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Chaos Surrounds New Press Card Platform as Journalists' Associations Call for Changes
The introduction of a new online platform for 2024 press card applications has devolved into chaos, eliciting criticism from journalists' groups. The National Association of Media and Publishers (ANME) has voiced concerns over the platform's numerous technical glitches and challenges in document uploading, resulting in the rejection of many journalists' requests without clear explanations.
In an official statement, the ANME characterized the platform's launch as "premature," highlighting insufficient communication and guidance for users in addressing issues. Criticism was also directed at the limited application window, prompting successive extensions.
The association expressed dissatisfaction with the platform's failure to communicate the option for in-person applications at the National Press Council headquarters. Furthermore, the committee overseeing press affairs reportedly rejected all press card renewal requests from journalists earning less than 5,800 dirhams monthly.
To address these issues, the ANME's executive council recommended keeping the press card application period open, either through the platform or physical submissions, until the technical glitches are resolved. Additionally, they proposed reaching out to rejected applicants to clarify final refusals or provide sufficient time for completing missing documentation and regularizing their status.
The council called for an enhanced customer support system, potentially including a toll-free number, to manage the influx of inquiries and remote assistance requests.
Regarding the minimum salary matter, the ANME urged differentiating between print journalists governed by the 2005 collective bargaining agreement stipulating a monthly minimum of 5,800 dirhams and online platform journalists not covered by the agreement. They proposed setting the 2023 minimum for the latter group at 4,000 dirhams, with the goal of standardizing the threshold at 5,800 dirhams across all platforms next year.
Echoing these concerns, the Moroccan National Press Union highlighted issues raised during an extended Card Committee meeting on December 29th, coinciding with colleagues protesting at the National Council headquarters.
Detailing efforts to address the uproar and reassure journalists, the union emphasized direct communication with the interim committee in recent days to expedite the resolution of recorded imbalances and provide comprehensive solutions. Some proposals require translation into decisions at the committee's upcoming general assembly, the union noted.