Mehdi Bensaïd: Reforming the National Press Council Marks a New Governance Era and Strengthens Morocco’s Media Rule of Law
Morocco is entering a turning point in its media landscape. Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd announced that the restructuring of the National Press Council represents a decisive milestone in the modernization of the country’s media sector. The reform comes after several dysfunctions were exposed, including the circulation of a controversial video involving the ethics commission, and reflects the need to rebuild transparency, credibility and an effective regulatory framework.
Speaking before the Commission for Education, Cultural and Social Affairs in the House of Councillors, Bensaïd explained that the draft law introduces a new chapter based on reinforced appeal mechanisms and renewed elections. According to him, this approach will allow the sector to make responsible and forward looking choices aligned with current national expectations.
The minister emphasized that the challenges facing the council today are the result of accumulated practices, and that the situation cannot be compared to the period before the institution was created. He underlined the importance of strengthening the legal framework and widening the channels of appeal, while also introducing new mechanisms that will later be completed through the upcoming reform of the professional journalist status and the broader update of the national Press Code.
On the question of representation within the council, Bensaïd acknowledged that public debate is legitimate, but noted that it must take place within a democratic and constructive mindset, without personal considerations. Adjustments related to this issue will be reviewed in a later stage through dialogue with all stakeholders.
Bensaïd also stated that the recommendations submitted by the National Council for Human Rights and the Economic, Social and Environmental Council have largely been considered. However, he noted that it is, in his words, “incoherent” to judge the entire reform based solely on one provision, insisting that the draft must be evaluated in its complete form.
With this reform, the government confirms its commitment to establishing an independent and credible regulatory body capable of supporting the country’s ongoing transformation and ensuring the protection of the public, the profession and journalistic integrity. It represents a key step toward strengthening trust in a sector considered essential to democracy and national information sovereignty.
Editorial team/le7tv
