The demise of Algerian media started with co-option under Bouteflika’s long rule to repression under the couple Chengriha-Tebboune. Unemployment, the shortage of basic commodities, the democracy deficit, inflation, lack of diversified economy, dropping volumes of gas and oil exports in addition to impending economic and financial crises are all issues that the Algerian media prefers to look away from. These days, the media indulges in conspiracy theories targeting Morocco and the UAE, without offering whatsoever evidence for their claims. Algerian media has failed to do its fact-checking job in many cases, falling prey to regime manipulation and intimidation. In recent months, a simple report by a journalist on chemical substances in Algeria’s dates was enough to send him to jail.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 14, 2023 12:02 UTC