National Association of Media and Publishers Works to Rebuild Public Trust in Media
Alalam24, In a new statement to the national public, Moroccan newspaper “Al Aalam 24” received a copy from the National Association of Media and Publishers. The association emphasized the importance of the reforms that the government intends to implement to improve this important sector. This expresses a new era of developing and improving the media field as a whole
The association considers the campaign against the government’s extension of the Press Council to be mere rumors aimed at undermining the real reform initiatives. These initiatives aim to create a collaborative approach that targets transparency, defining responsibilities, and serving the journalism profession in a way that corresponds to the enormity of the message entrusted to it, without compromising the necessary credibility of the media message as a whole
The statement reads
The National Association of Media and Publishers (the most representative body of the press and publishing sector in Morocco) is following with great astonishment the smear campaigns and fierce resistance against the project to reform the media, press, and publishing systems. These campaigns aim to enhance the capabilities of this vital national sector and strengthen its role in defending the country’s strategic issues, while preserving the professional gains of journalists, institutions, and reputable media companies
The association has observed the convergence of political and professional will to block the new reform project. It aims to achieve objectives that are no longer hidden from anyone, the least of which is the desire to maintain the status quo and perpetuate the exceptional situation that the press and publishing sector has been suffering from for 12 years
These campaigns have reached a level of slander, especially after proposing a draft law to form a temporary committee to manage the sector as a solution to overcome the current crisis caused by the former government executive’s decisions. These decisions proposed and ratified laws on the whim, with no legislative horizon aimed at controlling the scene as a whole and closing it
The National Association of Media and Publishers commends the good intentions of those in the country who are making efforts to take the press and publishing sector out of darkness and into the light. The association confirms the following positions
Firstly, it welcomes the approval of the government council on Thursday, April 13, 2023, of a draft law related to the establishment of a temporary committee to manage the affairs of the press and publishing sector. This aims to rectify the illegal situation that the National Press Council will reach after being unable to hold elections, despite extending its mandate exceptionally
Secondly, the association considers the formation of a temporary committee at this time to be a guarantee for the normal operation of the press and publishing sectors. It aims to find a solution to the problems facing the National Press Council regarding the elections of its bodies
Thirdly, the association confirms that the solution reached with the government and in consultation with professionals is a rescue for the sector and a way out of the mazes that were created to achieve selfish goals that are no longer acceptable in the current national context
Fourthly, the National Association of Media and Publishers renews its initial position on the need for reform in the sector. This can only be achieved through a strong arsenal of legislation and laws that will be circulated in a consensual manner. It also requires a comprehensive evaluation of the current situation of the press and publishing sector and proposing measures aimed at supporting its regulatory foundations
Fifthly, the association considers the voices that oppose the reform of the system to be discordant voices that represent a few who benefited from the privileges of the previous period. These voices extend to defend narrow political, professional, and class interests, while defending the public interests of all journalists and media personnel. This is achieved through clear laws, regulations, structures, and institutions that are agreed upon in broad daylight and not cooked up in the shadows
