Morocco reforms press council law amid journalist concerns

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 1 hour ago |  JP Global Monitoring Desk

Morocco has amended its National Press Council law, restructuring the journalism regulator and drawing criticism from journalists’ unions over concerns about reduced self-regulation and independence.

Summary

RABAT — Morocco’s parliament has passed amendments to the law governing the National Press Council, introducing changes to the structure of the body responsible for regulating journalism and overseeing professional standards in the country.

The reform has drawn criticism from journalists’ unions and press freedom advocates, who argue that both the legislative process and the substance of the changes undermine the principle of professional self-regulation that the council was originally designed to protect.

Concerns from journalists’ unions

Journalists’ representative bodies have protested the reform, stating that it increases the role of appointed members within the council while reducing the influence of journalists elected by their peers. According to the unions, this shift risks weakening the independence of the regulatory body and diluting the voice of working journalists in decisions affecting the profession.

Critics also argue that the changes were adopted without sufficient consultation with media professionals, raising broader questions about transparency and inclusiveness in policymaking related to press regulation.

Implications for media governance

Supporters of the reform have described it as an effort to improve governance and efficiency within the National Press Council. However, critics warn that altering the balance between elected and appointed representation could affect how ethical oversight and disciplinary processes are carried out.

Media analysts note that regulatory independence is closely linked to public trust in journalism. Any perception that oversight bodies are less autonomous could have long-term implications for editorial freedom and the credibility of the press.

Broader context for press freedom

The restructuring of the National Press Council comes amid ongoing debate in Morocco over the legal and institutional framework governing media and freedom of expression. While the country maintains a diverse media landscape, journalists’ organizations continue to raise concerns about regulatory pressures and the need for safeguards that protect professional autonomy.

KEY POINTS:

• Morocco’s parliament approved reforms to the National Press Council law
• The changes alter the structure of the body regulating journalism
• Journalists’ unions say the reform weakens professional self-regulation
• Critics warn of increased appointed representation and reduced independence
• The reform may affect ethical oversight and media autonomy

ATTRIBUTION: Based on publicly reported parliamentary decisions and statements from journalists’ unions and media advocacy groups.

PHOTO: By Larsonb from Pixabay