La ligne de conduite des médias

The media line of conduct

The fundamentals of journalism covering the ethics and professional conduct that have been enshrined in the legal framework concerning information and communication, are recalled – adapted to the activity of candidates for an election – by the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE) to the media to respect them. Thus, the media coverage of the candidates for the Presidential election of September 7 is strictly regulated at the regulatory level by a decree made public by the National Authority.

These include the terms and procedures for access to audiovisual media for these candidates and the terms of media coverage of presidential candidates by the written press and the electronic press, as well as the announcement of candidacies via social networks. Public and private audiovisual media under Algerian law, with legal authorization, and other private audiovisual media, whose programs are legally broadcast in Algeria, including audiovisual activity via the internet, are concerned.

Access to audiovisual media must be fair to all presidential candidates, within the framework of public service missions. We know that the distribution of time slots for direct expression to candidates is ensured by the ANIE, in coordination with the National Independent Authority for Audiovisual Regulation (ANIRA).

The same text also requires audiovisual media to ensure that candidates or their representatives have fair participation in scheduled broadcasts. The media are required to guarantee “fair media coverage of the candidates’ activities during the election campaign”. It is necessary to “prohibit any preferential treatment towards any candidate participating in the election” and to “ensure that journalists and technicians who depend on them, activists of one of the parties participating in the election and those who support a candidate or have a link with any candidate, refrain from covering the election campaign”.

The media concerned must also guarantee the right of reply within the time limits set in accordance with the provisions of Article 66 of the Law on the Written and Electronic Press, and Article 38 of the Law on Audiovisual Activity. The media are called upon to “respect a series of rules relating to the principles of credibility and impartiality by questioning candidates on their possible contradictions and asking them for clarifications concerning their programs”. The decision also requires “ensuring that the reproduction of extracts from press releases and statements by candidates or their representatives does not distort the general meaning or the initial meaning of the document”. Finally, the media must respect the three-day electoral silence period preceding election day.
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