The History of the Printed Press in Algeria: A Socio-Historical Reading

Abstract

Owing to its pivotal role, the Algerian press is considered one of the most prominent and influential media institutions in Algerian society, particularly during the War of National Liberation. Through its commitment to preserving national identity, it significantly increased Algerian people's awareness of their cause while also introducing and promoting the Algerian question at both the national and international levels. Following independence, the press played an essential role in the construction of the national state. Notably, in its early stages, the Algerian press functioned as a public press under direct state supervision. However, in the 1990s, Algeria witnessed the emergence of media pluralism, marking a pioneering experiment in the Arab world. This transformation contributed substantially to the expansion of freedom of expression and to the enlightenment of public opinion nationwide.