The interim committee for managing the affairs of the journalism and publishing sector held its general assembly on July 15, 2025, to discuss the laws concerning the future of the profession, particularly the draft law related to the reorganization of the National Press Council and a draft amendment to the statute for professional journalists. The meeting also served as an opportunity to review the committee’s work, which the law establishing it tasked with evaluating the overall state of the sector and proposing necessary reforms.
In this context, the committee confirmed that its diagnosis of the reality of media enterprises revealed structural fragility among most actors, particularly in digital journalism, which lacks financial guarantees and investments necessary for growth and continuity. This economic weakness negatively impacts the editorial and administrative structures within media institutions. Therefore, the committee proposed a legal reform that would require investors to adhere to precise financial and organizational conditions, ensuring a conducive professional environment and the production of journalistic content that meets clear professional standards.
Furthermore, the committee emphasized the need to strengthen the profession by reviewing the conditions for granting professional press cards and raising the standards for academic and professional qualifications required of publishing directors and editors-in-chief. The objective is to enhance the competency of editorial and administrative leadership and improve the quality of journalistic products presented to the public.
Training and continuing education were also key areas of focus for the committee. It identified deficiencies related to inadequate logistical resources, outdated curricula, and a shortage of human resources in both the public and private sectors. The committee recommended a radical overhaul of training contents, implementing a public policy to qualify trainers and establish permanent structures for continuous education that keep pace with developments in the profession and technological transformations.
In the context of improving press freedom, the committee called for the simplification of processes related to complaints concerning ethics and the development of mediation and arbitration mechanisms within the National Press Council. It also noted the necessity to address legal gaps identified by current legislation, which would enhance the self-regulation of the profession in fulfilling its responsibilities.
The committee also took into account international experiences, studying 38 cases from Europe, North America, Australia, Asia, and Africa. It concluded that the maturity of professional actors and their consensus is fundamental to the success of self-regulation, highlighting the importance of including representatives from society and experienced individuals and ensuring an appropriate legal framework for these bodies.
The committee reiterated that its proposals are based on the conclusions of its assessments, its professional experience, and consultations with seven professional bodies representing journalists and publishers, with its findings presented in a report submitted to the government.
The committee stressed that sector reform must also include the advancement of media enterprises, adopting governance standards, qualifying investments, and restructuring the training and continuous education sector. It recommended establishing a social welfare institution for workers in journalism and media, similar to practices in other sectors.
Regarding the two draft laws submitted to Parliament, the committee noted that the government had responded positively to a significant portion of its proposals; however, it simultaneously affirmed that the self-regulation of the profession remains only a part of a broader system. Its primary goal is to enhance professional ethics and ensure journalistic products that respect individuals’ dignity and meet society’s expectations in news, education, and entertainment.
