating, “We have begun adapting the laws for electronic and print newspapers, and further decrees will soon be issued.” He described the basic law for journalists as “excellent,” giving Algerian journalists the status they deserve.
Speaking about achievements in the communication sector, Mr. Laagab emphasized the need for cooperation to develop institutions and equip them adequately for their tasks. He cited major recommendations from the President and measures taken on the National Day of Press last October to facilitate the work of journalistic institutions and reduce their financial burdens, including benefits for many media websites and newspapers, such as reduced hosting fees and access to the Algerian News Agency’s services for a nominal fee.
Minister Laagab affirmed that the media sector is progressing steadily in Algeria, which exists within a vibrant media environment and a tense geopolitical landscape, expressing hope that the media can handle these regional and international changes effectively.
He also mentioned that, unlike in previous years, the media law now requires institutions to train their journalists and staff, a process monitored by the regulatory authority and the ministry. Regarding the enhancement of media coverage, particularly in underserved areas, Mr. Laagab indicated that strengthening transmission with new equipment is currently underway, and a recent meeting with the Minister of Finance has led to the lifting of freezes on several projects, expanding radio and television coverage.
During his visit to the Western Printing Company, he stressed the need to reconsider the current orientation of printing companies, which are primarily focused on printing newspapers and magazines, and emphasized the importance of diversifying products and exploring new markets. He also announced Algeria’s participation in an international expo in Germany next May.
Minister Laagab concluded his remarks by emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve radio and television broadcasting and expand coverage, particularly in media shadow zones, while also expressing full support for efforts to preserve historical memory at a city center museum.
For more information on the advancements in Algeria’s communication and media sector, visit dzwatch.dz.
