Algiers members of lower house consider bill on broadcasting

Members of the People’s National Assembly (Lower House) started Tuesday the consideration of the bill on broadcasting, after being presented by Minister of Communication, Abdelkader Messahel.More than sixty members will speak during the consideration of this bill. The Communication Minister will respond Wednesday afternoon to questions and comments raised by members during the debate.The adoption of this new legislation is scheduled for January 20th. The Bill of 107 articles submitted last October by Messahel before the Lower House special committee states in Article 10 that the exploitation of audiovisual services is through programs to address of the society in all its components.Article 18 stipulates that to be eligible for the benefits of creating themed broadcasting, the applicants must hold the Algerian nationality and possess a "purely national" social capital.In Article 17, it allows the radio and television channels to integrate broadcasts and programs of information in an hourly volume clearly defined in the operating permit.According to Article 27 of the bill, the authorization for television broadcasting lasts ten years and five years for radio broadcasting.