The Origins of Journalism in Morocco
Journalism began to emerge in Morocco during the transitional period between the 18th and 19th centuries. The initial phase of this development spanned from 1820 to 1912, coinciding with the actions of various European countries, such as France and Austria, which sought to exert control over Moroccan territories. During this time, newspapers were primarily published in French. The city of Tangier, recognized as Morocco’s diplomatic capital, played a pivotal role in the inception of Moroccan journalism due to its strategic geographic location and the unique cultural diversity of its inhabitants. From Tangier alone, thirteen newspapers were launched, along with four others in Casablanca.
The first official Moroccan newspaper was launched in 1909 in Rabat and was exclusively in French. The inaugural edition in Arabic followed a decade later, in 1919, and was titled “The Official Gazette of the Shereefian Protected Moroccan State.”
The first newspaper published in Arabic in Morocco appeared in Casablanca in 1912, marking the transition into the second phase of journalism, characterized by the evolution of newspapers. This publication was named “The Moroccan News,” and during this time, several daily newspapers were openly supportive of the colonial forces, aiming to highlight the perceived strength and dominance of the colonial powers over the Moroccan people and lands. Subsequently, a diverse array of newspapers started to circulate.
Names of Moroccan Newspapers
Below are some notable Moroccan newspapers:
- Kifach Newspaper.
- Abir Newspaper.
- Tangier 24 Newspaper.
- Al-Anbaa Newspaper.
- Today 24 Newspaper.
- Al-Ayyam Newspaper.
- Al-Sabah Newspaper.
- Al-Masaa Newspaper.
- Al-Akhbar News.
- Morocco Today.
- Hibapress Newspaper.
- Kod Newspaper.
- Akhbarna Newspaper.
- Manara Newspaper.
- Arabi 21 Newspaper.
- Akhura Newspaper.
- Shouf Newspaper.
- Telepress Newspaper.
- Al-Hoceima Newspaper.
- Hespress Newspaper.[21]
- Le360 Newspaper.[22]
- February Newspaper.[23]
- Manara Newspaper.[24]
- Rue 20 Newspaper.[25]
- Al-Jarida 24 Newspaper.[26]
- Agadir Newspaper.[27]
- Press Tetouan Newspaper.[28]
- Chaab Press Newspaper.[29]
- Nador City Newspaper.[30]
- 2M Newspaper.[31]
- Ya Bladi Newspaper.[32]
- Parliament Newspaper.[33]
- Akhbar Info Newspaper.[34]
- Riff Guide Network Newspaper.[35]
- Al-Anbaa Al-Maghribiya Newspaper.[36]
- Marrakech Gazette.[37]
- Al-Sahafa Newspaper.[38]
- Casablanca Press Newspaper.[39]
- Morocco Times Newspaper.[40]
- Al-Alam Newspaper.[41]
- Tajdid Newspaper.[42]
- Watani Newspaper.[43]
- Tangier News Newspaper.[44]
- Khabar Morocco Newspaper.[45]
Moroccan Newspapers Specializing in Sports News
Due to the significant interest in sports among the populace, several newspapers have emerged that focus on sports-related topics, including:
- Al-Muntakhab Newspaper.[46]
- Khabar Maroc Sports Newspaper.[47]
- Hay Koura Newspaper.[48]
- The Moroccan Championship Newspaper.[49]
- Hibasport Newspaper.[50]
Foreign Language Newspapers in Morocco
In Morocco, newspapers are not limited to the Arabic language; many publications are available in English and French, including:
- Lavieeco Newspaper.[51]
- Le Matin Newspaper.[52]
- H24info Newspaper.[53]
- L’opinion Newspaper.[54]
- Le Site Info Newspaper.[55]
- La Nouvelle Tribune Newspaper.[56]
- Liberation Newspaper.[57]