National Press Council – The Law Is Not the Problem!
Today, more than ever, those in journalism need to reconcile with a fundamental principle: no one is superior to another; we are all equal, and the nation, with its institutions, belongs to us all. Journalism, representing a vital message and trust, is not the property of one party at the expense of another, nor is it a tool for personal triumph or temporary dominance. It is a space for constructive interaction, gathering professionals around a single goal: to serve the community and elevate the profession to befit its history and stature.
The turmoil surrounding the National Press Council’s law today lies not in the text of the law or the articles added or deleted but in the internal conflicts within the sector that hinder unified efforts and threaten the institution’s credibility. Every disagreement in opinion is an opportunity for growth, every clash of stances a test of maturity, and every legal or regulatory challenge an invitation to rise to our responsibilities. This means that there is no objection to the text of the law…
We cannot overlook what occurred following the leak of the temporary committee’s video, which damaged the council’s image and eroded the trust of many journalists in it. This is a reality that must be faced wisely: it is not a condemnation of the committee members, nor a victory for anyone, but a reflection of the council’s need to regain its credibility and enhance its image among professionals. The incident harmed the council’s reputation even internationally!
The message to those in the sector is clear: the law will pass, but we must choose a true leader, one who can unite, because the National Press Council must be inclusive, embracing everyone, and its upcoming version should gain legitimacy not only from the law but also from the ability to transcend personal interests and the commitment of its leadership to uphold responsible integrity. Certain practices must disappear forever, as the real success of the council lies in being a mirror for every journalist, not a battleground for settling scores or individual victories.
We must not forget the political function of the council, which was absent in the first version, namely opening communication channels with the external media and building relationships with the international press, thereby enhancing the position of Moroccan journalism on the global stage and making the council a bridge for constructive interaction between national professionals and their counterparts abroad.
Additionally, Morocco’s challenges during this critical phase require everyone to stand united, to keep pace with major national projects, and to confront the impending media wars, which are just beginning and are expected to intensify in the near future. Unifying efforts within the sector is not a luxury but a national necessity to ensure the press can meet internal and external challenges and protect the country’s interests.
Today, all journalists and publishers are called upon to rise above divisions, to act wisely, and to work towards creating a council capable of uniting dispersions, repairing the image, regaining trust, and opening new avenues for external communication, appropriate to the profession and the esteemed position of Moroccan journalism in serving the nation and society.
