Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube’s Remarkable Success and English Expansion Drive Global Reach as New Italian, Spanish, and Chinese Editions Prepare for Launch – Interview

In an exclusive interview granted to Dzair Tube News, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dzair Tube Media Group, journalist Maamar Gani, opens a comprehensive discussion on the reality behind the slogan “Algeria’s First Electronic Channel,” shedding light on the origins of the group, its developmental stages since inception, and the key challenges and achievements that have shaped its trajectory within Algeria’s digital media landscape.

He further elaborates on the group’s vision, accomplishments, national and international expansion, and future prospects in light of ongoing transformations in Algeria’s electronic media sector, as well as the upcoming surprises prepared for its audience.

Below is the full interview:

Dzair Tube: What are the most important future projects the institution is currently working on?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube is preparing several major initiatives for its loyal audience in the upcoming phase. Among the most significant is the launch of a new and upgraded version of its website, which will include additional languages such as Spanish, Chinese, and Italian, in a strategic step aimed at expanding its reach and strengthening its presence both nationally and internationally.

The selection of the Spanish language is not arbitrary, given its relevance to the Sahrawi issue, considering Spain’s historical role as the former colonial power in Western Sahara, as well as the strong interest of Spanish public opinion in this question, alongside the support of a significant segment of Spanish political and civil society for the Polisario Front, in addition to the presence of a substantial Algerian community in Spain.

The Italian edition reflects the depth of historical, political, and economic relations between Algeria and Italy, which have experienced accelerated development in recent years, particularly under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

As for Chinese, the launch of a Chinese edition reflects the growing strategic economic partnership between Algeria and China, as well as China’s status as a leading global economic power and the rising importance of the Chinese language internationally.

Dzair Tube: Regarding the slogan “Algeria’s First Electronic Channel,” many observers question its authenticity. Is it a claim or a fact?

Maamar Gani: Indeed, many observers raise this question—and rightly so—about whether Dzair Tube is truly the first electronic channel in Algeria or whether the slogan is simply a branding device intended to attract attention.

The slogan “Algeria’s First Electronic Channel” is neither a claim nor a promotional exaggeration, nor an attempt to ride trends or obtain undue recognition. It was not created through marketing brainstorming or competitive slogan selection. Rather, it reflects an established reality supported by evidence. Dzair Tube is indeed the first electronic channel in the country.

Dzair Tube: How did Dzair Tube begin, and why was the name “Tube” chosen?

Maamar Gani: The beginnings date back to 2018, when Dzair Tube was established with a strong orientation toward new media and digital platforms. The choice of the word “Tube” was intentional and meaningful, reflecting a deliberate editorial orientation toward video-based journalism as the primary medium for content creation and audience engagement during a period marked by the widespread adoption of smartphones.

The original logo, featuring a screen incorporating the word “Tube,” symbolized in a clear and innovative manner the identity of Dzair Tube as Algeria’s first electronic channel.

Dzair Tube: What challenges did Dzair Tube face in its early stages?

Maamar Gani: From the moment it emerged as Algeria’s first electronic channel, Dzair Tube operated in a media environment that, at the time, recognized only traditional satellite channels. The institutional and regulatory framework for digital media was still underdeveloped, with significant delays in structuring and organizing the sector.

Despite operating initially under a simple commercial registration, Dzair Tube positioned itself within a competitive media space alongside emerging platforms. The team was driven by strong determination and a firm willingness to undertake a risky but pioneering experience in digital journalism.

Dzair Tube: What was Dzair Tube’s first major achievement, and how did it view the emergence of other electronic channels?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube’s first major achievement consisted in breaking through an inaccessible media landscape, thereby enabling other electronic channels to enter the field without fear of failure or inferiority. In this sense, it laid the foundational groundwork for digital broadcasting in Algeria and contributed to the establishment of digital journalism as a recognized practice.

Dzair Tube never viewed its pioneering status as a source of superiority over other emerging platforms. On the contrary, it has always embraced the principle that Algeria is large enough for all, promoting fair competition and encouraging the emergence of new media institutions, regardless of their number.

Dzair Tube: Why does the institution continue to uphold this slogan?

Maamar Gani: Since 2018, Dzair Tube has remained fully aligned with its founding slogan. The institution has consistently achieved leading audience figures in digital media, and its trajectory continues to reflect its pioneering status within the sector.

The answer lies in both historical evidence and present reality, which confirm its position in the digital media landscape.

Dzair Tube: How has the website evolved and what does it offer today?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube’s website predates the channel, having been launched in 2014, making it one of the earliest digital media platforms in Algeria, both in terms of establishment and development.

Today, the platform publishes content in Arabic, English, and French. It also dedicates significant coverage to sports and youth-oriented content. The institution employs a young team of 48 journalists and staff members who receive continuous training in media production.

It also publishes a sports newspaper that is downloaded daily in thousands of copies from the platform. The English edition, in particular, represents a strategic media bridge directed toward foreign diplomats and embassies in Algeria.

Dzair Tube: What is the institution’s current position in the media landscape?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube has evolved into a small media group in structure but a major one in ambition. It strives to elevate digital journalism in Algeria and contribute to promoting the country’s image, in line with the national vision defined by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Dzair Tube: What about its national ranking?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube continues to rank first nationally within the .dz domain, based on its analytical and diversified content covering national and international issues. On peak days, it records nearly half a million interactions.

Dzair Tube: What role has the President of the Republic played in developing electronic media?

Maamar Gani: It is important to acknowledge that the progress achieved in the digital media sector is closely linked to the reforms initiated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has played a pioneering role in modernizing electronic journalism in Algeria.

History will record his contribution to elevating digital press to a recognized status, including legislative reforms that strengthened the sector, most notably the recent decision to integrate accredited electronic media into the public procurement advertising system.

Dzair Tube: Who leads the media group and who composes its team?

Maamar Gani: The group is led by myself, Maamar Gani, as CEO, alongside General Director Mejdouba Bensalah (known as Toufik). The group includes more than 48 employees across journalism, administration, technical production, and photography, as well as over 45 correspondents across Algeria and abroad, including France and Spain, in addition to a network of writers and contributors.

Dzair Tube: What is the position of the news website within the media landscape?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube’s Arabic edition, led editorially by journalist Mohamed Kahlouche, has secured a leading position among Algerian news platforms. It delivers a rich and diverse editorial product including exclusive news, analysis, and interviews in Arabic, French, and English.

Dzair Tube: What are the major awards obtained by Dzair Tube?

Maamar Gani: The group has previously been awarded the President of the Republic Prize for Professional Journalist in the electronic press category (October 22, 2022), in addition to the Media Leadership Award and the “Television Crescent (Hilal)” Award as the first digital channel at the national level.

Dzair Tube: What is the scale of its audience on digital platforms?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube records approximately 600,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 6.3 million followers on Facebook, in addition to millions of followers across TikTok, Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Dzair Tube: How has the English version developed internationally?

Maamar Gani: The English edition of Dzair Tube has made significant international progress under the supervision of Dr. Hana Saada. It has attracted attention from diplomats, policymakers, and international media outlets.

Its content is regularly republished by foreign platforms, including American, Dutch, Russian, Chinese, Indian, and Saudi websites, with attribution and recognition.

Dzair Tube: What about its presence outside Algeria?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube has established a notable presence beyond national borders and is among the most followed Algerian digital media platforms in Morocco, reflecting its regional reach and influence within the Maghreb.

Dzair Tube: How is the digital channel performing on social media?

Maamar Gani: The digital channel has recorded exceptional performance, reaching approximately 3.2 billion views on Facebook over one year, covering news, sports, cultural, religious, and entertainment content. Associated pages have generated over 1.5 billion additional views.

Dzair Tube: What technical capabilities does the institution rely on?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube relies on professional studios and advanced technical infrastructure that enable the production of high-quality reports, advertisements, and programs. It also operates an interactive studio hosting prominent figures from various fields.

Dzair Tube: Who are some of the guests hosted by the channel?

Maamar Gani: Guests have included analysts, journalists, and political, sports, economic, and cultural figures, including Ibrahim Chaouche and journalist Walid El-Aakel, as well as parliamentarians and party leaders.

Dzair Tube: Who forms the journalistic team?

Maamar Gani: The team includes Mohamed Sadik Bouziane, Samir Badi, Hamza Rezig, Samir Bourzak, Abdel Nour Hawaz, Oussama Ezzedine, Nazim Kadi, Haroun Kattaf, Meriem Djoudi, Hanane Mehdi, and Rayan Al-Abdi, among others.

Dzair Tube: What about Dzair Sport?

Maamar Gani: The Dzair Sport newspaper achieves around 50,000 daily downloads and is supervised by journalist Samir Badi and editor Abdallah Kharashi, with contributions from journalist Walid Saadawi.

Dzair Tube: What are the institution’s future ambitions?

Maamar Gani: The group aims to expand into a large media headquarters equipped with advanced studios, positioning itself among leading continental media organizations.

Dzair Tube: What is its editorial orientation regarding national defense?

Maamar Gani: Dzair Tube adopts a strong editorial line focused on defending national interests and countering hostile narratives, particularly in relation to Algeria’s geopolitical adversaries.

Dzair Tube: What is its social and humanitarian role?

Maamar Gani: The group promotes social cohesion, national unity, and humanitarian initiatives, including programs that have provided housing, pilgrimage opportunities, and financial support to participants.

Dzair Tube: Any Final message to the audience?

Maamar Gani: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I extend my sincere greetings to all media professionals and express gratitude to Dzair Tube’s loyal audience, correspondents, and partners whose contributions continue to support the institution’s development.