The diversity of the Moroccan media landscape is only a facade. The media does not reflect the diversity of political opinion in the country. Independent media and journalists face significant pressure, and the right to information is crushed by a powerful propaganda and disinformation machine serving the political agenda of the government and its close allies. In this context, the few independent media outlets still operating — such as the news sites Lakome, Badil, and Enass — are striving to maintain high-quality journalism. Social media and news sites are the population’s main source of information.

Since the National Rally of Independents (RNI) won the 2021 legislative elections, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and the Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi have brought an increasing number of lawsuits against journalists who criticise his government. The prime minister also uses his financial power to influence the editorial choices of the most prominent media outlets. The outlets that are opposed to his government face financial restrictions. Journalists who cover corruption run even greater financial and legal risk. For the past few years, the work of journalists has been hampered by the kingdom on many subjects, including the Sahara, the monarchy, Islam, security services, and crackdowns on demonstrations.

Although Morocco’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, journalists operate within a fragile legal framework. The abolition of prison sentences for press offences in 2016 did not end the criminal prosecutions against critics of the authorities. The proliferation of legal proceedings and a lack of judicial independence have made self-censorship inevitable. The sector was further weakened in 2023 when the National Press Council was replaced by a temporary commission. However, a problematic draft law seeking to establish a journalism oversight commission — which risked imposing state control over the journalism sector — was withdrawn in 2026, a step forward that could pave the way for a more participatory approach.

The economic environment is far from favourable and the media fail to attract enough advertisers. Independent media outlets, which are increasingly rare, find it hard to establish a stable financial footing that allows them to develop. Media outlets that support the government benefit from more accessible financial resources.

Although Moroccan society consumes content from independent media outlets, it is not prepared to defend them. The prevailing misinformation is accentuated by the appetite for sensational journalism that does not respect privacy and often undermines the image of women.

The recent release of journalists like Taoufik Bouachrine, Omar Radi and Soulaimane Raissouni, who were granted a royal pardon on 30 July 2024, was welcomed by press freedom organisations. However, journalists continue to face the constant threat of legal action and smear campaigns. In 2025, several journalists covering the Gen Z protests face abuse whilee while reporting on the ground.