Regional Newspaper Publishers Reject Government’s Media Support Plan

The presidents of the regional branches of the Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers have rejected the Ministry of Communication’s project for regional press support, calling it a « provocative and regressive move » that marginalizes regional journalism and shirks the government’s responsibilities toward this sector.

During a consultative meeting led by the federation’s president and executive board members, participants discussed developments in the new public funding system for journalism. They strongly criticized the ministry’s plan to « sign a partnership agreement to support regional journalism with regional councils, » labeling it as unilateral and lacking consultation.

In a press release, the regional branch presidents expressed deep dissatisfaction with the exclusion of their federation from any discussions, despite it being the sole representative of regional journalism nationwide. They argued that this approach contradicts the principle of participatory governance enshrined in the Moroccan Constitution.

They also voiced concerns over the ambiguous terms of the agreement presented to regional councils, which have caused confusion and hindered decision-making. They warned that this approach could ultimately exclude regional journalism from public funding, despite its vital role in the national media landscape.

The federation pointed out that it had previously signed successful agreements with regions such as Tangier, Dakhla, and Agadir, but these agreements were blocked by the Minister of Communication for what they described as « bureaucratic and unjustified reasons. » They accused the ministry of appropriating their initiative and reintroducing it with unrealistic conditions that serve narrow electoral interests. Furthermore, they criticized the meager financial support proposed under the new plan, which falls below even the minimal subsidies previously granted to certain regional press outlets.

The regional newspaper publishers also raised concerns about the imposition of marketing-based criteria as a condition for receiving government funding, warning that such restrictions could turn journalism into a mere propaganda tool and threaten media freedom and diversity.

They called on regional councils to refrain from hastily adopting the ministry’s plan and urged the government to uphold its legal and financial obligations toward regional journalism. They also stressed the need to recognize local and small media enterprises as an essential part of the national economy and provide them with adequate support to foster growth and job creation.

Additionally, they criticized the complex renewal process for professional press cards, describing it as bureaucratic and lacking a solid legal foundation, which threatens the sustainability of media enterprises.

In conclusion, the regional branch presidents argued that the ministry’s unilateral decisions lack legitimacy and will not bring real reform to the sector. They called on the government to correct its course, engage in meaningful and responsible dialogue, and expedite the organization of elections for the National Press Council in accordance with the current law.