Morocco Boosts Media Sector with New Press and Publishing Support Decree
Morocco has taken a significant step towards bolstering its media landscape with a newly published decree outlining financial support for press, publishing, printing, and distribution. This landmark decision, a joint effort between the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mehdi Bensaid, and the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, sets clear parameters for funding allocation, calculation methods, distribution categories, and disbursement procedures. This move signals a strong commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable media ecosystem in the country.
The decree introduces a tiered support system based on operational scale and employment figures. Larger media organizations stand to benefit significantly, with support covering up to 30% of their combined production and salary costs. This applies to print publications employing a publishing director and at least 12 professional journalists, as well as online news outlets with a publishing director and a minimum of 14 professional journalists. To qualify for this level of support, these organizations must demonstrate a combined minimum production and salary cost of 5 million dirhams (approximately $500,000 USD based on current exchange rates) and a minimum turnover of 10 million dirhams (approximately $1 million USD) in the preceding year. This substantial investment aims to empower larger media outlets to invest in quality journalism, expand their reach, and contribute to a more informed public discourse.
Smaller media organizations are also included in the support framework. Print publications with a publishing director and at least six professional journalists, and online platforms with a publishing director and at least nine professional journalists, are eligible for funding. While the specific percentage of support for this tier wasn’t detailed in the original article, the inclusion of smaller players underscores the government’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the media sector. This tiered approach recognizes the varying needs and capacities of different media organizations, ensuring that both established players and emerging voices receive the necessary support to thrive. Further research into the specific details of this tier would be beneficial for a comprehensive understanding of the decree’s impact.
This new decree comes at a crucial time for the media industry globally. According to the World Press Trends report, the news industry continues to grapple with evolving business models and the challenges of digital transformation. Government support, such as that provided by Morocco, can play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of quality journalism and promoting media pluralism. This investment in the Moroccan media landscape has the potential to create a ripple effect, encouraging innovation, professional development, and ultimately, a more informed and engaged citizenry. Further analysis of the decree’s implementation and long-term impact will be crucial in assessing its effectiveness and informing future media policy decisions. Links to relevant resources, such as the official government publication of the decree and reports on the state of the Moroccan media landscape, would further enhance the article’s value and credibility.
Morocco Boosts Media Sector with New Support Decree
Morocco has taken a significant step towards bolstering its media landscape with a newly published decree outlining financial support for press, publishing, printing, and distribution companies. This move, a joint decision by the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mehdi Bensaid, and the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, aims to inject much-needed capital into the industry. The decree, officially published in the government’s official bulletin, details specific support tiers based on company size and operational scope.
This support comes at a crucial time for the media industry globally. According to the World Press Trends report, news media continues to face challenges from declining print readership and the rise of digital platforms. Government support, like this initiative in Morocco, can play a vital role in ensuring the survival and evolution of quality journalism.
Tiered Support System for a Thriving Media Landscape
The decree establishes a tiered system of support, offering varying percentages of operational and investment costs depending on the size and type of media organization. This tiered approach ensures that smaller outlets receive a higher percentage of support, acknowledging the unique challenges they face in a competitive market.
Smaller Organizations: Smaller newspapers (print or online) with a limited staff (3-9 journalists depending on the medium) can receive up to 50% of their combined production and salary costs, provided they meet specific revenue thresholds. This substantial support can be instrumental in helping these organizations invest in resources, technology, and talent.
Mid-Sized Organizations: Mid-sized outlets (6-14 journalists depending on the medium) with a more established presence are eligible for up to 40% support, again subject to meeting revenue requirements. This level of support can help these organizations maintain their operations and explore new avenues for growth.
- Larger Organizations: Larger, more established media companies (12+ journalists for print, 14+ for online) can receive up to 30% support. While a smaller percentage, this support can still be significant for larger organizations undertaking substantial projects or navigating industry shifts.
Support Extended to Printing and Distribution
Recognizing the interconnectedness of the media ecosystem, the decree also extends support to printing and distribution companies. These companies can receive up to 10% of their printing or distribution costs, respectively, subject to meeting specific revenue criteria. This inclusion ensures that the entire media supply chain benefits from the government’s investment. This is particularly important as printing and distribution costs have been rising globally due to factors like increased paper and fuel prices.
Capped Support and Allocation
The decree sets a maximum support cap of 15 million dirhams for media organizations, and 6 million dirhams for both printing and distribution companies. This ensures responsible allocation of public funds while still providing substantial support. Furthermore, the decree mandates that 80% of the allocated funds be directed towards operational costs, with the remaining 20% earmarked for investment and development. This balance encourages both immediate stability and long-term growth. The investment portion can be used for things like upgrading equipment, training staff, and developing new digital platforms.
Streamlined Disbursement Process
To ensure timely access to these funds, the decree outlines a streamlined disbursement process. The government agency responsible for communication will disburse the funds in a single payment within three months of signing an agreement with the recipient company. This efficient process minimizes bureaucratic hurdles and allows media organizations to quickly utilize the support.
A Positive Step Forward for Moroccan Media
This new decree represents a significant investment in the future of Moroccan media. By providing targeted financial support, the government is not only helping to stabilize the industry but also fostering innovation and growth. This initiative has the potential to strengthen the media landscape, promote quality journalism, and ultimately benefit the public by ensuring access to diverse and reliable information. It will be interesting to see the long-term impact of this decree on the Moroccan media ecosystem.
