This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
The Moroccan Association of Youth Newspaper Publishers published, Friday, November 29, 2024, a press release in which it expressed its dissatisfaction with joint resolution No. 2345.24 issued by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication and the Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Economy. and Finance in charge of the budget. The decision, published in the Official Journal, specifies in particular the amounts and conditions of support granted to the press, publishing and distribution sector, which has sparked widespread controversy within the media community.
Criticism of the new conditions
In its statement, the association described the conditions contained in the decision as “impossible” and mainly targets small and medium-sized journalistic institutions, exposing them to the risk of bankruptcy. She stressed that the decision reinforces the monopoly of large media institutions, which already have significant financial resources and a significant share of the advertising market.
Call to support small and medium-sized businesses
The association emphasized that the philosophy of government support should focus on empowering small and medium-sized businesses, which are facing major economic challenges, especially in light of the repercussions of the Corona pandemic. She added that these institutions constitute an essential element in guaranteeing media pluralism and making the voices of different segments of society heard.
Warning against reducing media pluralism
The association warned that the implementation of the new conditions would lead to the “symbolic annihilation” of small and medium-sized businesses, thus paving the way for the monopoly of the media scene by large institutions. She considers this a threat to media diversity, considered one of the pillars of democracy.
Associative claims
The Moroccan Youth Association called on newspaper publishers to:
1. Remove current conditions: review the joint decision to ensure a fair distribution of support between all media institutions.
2. Reformulate standards: establish transparent standards that take into account the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, with a focus on the economic challenges they face.
3. Promote transparency and democracy: ensure that support is distributed in a transparent and equitable manner that reflects the spirit of media pluralism.
Commitment to fight
The association affirmed its commitment to continue working with its partners, publishers and journalists, to confront what it described as “attempts to steal the rights of small and medium-sized businesses”. He stressed that he would take all legal and legitimate measures to confront this decision and defend media pluralism.
conclusion
The association’s statement constitutes a new step in the debate on support for the press sector in Morocco. While some parties believe that the decision is aimed at organizing support and achieving efficiency, small and medium-sized businesses confirm that they are the most affected, which places the government before the challenge of finding a balance that guarantees the sustainability of the entire media sector.
