ALGIERS- The sector of Communication in Algeria has been marked in 2016 by the revival of the Audiovisual Regulatory Authority (ARAV), with the installation of its president and all its members, to assume the role of regulator of the Algerian audiovisual field.
Opened two years ago in response to a strong social and professional demand, the audiovisual sector in Algeria is still experiencing “anarchy on the ground,” say officials and professionals of the sector.
This “anarchy” prompted Prime Minister, Abdelmalek Sellal, to say that he regretted that “some audiovisual vectors practice false advertising, violation of privacy, violation of personal dignity, disinformation and more seriously, attacks on the cohesion of Algerian society with calls for hatred, regionalism and Fitna (discord).”
He had added that “all the TV channels complying with the specifications will be accredited, as Algerian channels, and will benefit from all the support and encouragement measures provided for by the law,” warning those “which breach them of ban.”
Thus, the Executive Decree, defining the rules for all audiovisual services, had been published in the Official Journal last September in order to put a halt to this “anarchy” caused by some “40 TV channels, of which only five operate legally through approved offices in Algeria.
In terms of control, the ARAV must, among other things, ensure compliance with the laws and regulations in force, of any audiovisual programme broadcast, whatever the medium is, and ensure compliance with the minimum quotas reserved to the audiovisual production in national languages.
It must also control, by “all appropriate means” the subject, content and modalities of the scheduling of advertising.
Indeed, the audiovisual media have respect the Nation’s religious, moral and cultural values, the other religious references and religions, the citizen’s right to intimacy, as well as the protection of the family and the vulnerable categories.
The TV channels are also required to respect the national values and State symbols, respect of the national unity, security and defence as well as the country’s economic and diplomatic interests.
Source: Communication 2016: Revival of ARAV to regulate audiovisual field in Algeria
