Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP)
Founded in 1959, Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP) is Morocco’s state-run news agency, tasked with producing and distributing official news content across the country and abroad. Over the years, it has significantly expanded its portfolio, now operating M24, a 24/7 television news channel, RIM Radio, a public radio service, two daily newspapers, Maroc Le Jour (French) and Al Yaoum Al Maghribi (Arabic), several monthly magazines and thematic supplements, and a growing network of digital news portals, including specialized sites focused on sports, economy, and regional affairs. MAP is the country’s primary institutional media outlet, producing and syndicating news bulletins for public broadcasters and many government websites.
Media assets
Agency: MAP
Print: Maroc Le Jour, Al Yaoum Al Maghribi
TV: M24
Radio: RIM
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
MAP is a public institution under the authority of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication. According to Moroccan law, its highest governing body is the Administrative Council, which is formally chaired by the Head of Government—although this role may be delegated to the Minister of Communication.
The Council is entirely composed of representatives of state authorities, including the royal court, government ministries, and other official institutions. This structure leaves little room for editorial or institutional autonomy from political power.
In May 2023, Fouad Arif was appointed Director General (PDG) of MAP by royal decree. He succeeded the late Khalil Hachimi Idrissi, who passed away in April 2023. Prior to his appointment, Arif served as MAP’s bureau chief in Paris, where he led the agency’s international reporting operations. Known for his diplomatic acumen and loyalty to the monarchy, Arif now oversees MAP’s editorial direction and strategic partnerships, including its leadership role in the Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies (AMAN) for 2025–2026.
Source of funding and budget
While MAP no longer releases detailed public financial reports, available information and expert interviews conducted in May 2024 confirm that the agency receives more than 50% of its funding directly from the government.
The most recent official data (from 2021) listed MAP’s annual budget at MAD 318 million (approx. USD 35.9 million). Subsequent estimates suggest that the budget has remained stable, though the agency has likely increased its digital and audiovisual investments through internal reallocation rather than external funding increases.
Editorial independence
MAP operates explicitly as the official voice of the Moroccan state. Its core mandate is to promote and disseminate state policies and narratives, both domestically and internationally. An independent content analysis conducted for this report in May 2023 and repeated in March–April 2024 and March 2025 confirmed that MAP’s reporting consistently exhibits a pro-government editorial line, particularly in political and foreign affairs coverage. This bias is evident in story selection, framing, and tone, with little to no critical scrutiny of state institutions or actors.
Although MAP has codified its operations through internal rulebooks—such as an Ethical Charter and a Charter on the Use of Information Resources—these documents serve more as internal operational guidelines than enforceable protections of editorial freedom. They do not establish mechanisms for independence, pluralism, or accountability.
MAP has instituted the role of a “mediator”, a professional appointed by the Administrative Council to handle audience feedback and complaints. The mediator’s responsibilities include responding to questions and concerns submitted by the public, consulting with newsroom staff regarding the issues raised, and submitting an annual summary of public feedback to MAP’s Director General. However, the mediator lacks structural independence and is accountable solely to MAP’s leadership, limiting the position’s potential to influence policy or safeguard journalistic standards.
July 2025