Strengthening Regional Journalism in Morocco
The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers convened its annual general assembly for its regional branch in Marrakech-Safi on Friday, June 19, 2026. This important event saw participation from around forty media companies representing most provinces in the region. The assembly was presided over by the President of the Federation, alongside an executive bureau delegation and council heads, as well as leaders from other regional branches. The gathering was marked by a central theme: "Resilience Against the Plan to Liquidate Regional Journalism." This theme underscored the federation's rejection of exclusionary practices and government legal measures targeting small media enterprises and regional journalism, reinforcing its commitment to these positions.
During the assembly, participants presented and discussed both the literary and financial reports, which were unanimously approved. Additionally, a new president and bureau for the branch were elected, a decision that also received unanimous support. This assembly demonstrated the ongoing determination of the Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers to actively develop the overall framework for regional media enterprises, enhance their managerial and professional qualifications, and advocate for their integration into various regional development systems. The federation believes that the future of journalism in Morocco is closely tied to the inclusion of regional media within these developmental processes. By investing in and supporting regional journalism, the federation aims to solidify democratic pluralism and media diversity in the country.
Confronting the Challenges Facing Moroccan Journalism
Participants in the assembly highlighted that this organizational meeting occurs during a period when Moroccan journalism is grappling with one of its most severe crises. This crisis is exacerbated by governmental practices, including the passage of a burdensome law for the self-regulatory body, which has been widely rejected by the professional community and human rights advocates. Furthermore, a discriminatory public support system has emerged that promotes favoritism and media opportunists while undermining pluralism and marginalizing smaller media companies and regional journalism. Coupled with the economic challenges confronting media enterprises and the growing disregard for professional standards and ethical guidelines, these issues necessitate a candid and courageous response to rescue the profession and the sector from deterioration. There is also a pressing need to overcome fragmentation within the professional community and among representative professional organizations.
As participants reflected on the structural and existential crises outlined above, they expressed hope that the government would recognize the direct threat posed by the new law regarding the National Press Council and the public support system to regional journalism and small media enterprises. They also anticipate that public authorities, elected bodies, and various relevant institutions in the Marrakech-Safi region will develop alternative local and regional programs to support serious and structured regional journalism enterprises. This recognition hinges on understanding the media's vital role in the success of regional development initiatives and its advocacy for these efforts.
The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers reiterated its readiness, as it has for the past quarter-century, to present proposals and ideas aimed at formulating a regional system for public support for journalism. The federation is committed to fostering partnerships and collaborative agreements while working with all stakeholders to promote media enterprises in the region. It emphasizes the importance of upholding principles of mutual respect, journalistic independence, enhancing pluralism, solidarity, professional quality, and adherence to ethical standards.
Participants in the Marrakech-Safi branch's general assembly reaffirmed their strong commitment to the positions consistently expressed by the federation against arbitrary and exclusionary decisions made by the ministry and the government. They also expressed solidarity with their colleagues from the Saharan regions in their protests. The assembly concluded with a resolution to continue working within the Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers and to persist in "resisting the plan to liquidate regional journalism," while calling for strengthened unity and solidarity among media enterprises within the region, reinforcing the professional community's cohesion based on respect, honesty, and commitment to ethical standards.
The general assembly of the Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers in the Marrakech-Safi region resulted in the election of the following branch bureau:
- President: Ibrahim Serout, "Al-Intifada," Marrakech
- Vice Presidents:
- Abdi Abriq, "Regional Facts," Benguerir
- Nabil Khafqi, "Morning Marrakech," Marrakech
- Saeed Jidiani, "Safi Today," Safi
- Arabic Ben Al-Bout, "The Observer Journal," Chichawa
- Hind Jawhari, "YesPress 7TV," Marrakech
- General Secretary: Fatima Zahra Al-Mashawri, "Al-Intifada," Marrakech
- Deputy: Abdul Karim Al-Alawi, "Marrakech Post," Marrakech
- Treasurer: Abdul Razak Olami, "Zagora Press," Marrakech
- Deputy: Hassan Atlag, "Alwa Safi Newspaper," Safi
- Consultants Charged with Tasks:
- Chair of the Training and Business Qualification Committee: Abdul Rahman Makhtari, "DIEZ.com," Marrakech
- Deputy: Jamila Nasif, "Agaras Newspaper," Al-Haouz
- Chair of the Public Relations Committee: Abdul Rahim Ashar, "Press Club Magazine," Marrakech
- Deputy: Iyad Lemehimer, "Al-Nahar Press," Benguerir
- Chair of the Social Affairs Committee: Abdul Hadi Ahmimu, "Safi Now," Safi
- Deputies: Salah Al-Zendi, "Marrakech Statement," Marrakech; Boubakr Baroud, "Kash TV," Marrakech
As reported by alayam24.com.
