The State Centralization and Control of the Broadcasting Media in Algeria From 1962 to 1982: Application and Shortcomings

Kaci, Ahmed

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Description

Title

The State Centralization and Control of the Broadcasting Media in Algeria From 1962 to 1982: Application and Shortcomings

Author(s)

Kaci, Ahmed

Issue Date

1988

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Rowland, Willard D., Jr.

Department of Study

Communication

Discipline

Communication

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Mass Communications

Language

eng

Abstract

• This is a case study of the post-independence Algerian broadcasting media from a cultural-critical perspective. The detailed analysis evidenced that the RTA (Radiodiffusion Television Algerienne) developed five main characteristics: (a) a failure of the elites to re-think broadcasting in the post-independence era; (b) broadcasting monopoly privileged the dissemination of official political discourse; (c) it tolerated financial, personnel and production mismanagement in exchange for political allegiance; (d) it controlled the broadcasting profession; and (e) it allowed for a paternalist conception of the audiences.
• Did RTA's officials make a creative use of their elaborate scheme of broadcasting control? This study invested a great deal of efforts in cross-checking official claims about RTA's roles and goals with its real performance. The results indicated that the RTA developed major shortcomings in four areas: (a) the broadcasting profession; (b) nation-building and sub-culture; (c) broadcasting credibility and production policy; and (d) program dependence on foreign suppliers.
• Many of the factors which prevented the RTA from developing a relatively independent production capacity were embodied in the contradictions peculiar to its policies and practices. The latter were illustrated by RTA'a anti-production practices including constant censorship, heavy bureaucracy, lack of competition, heavy reliance on obedient, but non-dedicated part-timers, and the exclusion of non-conforming artists, scriptwriters, singers and program producers.
• At a more abstract level, this study addressed the issues of how the broadcasting shortcomings resulting from monopoly in the developing state relate to the processes of professionalization, nation-building and sub-cultural policies, media credibility-crisis, and the domestic forces inhibiting broadcasting production and perpetuating program-dependence. The detailed analysis of the case evidenced in incompatibility between the centrally-controlled uses and abuses of broadcasting monopoly and the practice of political democracy and intellectual freedoms by all concerned social groups within the developing context.
• Finally, the study suggested that three key issues need further investigation due to their common importance to international communications research, cross-cultural broadcasting and media-in-development analysis. These issues include: (a) the nature, meanings and relationships between broadcasting monopoly, political democracy, and cultural freedom and balance; (b) the role of broadcasting in the processes of nation-building and the handling of sub-cultures; and (c) the relationships between domestic broadcasting production policies and dependence on the international broadcasting market.

Graduation Semester

1988

Type of Resource

text

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