Press Council Law 2026: Changes for Media

Imagine you are an investigative journalist in Casablanca, working on a high-stakes report regarding public infrastructure. Suddenly, you are pressured by an external entity to reveal your confidential sources. Or perhaps you are a digital media entrepreneur looking to launch a news portal in 2026, only to find that the regulatory landscape has shifted significantly since you last checked the statutes. These scenarios are not merely hypothetical; they represent the daily reality of the Moroccan media landscape, which is currently undergoing its most significant transformation in a decade.

The Moroccan media sector is governed by a complex "Press Code" ecosystem. For years, the National Press Council (Conseil National de la Presse - CNP) has served as the cornerstone of self-regulation. However, as we move through 2026, new legislative reforms and structural reorganizations are redefining how journalists work, how media companies are funded, and how ethics are enforced. Whether you are a professional journalist, a media lawyer, or a business owner, understanding the "Press Council Law 2026" is essential for compliance and protection.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the legal foundations of the Moroccan press, the 2026 restructuring of the National Press Council, and the practical steps required to navigate this new era of media law in the Kingdom.

Legal Foundation: The Pillars of Moroccan Media Law

To understand the 2026 changes, one must first master the primary legislative framework that governs the sector. In Morocco, the "Press and Publication Code" is not a single document but a triad of laws that work in tandem.

1. Law No. 90.13: The Creation of the National Press Council

As cited in Reference 7, Law No. 90.13 (enacted via Dahir on March 30, 2016) is the organic law that established the Council. According to Article 1 of this law, the Council is an independent body endowed with legal personality and financial autonomy. Its primary mandate is to "self-regulate" the sector, moving away from direct government oversight toward a model where journalists and publishers govern themselves.

2. Law No. 88.13: The Press and Publication Law

This is the substantive law governing the "what" and "how" of publishing. Article 3 of Law 88.13 explicitly states that "the freedom of the press is guaranteed in accordance with Article 28 of the Constitution and cannot be restricted by any form of prior censorship." This law also defines the legal requirements for electronic newspapers and the protection of sources.

3. Law No. 89.13: The Statute of Professional Journalists

This law defines who qualifies as a "Professional Journalist." Under Article 2 of Law 89.13, the definition extends beyond traditional writers to include painters, photographers, and television cameramen. It sets the rigorous standards for obtaining the professional press card, which is the only legal proof of journalistic status in Morocco.

4. The 2026 Restructuring (Decree-Law No. 2.22.770)

Due to challenges in holding timely elections for the Council, the Moroccan government intervened with Decree-Law No. 2.22.770 (Reference 4). This move was designed to ensure the continuity of the Council’s functions. In 2026, we see the full implementation of a "Provisional Committee" tasked with overseeing the transition toward a more robust, modernized Council. This reform aims to address gaps in the 2016 law, particularly regarding the Council's ability to enforce ethical standards and manage the financial crisis facing many media companies.

For a broader view of how these administrative changes affect citizen rights, you may wish to read about Administrative Law in Morocco: Citizen Rights Against Government.

Practical Guide: Navigating Media Regulations in 2026

If you are operating a media company or practicing journalism in 2026, you must follow specific administrative procedures to remain compliant with the National Press Council and the Ministry of Communication.

Step 1: Obtaining the Professional Press Card

The press card is no longer just a badge; it is a legal requirement for accessing information and enjoying the protections of the Press Code.

• Eligibility: You must have a degree from a recognized journalism institution or a specialized diploma plus one year of practice (Article 1, Law 89.13).
• Application: Applications are now primarily processed through the National Press Council’s digital portal.
• Documentation: You must provide a criminal record (Fiche anthropométrique), proof of social security (CNSS) contributions, and a contract with a recognized media outlet.

Step 2: Registering an Electronic Newspaper

Under Article 3 of the Press and Publication Law, an electronic newspaper is defined as any website that provides professional news services.

• Domain Name: The domain must be registered under the responsibility of the legal representative of the company.
• Declaration: You must file a "Declaration of Publication" with the Public Prosecutor (Procureur du Roi) at the First Instance Court where the company is headquartered.
• Hosting: The site must be hosted on a ".ma" domain or a server that allows for the identification of the publisher.

Step 3: Compliance with Ownership Limits

Moroccan law prevents media monopolies to ensure diversity of opinion. According to Article 22 of the Audiovisual Communication Law (Reference 2), a single individual or legal entity cannot hold more than a specific percentage of shares in multiple media outlets. Specifically, a publisher of a periodical cannot own a stake in more than one licensed audiovisual communication operator.

Step 4: Ethical Adherence

In 2026, the Code of Ethics (Reference 5) is strictly enforced. Media outlets must appoint an "Ethics Officer" or ensure that their editorial charter aligns with the National Press Council’s published standards. Failure to do so can lead to the suspension of the professional press card or the withdrawal of public subsidies.

For businesses looking to ensure they meet all regulatory hurdles, our Moroccan Commercial Law: Business Compliance Guide provides additional context on corporate governance.

Key Provisions Explained: Rights and Restrictions

The 2026 legal landscape provides journalists with significant protections, but these come with heavy responsibilities.

The Protection of Sources

One of the most vital provisions is found in Article 5 of the Press and Publication Law. It guarantees the confidentiality of sources. A journalist cannot be compelled to reveal their source except by a judicial order and only in three specific circumstances:

1. Matters related to National Defence.
2. Internal or external State Security.
3. The private life of individuals, unless it has a direct connection to public life.

The Right to Access Information

Article 6 reinforces the constitutional right (Article 27 of the Constitution) for journalists to access information from public administrations and elected bodies. In 2026, administrations are legally obligated to provide information within specific deadlines. Failure to comply can result in administrative sanctions against the official involved.

The "Conscience Clause"

Under the Statute of Professional Journalists (Law 89.13), journalists enjoy a "conscience clause." If a media company significantly changes its editorial direction in a way that harms the journalist's professional honor or reputation, the journalist can terminate their contract and receive full compensation as if they were dismissed.

Financial Support and the "MAD 30M" Initiative

To combat the decline in print media, the 2026 reforms include a restructured public subsidy model. The government has allocated significant funds (approximately 30 million MAD in specific tranches) to support the digital transition of traditional newspapers. However, this funding is strictly tied to compliance with the National Press Council’s ethical guidelines and the regular payment of CNSS for employees.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned professionals often stumble over the technicalities of Moroccan media law. Here are the most common pitfalls:

1. Operating Without a "Directeur de Publication" Every newspaper or news site must have a Publication Director. This person must be a professional journalist and is legally responsible for everything published. A common mistake is appointing a business owner who does not hold a professional press card. This can lead to the immediate legal shutdown of the site.

2. Ignoring the "Right of Reply" Under the Press Code, any person named in an article has the right to a free "Right of Reply." Many editors ignore these requests, leading to costly lawsuits. In 2026, the National Press Council has the power to mediate these disputes before they reach the courts, saving companies thousands in legal fees.

3. Mixing Advertising with Editorial Content Article 2 of Law 89.13 explicitly excludes advertising agents from the status of professional journalists. Failing to clearly label "sponsored content" or "advertorials" is a violation of the Code of Ethics and can result in sanctions from the Council.

4. Data Protection Negligence Media companies handle vast amounts of personal data. With the rise of AI in newsrooms, failing to comply with the CNDP (National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data) can result in massive fines. If your media company uses AI for content generation or data analysis, consult our guide on AI Liability: Court Decisions in Morocco to understand your risks.

Conclusion: The Future of Media Self-Regulation

The 2026 reforms to the National Press Council represent a pivotal moment for Morocco. By moving toward a more structured and financially stable self-regulatory body, the Kingdom aims to balance the constitutional right to free expression with the need for professional accountability.

For journalists, the message is clear: the professional press card is your shield, but the Code of Ethics is your map. For media companies, compliance is no longer optional—it is the prerequisite for public funding and legal operation. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about these legislative shifts is the only way to ensure that the "fourth estate" remains a vibrant and protected part of Moroccan democracy.

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