Media literacy policy in Morocco: A strategic milestone missing

Abstract

In the digital age, diverse walks of human life have reconfigured profoundly. In the Moroccan society, digitalisation plans and the skyrocketing numbers of internet users necessitate coping literacy policies. While several community initiatives have been taken to improve the quality of media literacy, they, as bottom-up efforts, cannot suffice to meet the needs of the whole Moroccan population. Rather, the absence of a central, nationwide, cross-sectoral media literacy policy significantly challenges the effective coordination of official strategies and community initiatives in media education. This article investigates current practices in media literacy in Morocco. Using document analysis, it delves into data gathered from various official sources, media announcements, and activities on media literacy. The analysis of Moroccan policies in the disciplines of education and media regulation reveals the critical need for a national, cross-sectoral media literacy policy to coordinate the regulatory promises and practical efforts that look discrepant, shambolic and limited in impact.