Context

Moroccan media do not exist in a vacuum but are dependent on the political, legal and social contexts of the country.

Media diversity in Morocco grew as a number of historical and political changes led to the gradual opening of the media sector to private investments.This diversity relies equally on the legal frameworks in place in the country that in theory guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and should thus encourage media diversity. However, implementation of said freedoms remains a serious challenge.

In terms of the economic context, a key factor remains advertising and the survival of the vast majority of medias depend on it. However, as its distribution is not regulated, independent medias can rapidly disappear especially when not complacent with the system in place.

Finally, the characteristics of the Moroccan society, from literacy rates to consumption habits, play a pivotal role as to which media outlets or type of media dominate and presumably thus have the strongest influence on public opinion.

History

Morocco has a long tradition of state ownership - and control - over the media, dating back to post-independence times. How did the media evolved in Morocco in the past 25 years?

Society

Morocco’s population averages 35 millions individuals today, having tripled over the past 50 years, with 60% of the population living in urban areas. How does it influence media consumption in Morocco?

Politics

Morocco is defined as a constitutional monarchy. « A sovereign Muslim State » as stated in the Constitution, it is led by King Mohamed VI, who succeeded his father in 1999. What are the specificities of the Moroccan political system and how does it define the media landscape?

Economy

Following its independence and with mounting international pressure, Morocco implemented neoliberal policies over the past five decades at a high cost to Morocco’s human and social development. What are the consequences for media funding?

Law

how is the media sector regulated?