29 January 2013 Last updated at 06:29 ET

Algeria profile

Algerian TV viewers State TV faces competition from satellite networks

TV and radio stations broadcasting from Algerian soil are state-controlled, but privately-owned networks transmit from abroad via satellite.

TV stations based in France target viewers in Algeria, and European channels are widely-watched.

A media bill passed in late 2011 aims to open the broadcasting sector to private operators. While promising press freedom, it requires journalists not to undermine national identity, sovereignty and security.

There is a lively private press. However, journalists and newspapers "are often subjected to financial, judicial, physical or psychological harassment or encounter technical difficulties with printing and distribution", Reporters Without Borders said in 2012.

There were 5.2 million internet users by June 2012 (InternetWorldStats.com). Most surfers rely on dial-up connections and cyber cafes. No widespread filtering is reported.

Writing in Arabic, English and French, Algerian bloggers cover social, cultural and political topics.

The press

El Khabar - private, Arabic daily; website has pages in Arabic, French and English

Ech Chourouk - private, Arabic daily; website has English-language pages

Le Quotidien d'Oran - private, French-language daily

El Moudjahid - state-run, French-language daily; website has English-language pages

Ech Chaab - state-run, Arabic daily

El Watan - private, French language daily

Le Soir d'Algerie - private, French-language daily

Liberte - private, French-language

La Tribune - private, French-language

Algerian Press Portal - press directory

Television

Enterprise Nationale de Television (ENTV) - state-run

Echourouk TV - private, via satellite

Ennahar TV - private, via satellite

BRTV - Berber, via satellite from France

Beur TV - private, via satellite from France

Radio

Algerian Radio - operated by state-run Radio-Television Algerienne, runs national Arabic, Berber and French networks and several local stations

News agencies

Algerian Press Service (APS) - state-run

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