فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Press freedom in Morocco is a constitutional right that cannot be contested, as Article 28 of the Moroccan Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and publication without any form of prior censorship. Despite this, journalists, especially independents, face increasing obstacles preventing them from practicing their profession. The National Press Council has imposed strict administrative requirements, including the need for a university degree or a high school diploma, as well as registration in the National Social Security Fund. Many view these requirements as a means to tighten the grip on free media and transform journalism into an elitist profession, instead of being an open space for all.
Fes News is closely following this issue, which has sparked widespread debate within the media community. Many journalists believe that these measures violate the constitutional principles, as the Constitution does not specify any particular educational level required to practice journalism. This makes these conditions contradict national and international laws, which state that freedom of expression is guaranteed for all citizens without discrimination. Furthermore, many prominent names in journalism did not hold university degrees but made a strong impact through experience and field practice. How can the exclusion of large groups of citizens simply because they lack an academic certificate be justified?
Fes News also monitored reactions from various media stakeholders who consider these conditions to be in conflict with the reality of the profession. Journalism is not merely an academic certificate; it is the ability to convey news with objectivity and professionalism, a skill that can be acquired through practice and experience. Additionally, making social security registration a prerequisite for practicing journalism excludes thousands of independent journalists who work in non-traditional ways, particularly in the digital age, where online journalism occupies a significant space in Morocco’s media landscape.
Many journalists interviewed by Fes News argue that the solution lies not in imposing impossible conditions, but in offering training programs focused on the ethics of the profession, allowing everyone to access journalism with proper training for those who wish to enter the field. Journalism is not a privilege for a particular group; it is the voice of society. It should not be restricted to those with a university degree, as professional practice and adherence to journalistic ethics are the true criteria for determining anyone’s eligibility to work in the profession.
In light of these developments, the question remains: Are these regulatory measures aimed at improving the profession and ensuring quality, or are they, in fact, a means of excluding independent journalism and consolidating control over the media? Fes News will continue to monitor this issue and report on its developments, especially as the National Press Council faces increasing criticism from professionals and advocates of freedom of expression in Morocco.
source : fesnews media
