Algeria Confronts Global Media Disinformation: Minister Meziane Unveils Strategic Initiatives to Strengthen National Media and Combat Distortion as 9,000 Journalists Engage in Anti-Algerian Narratives

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 11th, 2025 — Minister of Communication Mohamed Meziane has sounded the alarm on ‘a vast international media effort to distort Algeria’s image,’ revealing that over 9,000 journalists worldwide are engaged in disinformation campaigns targeting the country. The minister made these statements during his participation in the National Conference on “The Algerian University and Developmental Media,” held at the Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences at the University of Algiers 3.

A Strategic Training Initiative for Media Professionals

In response to the increasing complexities of media narratives surrounding Algeria, Meziane announced the launch of an extensive training initiative aimed at equipping media professionals with the necessary expertise to navigate investment frameworks and regulatory procedures. The initiative seeks to empower journalists with the foundational knowledge required to effectively communicate Algeria’s economic progress and counter false narratives.

Raising the Bar: A Call to National Media Institutions

The minister issued a direct challenge to major Algerian media institutions, including the Algerian Television (ENTV), the Algeria Press Service (APS), and the Algerian International Channel (AIC), urging them to rise to the occasion and assert their presence in the global media landscape. He emphasized that these platforms must embrace their responsibility to effectively communicate Algeria’s developmental strides and national achievements.

Historical Context and Algeria’s Stance on Colonial Legacy

Highlighting Algeria’s principled position on its colonial past, Meziane reiterated President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s remarks that while Algeria harbors no animosity towards the French people or the French state, it firmly rejects all forms of colonialist practices. He called upon credible and competent historians to contribute to a truthful representation of Algeria’s history, urging national media to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the country’s historical integrity.

Algeria Media Gateway: A Digital Platform for Strategic Communication

A major announcement at the event was the launch of the Algeria Media Gateway, a comprehensive digital platform designed to enhance the role of media and communication in developmental processes. This platform will serve as a hub connecting media institutions, government agencies, and stakeholders capable of contributing to Algeria’s strategic communication landscape. The minister underscored the platform’s potential to streamline access to verified information, thus countering misinformation campaigns against Algeria.

Specialization in Journalism: A New Imperative

Meziane stressed that the era of generalist journalism is over, advocating for a shift towards specialized journalism that prioritizes accuracy and depth. “A journalist cannot be expected to cover all areas of expertise; precision and specialization are paramount,” he asserted, urging media professionals to adopt this approach to enhance the quality of journalistic output.

The Responsibility of Media in Shaping Public Perception

The minister also shed light on instances where irresponsible media practices have disrupted local governance. He cited a recent incident where a journalist’s statement caused turmoil in a specific province, leading to administrative complications. Drawing from the theories of communication scholar Marshall McLuhan, Meziane reaffirmed that the core of any media message is its content rather than the medium itself. “A well-intentioned word will yield positive outcomes, whereas a malicious statement can have detrimental consequences,” he explained, advocating for responsible journalism.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Media Institutions

Meziane called for stronger synergies between academic institutions and media organizations, emphasizing the need for field-based training for journalism students. He highlighted the importance of hands-on experience, proposing contractual agreements between universities and media institutions to facilitate professional integration. “A journalism degree alone is insufficient; practical proficiency is the key differentiator,” he remarked, citing Western media landscapes where merit is assessed through demonstrated skill rather than mere academic credentials.

A Call for National Pride and Developmental Commitment

In a broader message, Meziane urged Algerians to take pride in their country, asserting that Algeria remains one of the few nations that actively invests in developmental projects for its citizens. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Maghreb unity project, recalling Algeria’s historical dedication to regional cooperation since the Tangier Conference of 1958.

Media’s Role in Promoting National Economic Growth

The minister emphasized the integral role of media and communication in advancing national development, reinforcing President Tebboune’s vision of leveraging media as a tool for economic progress. “Media must elevate national values, promote investment initiatives, and enhance Algeria’s economic image,” Meziane stated, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to a robust and dynamic media sector.

The Battle for Algeria’s Image: A Media Counteroffensive is Needed

In light of external attempts to undermine Algeria’s image, Meziane urged national media to take proactive measures in shaping the narrative. “The state’s developmental efforts should generate engagement and recognition, not be met with attempts to tarnish our country’s reputation,” he lamented. He called for increased awareness among journalists, asserting that those who do not take the initiative to master media dynamics risk ceding influence to external forces.

As Algeria navigates an increasingly complex global information environment, its media professionals are being challenged to rise to the occasion, ensuring that the nation’s achievements are accurately represented and safeguarded against external disinformation campaigns.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube