On July 16, 2026, researcher Younes Mujahid defended his doctoral thesis in Sociology at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, examining the evolution of the media landscape in Morocco. His work provides a sociological and historical perspective on the development of journalism in the country, tracing its journey from national press inception to the challenges posed by the digital age.
Examining Structural Challenges
Mujahid’s thesis utilized a multidisciplinary approach, combining document analysis, interviews with sector stakeholders, participant observation, and comparative analysis with similar cases. This methodology aimed to shed light on the political, economic, and social factors that have shaped the media landscape in Morocco, as well as to identify the significant transformations occurring due to digitalization.
The findings revealed that the crisis confronting journalism in Morocco is not merely a temporary issue or a result of digital transformation but stems from structural imbalances accumulated over decades. These issues include the nature of state-media relations, the fragility of the media business model, a declining advertising market, and diminishing readership and distribution, alongside professional training challenges and the precarious conditions faced by journalists.
The Evolution of Moroccan Journalism
The thesis traces the evolution of Moroccan journalism from the era of national liberation to party-affiliated and private media, ultimately leading to the emergence of digital platforms. Mujahid argues that this historical trajectory has continuously influenced the media field, tethering it to political tensions and hindering the establishment of an independent, sustainable media industry.
Moreover, the research scrutinizes the state of public media, highlighting that its limited autonomy reflects a structural issue that extends beyond media outlets to the very nature of media organization itself. The liberalization of the audiovisual sector, while promising, has not catalyzed a qualitative shift in media performance, despite accompanying reforms.
Economic Pressures and Digital Transformation
Economically, the thesis points out that the crisis affecting print journalism has been exacerbated by the migration of the advertising market to global digital platforms, as well as the ongoing vulnerability of media companies. There is a pronounced absence of a viable economic model to ensure the sustainability and performance development of media organizations.
Mujahid stresses that digital transformation is not an automatic solution to the media crisis. Instead, it offers an opportunity to reconstruct a more independent and sustainable journalistic industry—if approached within a broad strategic framework. Such a vision should restore value to cultural and creative industries as productive and investment-driven sectors, supported by clear public policies, effective institutional governance, and long-term investments in training and innovation.
A Promising Outcome
The thesis defense panel included prominent scholars, such as Abdullah Saaf, co-examiner; Abdullah Harhar, chair and rapporteur; Abdessamad Moutia, and Fouad Araab, both rapporteurs, among others. They awarded Mujahid the highest distinction, commending his work with a recommendation for publication.
Mujahid’s research not only elucidates the multifaceted challenges facing Moroccan journalism but also points towards potential pathways for revitalization and independence in an increasingly digital world.
With these insights, Mujahid’s work contributes significantly to the discourse on the future of media in Morocco, highlighting the urgent need for reform and innovation.
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