HIBAPRESS – Abdellatif Baraka
In recent days, there has been widespread debate on social media about leaks attributed to the Ethics Committee of the National Press Council. The details of the event have not yet been officially confirmed, but the discussion it sparked brought to the forefront a fundamental issue: how do we protect the honor of journalism in a society that needs responsible and free media?
Journalism is not loyal to anyone. Journalism is not a tool of any authority, nor is it exclusive to a specific entity. Its essence lies in conveying the truth, monitoring public performance, and giving a voice to citizens. It is the fundamental pillar of democracy, the guardian that exposes violations, and provides accurate information to society. In Morocco, the press faces multiple challenges, some internal within the media institutions themselves, and some external related to political, social, and economic pressures. These pressures directly affect the journalist's ability to perform their role objectively and freely. The Moroccan journalist: The soldier of truth. The Moroccan journalist lives difficult circumstances, often in silence away from the spotlight. He is the one who conveys the achievements of the official, writes about the suffering of society, and covers the forgotten areas that those tasked with caring for the affairs of the subjects of His Majesty the King in the rural villages are unable to. Despite this, his main role remains to provide an accurate and objective picture of reality. Just as a soldier is respected for defending the homeland, the journalist deserves the respect of society and institutions for his efforts in defending the truth and transparency of public work. The pen in the journalist's hand is a tool for democracy, a means of holding officials accountable, and conveying the voice of citizens to public opinion. The importance of professional ethics. The recent leaks, whether true or not pending investigation by the competent authorities, remind everyone that professional ethics are the backbone of journalism. Protecting the profession begins with institutions and extends to society as a whole. Any weakness in respecting ethical rules within the media directly reflects on the citizens' confidence in institutions and the press itself. Today, Morocco needs a strong and reliable press that relies on professionalism and transparency, adheres to ethical standards, and respects the journalist's livelihood in all his rights. This essential element in society, who carries his pen as a soldier of truth, faces great challenges, but remains a guardian of democracy and a mediator between the citizen and the authority. Protecting the profession and respecting its ethics is the responsibility of everyone, from institutions, journalists, and society.
