فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Casablanca, September 19, 2025 – The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers held its regular meeting at its central headquarters in Casablanca on Friday, September 19, 2025, where it reviewed the current state of the press sector and discussed the latest legal, regulatory, and professional developments related to journalism in Morocco.
Widespread Professional and Social Rejection of the National Press Council Law
The federation reiterated its rejection of the government draft law aimed at reorganizing the National Press Council, considering that this law contradicts the constitution and the principles of press self-regulation as practiced globally. It also conflicts with the democratic aspirations of the country.
The federation highlighted the strong support its stance has received from most components of the professional body, human rights organizations, political, trade union and civil society forces, as well as former ministers in the sector. This emphasizes the government’s isolation in the face of broad professional rejection of this unilateral step.
Role of the National Human Rights Council and the Economic and Social Council
The federation welcomed the openness of the National Human Rights Council and the Economic and Social Council to professional organizations and their consideration of proposals during the preparation of advisory opinions on the law, something the government failed to do in its legislative initiative.
The federation also expressed appreciation for the recommendations contained in the advisory opinion of the National Human Rights Council, especially regarding the composition and structure of the council, balanced democratic representation of professionals, and the rights-based framework to be adopted in press laws. It called on the government and the Council of Advisors to take these recommendations into account when reviewing the law or opening a professional dialogue around it.
Coordinated and Unified Work with Trade Unions
The federation renewed its commitment to coordinating with journalists’ unions and publishers’ bodies to confront the law and the government’s unilateral decisions. It confirmed its continued engagement in the broad professional and civil dynamism formed in rejection of this law. The federation also aims to expand the professional dialogue to include regional organizations to avoid fragmentation and strengthen the unity of the national press body.
Internal Organizational Affairs
The federation’s executive office was briefed on organizational developments and responsibilities of members and branches and made necessary decisions in accordance with the federation’s statutes, including new press enterprises, scheduling general assemblies for regional branches, and ratifying programs of outreach and training activities organized by branches or the executive office.
Professional and Financial Support for Print and Electronic Press
The federation praised the efforts of print and electronic press enterprises in various regions for their resilience despite economic difficulties. It called on the relevant ministry to facilitate the disbursement of lump-sum support to press institutions, establish a fair and equitable legal framework for public funding, and prioritize support for regional pluralism and diversity. It also urged regional councils to support structured and professional regional press directly and to honor their commitments.
Human Resources Development and Professionalism Enhancement
The federation recalled its positions on journalists’ conditions and human resources, confirming its involvement in genuine programs that respect national laws and mutual commitments. It stressed the need to confront major upcoming challenges by qualifying journalism and national media to keep pace with economic, social, and political developments; rejecting professional decline and ethical weakening; and confronting sensationalist, defamatory, and trivial press.
Conclusion: Strengthening Democracy and Freedom of Expression
The Moroccan Federation of Newspaper Publishers affirmed that defending press freedom and the independence of media institutions is a collective responsibility that requires unity of the national professional body, continuous dialogue, and commitment to professional and ethical values. It stressed that the national press is a fundamental pillar for enhancing democracy, protecting rights, and ensuring media pluralism in Morocco.
