House of representatives adopts law ending state monopoly over audio-visual sector

Morocco's House of Representatives (parliament lower House) adopted on Thursday a draft law ending state monopoly over the audio-visual sector.

Deputies voted unanimously the draft at a plenary session chaired by Speaker of the House, Abdelouahed Radi.

Minister of communication and government spokesman Nabil Benabdellah, stressed the importance of the draft, which will be a leap in the sector and create ideal conditions for competitiveness and media openness.

It will upgrade the sector and enable it to face the numerous economic, social and political challenges, Benabdellah added.

At the Chamber of Advisors (parliament upper chamber), the draft was passed by 26 votes, 5 against and no abstention. It was supported by the majority and opposition parties.

The political parties stressed the need to provide for all guarantees to preserve Morocco's cultural sensibilities and civilization, consolidate the presence of Morocco on the international scene and secure the information staff rights.

The communication minister had announced projects to create regional and specialized channels (news, documentaries and culture), in addition to a channel specialized in parliamentary affairs and a Berber-speaking channel.