Morocco's Media Landscape Shows Growth Amid Digital Challenges

Morocco's media sector has experienced significant expansion over the past two decades, with Minister of Youth Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid highlighting the country's progress in media pluralism and freedom of expression during a recent parliamentary session.

The North African nation now hosts 988 online platforms, 275 newspapers, and 106 international journalists, figures that Bensaid presented as indicators of democratic advancement. "The press in Morocco alternates between supporting and criticizing the government, which reflects the advancements we have made in democracy over the past twenty years," the minister stated.

Addressing the growing influence of social media, Bensaid emphasized the need to distinguish between traditional journalism, which operates under established legal frameworks, and unregulated online platforms. He compared social media to public spaces or "streets" where valuable information coexists with potentially defamatory content.

The minister noted that social media challenges are not unique to Morocco but represent a global concern, citing Canada and the European Union as examples of nations that have successfully navigated similar issues. He assured that legal protections exist for citizens seeking redress against online defamation.

Parliamentary debate revealed differing perspectives on the government's approach. Socialist MP Aicha El Karji criticized what she described as unsustainable spending on communication and social media strategies. She proposed redirecting funds toward establishing credible platforms and an observatory to combat misinformation, along with providing psychological support and communication training for government officials.

"Ministers must learn to handle criticism online and adopt a more open mindset," El Karji remarked, highlighting the challenges faced by those involved in cultural and parliamentary diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world shaped by AI and social media.

The Authenticity and Modernity Party joined the discussion, advocating for enhanced support for media professionals and greater diversity in expression, particularly on social media platforms. They called for reforms to the legal framework governing journalism to ensure proper oversight of digital media practices.

While Bensaid maintains that the proliferation of media platforms and international journalist presence indicates a more pluralistic environment, critics question whether these developments truly reflect genuine freedom of expression. They point to ongoing challenges in social media regulation, restrictions on independent voices, and potential gaps between legal frameworks and practical implementation.

The debate continues as Morocco navigates the complex landscape of traditional and digital media while working to balance freedom of expression with regulatory oversight in the modern era.