PARIS, June 18: Algeria is to have its first private television network, Khalifa TV, which is to be launched in September, as part of ceremonies for the “Year of Algeria”, a 12-month celebration marking France’s relationship with Algeria, a former French colony.

The new TV network has been created by Franco-Algerian businessman Abdelmoumen Khalifa, who already owns a number of private companies created in both countries, notably Khalifa Airways which provides daily air service between France and Algeria.

Mr Khalifa says that he’s just obtained the green light for creation of the network from French TV watchdog authority and that, following tests this summer, his new network should start service in September, at which time it will be broadcast onto Algerian soil by way of the HotBird communications satellite.