The National Association of Media and Publishers Renews Its Confidence in Driss Chahtane for a New Term

ANME Holds Ordinary General Assembly in Casablanca

The National Association of Media and Publishers (ANME) convened its Ordinary General Assembly in Casablanca this Thursday, focusing on evaluating a year filled with challenges and defining priorities for the future. A highlight of the meeting was the unanimous re-election of Driss Chahtane as president of the ANME, underscoring the commitment of press publishers and industry stakeholders to continue the momentum built in recent years and ensure the continuity of ongoing initiatives.

Following the voting, Driss Chahtane expressed his "honor and deep appreciation for this renewed trust," while acknowledging the significant responsibilities and challenges ahead of him. He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the interests of all media enterprises and emphasized the need to consolidate achievements and strengthen cooperation among industry players. Among the priorities announced were increasing public subsidies for the press, establishing partnerships with Royal Air Maroc and the National Railway Office to facilitate mobility for professionals, and implementing enhanced support for sports journalism in anticipation of major events that Morocco will host, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup.

Secretary General Mokhtar Laghzioui presented a detailed report on the actions carried out over the past year, noting that the association now comprises 130 media outlets across the Kingdom. He highlighted efforts made in collaboration with the relevant ministry and various institutional partners to improve the material and financial conditions for journalists, enhance content quality, and defend press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy. He also stressed ANME’s ongoing involvement in defending Morocco’s territorial integrity against biased reports from certain foreign media outlets.

Vice President Fatima Ouriaghli commended Driss Chahtane’s dedication and constant mobilization for the profession, emphasizing the seriousness and professionalism present in the discussions during the General Assembly. She reiterated the importance of such gatherings in enhancing internal cohesion and establishing strategic directions for national journalism.

Furthermore, Treasurer Khalid El Houri provided a financial overview of the association, highlighting transparency and rigor in management. Despite a deficit of about one million dirhams, he insisted that the priority remains the protection of the sector and advocacy for its stakeholders, reminding attendees that "without journalists, there is no journalism."

Driss Chahtane also acknowledged the foundational role of Abdelmounaim Dilami in establishing the ANME and reiterated the association’s commitment to safeguarding press professionals while combating practices that undermine the credibility of the profession. He mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance salaries, improve content quality, and establish workshops to counter the rising phenomenon of unprofessional influencers and illegal media outlets. In this regard, a major initiative with a budget of 240 million dirhams will be launched to modernize and strengthen national media, an initiative he believes "will benefit the entire sector and contribute to consolidating its economic and financial viability."

Lastly, Abdelmounaim Dilami, the founder of the ANME, conveyed his congratulations to the re-elected board, highlighting that the economic and regulatory transformation of the sector demands creativity, resilience, and innovative solutions.

Through this General Assembly, the ANME reaffirms its determination to remain a proactive force, defend the interests of professionals, and contribute to building a strong, credible national press capable of representing Morocco honorably on the international stage.