Arrajoul Al Yaoum: Morocco considers media center, minister

Morocco is mulling the creation of a media center following the example of the Dubai media city, said Thursday the Communication Minister, Spokesman of the government.

Nabil Benabdallah said in an interview with the UAE "Arrajoul Al Yaoum" magazine that the Arab world can accommodate two media centers, stressing that the Moroccan media center would not be aimed at competing with Dubai's.

Benabdallah said he considers a trip to the United Arab Emirates to learn about the experience of this country in the media realm and explore joint projects.

Recalling the creation of the media watchdog, HACA, the minister said it was set up to guarantee fair competition between the different public and private media actors.

He further said the freedom of speech that Moroccans enjoy and which is evidenced in the written press will also echo in the official press.

He assured that all issues will be discussed freely on Moroccan TV and radio channels, pointing out that "Morocco is immunized and can fully engage in democracy."

Touching on the issue of piracy, Benabdallah said Morocco has, many years ago, enacted a bill that protects intellectual property. He said piracy is both an economic and social problem since thousands of families live on its income, adding that it will be necessary to create a new art space to allow for the blossoming of new artists.