Algeria to close more than 50 satellite channels

Algeria is to close more than 50 local satellite channels because they do not have the necessary licences to operate, the country’s prime minister announced yesterday.

Abdelmalek Sellal said: “The government entrusted the Communication Minister to regulate the broadcasting sector as soon as possible pending the establishment of the Broadcasting Regulatory Authority in the upcoming weeks.”

“An accreditation mechanism for operators willing to offer an audiovisual or radio communication service has been established… all TV channels that conform to this book of specifications will be accredited as Algerian TV channels that benefit from support measures provided by law,” he explained, adding that “if these channels do not conform to the aforementioned book of specifications; they will be prohibited from broadcasting in Algeria.”

“Only five TV channels are officially accredited out of 60 media.”

“These measures do not mean that the opening of the broadcasting into question, they will further regulate a sector, just like other countries to preserve the country’s moral health.”