Moroccan Journalists Raise Concerns Over Exclusion from Kawkab Marrakech Conference
The regional branch of the National Union of Moroccan Journalists in Marrakech has strongly condemned the exclusion of several journalists and representatives from sports media in the city from a press conference organized by the management of Kawkab Marrakech Football Club. The conference was attended by the team’s coach, Youssef Safri, and the union deems this approach to media relations as unacceptable.
In an official statement, the regional branch highlighted that the press conference was arranged without prior notification or invitation to several local journalists and took place in a closed venue at one of the city’s hotels. This has raised questions regarding the underlying motives behind such communication practices, especially considering that local sports journalism consistently covers news related to Kawkab Marrakech and its developments.
The union emphasized that excluding journalists from an event that should be open to media outlets cannot be dismissed as a mere communication oversight. This is particularly critical given the team’s preparations for the upcoming football season, which necessitates transparent and inclusive communication with various media outlets.
The National Union of Moroccan Journalists in Marrakech holds the Kawkab Marrakech management accountable for this approach to media interaction, demanding clear explanations regarding the reasons behind not notifying or inviting journalists to the conference, along with the criteria used to determine who received invitations.
Additionally, the regional branch expressed solidarity with the journalists who faced exclusion, reiterating its rejection of any selective dealings with media outlets. It underscored that the relationship between sports clubs and media should be based on mutual respect, clarity, and equal access to information.
The union urged the Kawkab Marrakech management to reassess its management of media relations and rectify what it described as a flawed communication pathway to avoid any potential strain in relations with journalists. It affirmed that the media is not a party to any disputes but rather plays a professional role in conveying the team’s news and tracking its sports journey.
In conclusion, the regional union reaffirmed its right to utilize all legitimate forms of professional action to defend journalists' rights, ensuring their access to information and the ability to perform their professional duties.
As reported by nichanealane.ma.
