Mehdi Bensaid: The National Press Council Law is a Step Towards Strengthening Self-Regulation and Independence of the Profession
The Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mehdi Bensaid, confirmed that the discussion of the draft law for the reorganization of the National Press Council within the House of Counselors represents a significant democratic moment, embodying the legislative institution’s constitutional and political role in involving all concerned stakeholders to develop the legal framework governing the profession.
Bensaid clarified that Morocco is currently experiencing a unique phase in the field of self-regulation of journalism. After an initial phase for the National Press Council showcased many positives, it also revealed legal and organizational shortcomings. This has necessitated a reconsideration of the legal text governing the Council’s work since 2021. He added that the new project, which has been approved by the House of Representatives and is currently being discussed in the House of Counselors, aims to correct these imbalances and enable the Council to fulfill its role effectively.
The minister highlighted that organizing the press and media sector is an essential pillar in any modern democratic society. He emphasized the challenge of balancing press freedom with the necessity of self-regulation of the profession, noting that the goal of the project is to enhance trust between citizens and the media through an independent National Council that obliges professionals to adhere to ethical standards and combat fake news and unprofessional content.
Bensaid affirmed that the new text grants the Council clear and effective powers in various areas, including managing press cards, addressing complaints, ensuring transparency in practice, and providing a healthy professional environment for journalists. The project also places the challenge of digitalization at the forefront of its concerns by integrating digital journalism and addressing the transformations brought about by artificial intelligence.
Speaking about the economic model for press enterprises, the minister stressed that self-regulation should be a tool to support serious and professional institutions and protect them from unfair competition, asserting that strengthening the National Press Council effectively strengthens the national press economy.
He added that journalists alone are responsible for managing their profession’s affairs without government interference, which is the essence of the self-regulatory philosophy outlined in Article 28 of the Constitution. He mentioned that the temporary committee led the consultations and prepared the overall vision, while the government’s role was limited to the legal drafting of the text.
Bensaid explained that this approach is being practically adopted for the first time, unlike in the past, where there was no organized legal framework for self-regulation despite discussions that took place in the sector since the time of the late Minister Al-Arabi Al-Masari.
The minister concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the government is committed to the success of this significant national project, viewing itself as a facilitator of dialogue rather than a controlling entity, and calling for responsible and constructive discussions that contribute to developing the Moroccan media landscape, leading to a strong, independent, and effective media that reinforces national media sovereignty by 2030.
