Political and Media Fields in Algeria

This study examines the evolution of the written press in Algeria from 1962 to the present, focusing on the transformations it has undergone in the political landscape. The media's journey is divided into two distinct phases: the period of unilateral political control from 1962--1989 and the era of political pluralism from 1989--present. This paper investigates the role of censorship, political interference, and legal frameworks that shaped the media environment during these phases. While the state monopolised audiovisual media, the written press witnessed varying degrees of freedom, especially after 1989, with the introduction of pluralism. The challenges faced by the Algerian media, including financial struggles, political pressures, and fluctuating laws, are critically analysed, with the conclusion highlighting the impact of these forces on the media's credibility and its role in political socialisation.