The pre-appearance phase of Algerian journalism during the French occupation 1830-1892
Introduction
Research in the field of Algerian journalism requires tracking the dynamics of Algerian society and its history filled with heroism, especially considering the Algerian perspective and how they perceive journalism as a means of colonial invasion and crusader missionary work. It is well known that the first newspaper published in Algeria was "Estafette d’Alger" on June 25, the day after the occupation of Algiers, and its distribution began on July 1, 1840. The first Arabic newspapers were published from 1847 to 1927.
Algerian journalism experienced a relative flourishing during the colonial era, considering the number of newspapers that emerged during that period, which exceeded 150 newspapers. These newspapers had diverse content and can be classified into four main categories: government press, local press, private press, and national press.
The pre-appearance phase of Algerian journalism during the French occupation 1830-1892
The French government was keen to include, in addition to military experts and fighters, other men and weapons different from those of the fighters in its military campaign. These were the men of culture and media, whose weapons were pens. The Crusader propaganda increased the enthusiasm of the volunteers and had a significant impact on the educated circles, with many of them succumbing to this overwhelming tide. Dozens of men of letters, culture, and literature joined the ranks.
A. The stage of absolute support for the French occupation and media censorship
Government press: It is under French supervision through its representative in Algeria, namely the General Governor, along with the French administration. The supervision is characterised by two forms: either direct (Al-Mubashir newspaper) or indirect through continuous political guidance and covering expenses via financial subsidies (Kawkab Afrik newspaper, Al-Najah newspaper).
The newspaper "Le Courrier d'Algérie":
It was overseen by French army officers and was responsible for collecting a series of news and information related to developments in French politics and the French campaign led by the French army present in Algeria. After the invaders managed to occupy Algeria and stay there, this newspaper, which only saw the light of day in two issues because it was a product of the moment, was discontinued and replaced by many newspapers that served French interests.
Then, the occupier followed it with the weekly newspaper "Le Moniteur d'Algérie" or "ورقة خبور الجزائر" on 27/01/1832, which worked to confuse Algerian public opinion, especially during the first resistance period, until 1848 when the occupier expanded the scope of military and media operations, exploiting the propaganda aspect to influence the psychology and morale of citizens and locals. It was characterised by its reliance on a poorly hybridised colloquial language.
It was followed by the newspaper "Al-Akhbar": its title was in Arabic but in French letters, issued by the French colonisers (12/07/1839), the first private newspaper to be published in occupied Algeria.
They were followed by two regional weeklies (1843-1844) La Seybouse, Le Journal de Bone, and in the west, Oran, L’Écho d’Oran 12/10/1844 (the oldest French newspaper published in Algeria).
Then we witnessed the publication of "Al-Mubashir" on 15/09/1847, which coincided perfectly with the end of the military resistance of Emir Abdelkader and Ahmed Bey against the French occupation. France relied on the notables in the villages as intermediaries to extend its influence over the Muslim population. "Al-Mubashir" served as the intermediary between the French government and the intermediaries to inform them of the various measures to be taken concerning individuals, properties, and administrative structures.