Developing services within a clear Moroccan framework
In Morocco, radio and television activities operate within the framework of Law No. 77-03 on Audiovisual Communication, the applicable service requirements and regulation by the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA).
ARTI calls for the conditions governing service changes and advertising rules to keep pace with audience use and opportunities for innovation, with clear procedures for broadcasters. A business should be able to plan changes to its programmes and distribution methods with an understanding of the obligations that apply.
Connecting rules with the realities of operation
ARTI’s positions cover the conditions for providing and distributing media services, procedures for changing them and access to digital environments. The association advocates rules consistent with the activity carried out and each actor’s responsibilities, while maintaining safeguards for pluralism and audience protection.
For FM, it proposes examining frequency fees alongside installation, energy, transmission link and maintenance costs, as well as coverage obligations. For new forms of access, it raises the need for an identifiable, accessible presence for radio in connected interfaces. These proposals connect the development of the framework with the resources needed to distribute programmes.
Sustaining a long-term presence across the country
Distribution depends on installations, transmission links, energy and maintenance. These resources enable programmes to reach their audiences and make radio’s regional presence a reality.
ARTI advocates an assessment of distribution costs and fees that takes account of broadcasters’ obligations, the investment required and the economic conditions for sustaining services.
The fee revision announced in 2018 illustrates the value of considering local economic and demographic circumstances in calculation methods. This remains linked to radio stations’ ability to maintain and improve their distribution.
Preparing for complementary forms of distribution
FM and connected environments serve different listening situations. Distribution choices should be assessed against audience access, service quality and broadcasters’ economic circumstances.
Discussion of digital terrestrial radio needs to examine distribution funding, coverage, listeners’ equipment, access for radio stations and coexistence with FM. ARTI wants private broadcasters’ experience to contribute to these choices.
In connected interfaces, brand visibility and ease of access to programmes are a complementary concern. Radioplayer Maroc and ARTI’s participation in Radio Ready form part of this attention to radio’s future place.