TV channels were mobilized and the CEO of Al-Shorouk Channel was summoned due to a TV series

There are many advertisements in the Algerian audio-visual media during the month of Ramadan, and the regulatory body is the one that notices this. The programs are also subject to close scrutiny by the Ministry of Communications, which has just allocated a special channel for the sequences featured in the TV series.

Like every year at this time, that is, during the month of Ramadan, controversy arises over respect for its specifications by Algerian private television channels.

When it's not the violent hidden camera or extremely daring scenes from a TV series that spark discussion, it's the amount of advertising slots that gets the spotlight. That is the case again this year. On the fourth day of the holy month, the Audiovisual Regulatory Authority (ARAF) stepped up to issue a resounding call to order.

Since the beginning of Ramadan, Monday, March 11, and especially at peak times such as before and after the iftar call to prayer, advertisements have been broadcast at a frenetic pace.

Food brands in particular are taking advantage of this moment when all Algerians are in front of their television screens to reach the largest possible audience.

This is also the case in Ramadan evenings and even during the day. The Algerian Audiovisual Broadcasting Regulatory Authority considers that the time spent is excessive, and in any case exceeds the limits set by law.

TV channels are on alert due to advertisements, and the CEO of Al-Shorouk Channel is summoned

“It has been observed that some (national TV channels) are significantly exceeding the time allotted for advertising spots,” ARAV noted in a press release published on Thursday, March 14. The authority adds: “This harms the interests of the viewer.”

While calling on all audiovisual media outlets to respect viewers and the privacy of the Algerian family, the agency stresses, pending the issuance of the audiovisual law, the necessity of adhering to the existing texts, especially the executive decree issued in August 2016 regarding the definition of general conditions sheets. Conditions for audiovisual broadcasting. The decree mentioned in Articles 69 to 74 specifies the conditions and methods for publishing the advertisement.

Article 71, for example, stipulates this “Cinematic, audio-visual works may not be subject to more than two advertising interruptions.” from “Cinematic works must be limited to a total duration of six minutes.”

Article 73, for its part, is very clear regarding the time allotted for the broadcast of advertising messages: it is “Broadcast time can be no more than six minutes per hour on average during the year.” And “Each series of advertising messages is limited to a maximum duration of three minutes.”. Quantities that Algerian TV channels do not seem to respect, according to ARAV findings.

In addition to the authorities, professionals also take action to denounce non-compliance with these regulatory provisions. “It is not possible! There is a law that was just issued, respect it, it is not even complicated.”Film director Mehdi Benaissa thunders in a video on social media. “Out of respect for the work of the actors”It calls for preventing advertisements from being broadcasted amid intrusive programs or advertisements.

“It's about the quality of the show. This is not in the interest of the program or the advertiser. Everyone loses.”“, explains Ben Issa.

According to specialists, the increase in the volume of advertisements on Algerian channels does not mean an increase in revenues. Due to the very strong competition, the audio-visual media reduce their prices and compensate for the shortage by broadcasting more sites.

It is the low prices that explain why small brands are able to broadcast several programs every day throughout the year in prime time and on channels with large audiences.

On the other hand, Al-Shorouk TV was targeted by the monitoring committee formed by the Ministry of Communications. The Ministry announced, in a press release issued today, Thursday, March 14, that a summons had been sent to the director of the private channel to explain the scenes contained in the series. “Al-Barani” Broadcasting since the beginning of Ramadan.

On February 20, Communications Minister Mohamed Lajab formed a monitoring committee responsible for scrutinizing the programs broadcast by Algerian television channels during the month of Ramadan. For its part, on March 3, the association called on television channels to respect the sanctity of the month of Ramadan and the privacy of the Algerian family.