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Algeria has more than 45 independent French-language and Arabic-language publications as well as four government-owned newspapers (two published in French and two in Arabic), but the government controls all printing presses and advertising.^[1] The newspapers with the largest circulations are El-Khabar (530,000), Quotidien d’Oran (195,000), and Liberté (120,000); all three are employee-owned.^[1] The government also owns all radio and television outlets, which provide pro-government programming.^[1] In 2004 and 2005, the government increased the access of Berber language and culture to both print and broadcast media.^[1]

[edit] Journalism

In general, the state exercises considerable control over Algeria’s mass media, and harassment of the press increased following President Bouteflika’s re-election in April 2004.^[1] The print media practice self-censorship to avoid various forms of government pressure, including defamation lawsuits and the potential withholding of state-controlled advertising.^[1] In 2004 two newspapers were closed or suspended over debts owed the state-owned printing company.^[1] In one notable defamation case, the managing editor of Le Matin began to serve a two-year prison term for libel in June 2004.^[1] During the civil strife from 1993 to 1997, mostly Islamist factions murdered some 57 journalists.^[1]

[edit] Telephone

In 2003, there were an estimated 69 mainline telephones for every 1,000 people; about 727,000 people were on a waiting list for telephone service installation. The same year, there were approximately 46 mobile phones in use for every 1,000 people. Satellite, cable, and radiotelephone services link Algeria with most other parts of the world.

[edit] Censorship

Since 1999, President Bouteflika has maintained that the media should ultimately be at the service of the state. As such, radio and television remain primarily under government control. Censorship is not considered a rule of law, but jail terms and fines are enforced against those issuing any statements defaming the president, the army, or other government officials.

[edit] Internet

In 2004 the country had about 897 Internet hosts. In 2003, there were 7.7 personal computers for every 1,000 people and 16 of every 1,000 people had access to the Internet.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Algeria country profile. Library of Congress Federal Research Division (March 2006). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

[cp-0] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Algeria country profile. Library of Congress Federal Research Division (March 2006). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

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