Social Effects of Mass Communication and Mass Media on the development of Morocco's Population
Hatim El Fethouni
October 20, 2008
Mass communication has always been a key component in bridging cultures, building economies and developing sciences. Mass communication is also a crucial feature that contributed to the transition from medieval and traditional societies to modern ones. It is no odd if the evolution of Mass Media was in parallel with the advancement of new technologies. It is through mass communication that the human could disseminate his innovations in technologies and science. Thus, it is clear that there is a very strong correlation between the evolution of mass communication and the emergence of modern societies in the world. Mass Communication is a route used by people to disseminate and transmit messages through various channels. Through mass communication, the human being changed the whole world. If Mass Communication did not exist, new technologies and scientific theories would not be developed as they are now in our times. Countries in which mass communication was profoundly developed are the ones where advanced technologies and economies are tremendously developed. It is obvious that the process of media technologies development is running faster than what it was in the past. New techniques of TV and Radio broadcasting are evolving. The use of the digital system of encoding sound and video messages instead of the old method is providing people with better image and sound qualities. Furthermore, Mass Communication is not only a main factor behind this process of media technologies development, since it also benefits from its evolution. China, for instance, is a nation that takes advantage of mass communication to develop and produce high advanced technological devices. Japan, Germany and the United States are examples of countries that use science to develop and create new technologies. However, the cost of such devices is very high that only a limited part of the world's population is able to afford buying them. China produces an imitation of such devices and sells them for very low prices. How do they do that? They use mass communication in both the production and marketing of their goods around the world. In our Moroccan context, mass media and Communication is unfortunately not well developed. Therefore, this fact is behind the hindrance of a number of vital sectors through the country. Focusing on the development of mass communication will have tremendous effects on the development of literacy, political awareness and participation, as well as the development of a strong economy in Morocco.
Mass media and communication in the Contemporary Morocco:
The Moroccan ministry of communication started to develop the communication sector in the last few years. Any Moroccan citizen can clearly see the increase of the presence of the ministry of communication in people's daily life if it is compared to the past. Audio visual media are the simplest example that can support this theory. Four years ago, Morocco had only two TV channels that represented and covered all the kingdom's regions. The number of radio stations was not very big as well. Now we can see a tremendous increase in the number of TV and radio stations. Morocco has about six TV channels and a descent number of radio stations. This revolution in audio-visual media is sign of improvement in the performance of the Moroccan ministry of communication. Nonetheless, this fact does not make Morocco in the top list of the countries that have developed mass media. It is worth to say that Morocco is at the beginning of the phase of developing its mass media sector. Moreover, the development of this important sector is the duty of both the government and the citizens. The government can develop mass media facilities, and it can also put an effective strategy of developing the mass communication sector throughout the country. However, it is also the duty of Moroccans to use those tools and integrate them in their daily life. The citizen should be aware of how mass communication can make his/her life easier. Hence, lots of efforts should be done in order to boost this vital sector in Morocco.
Mass Media and Communication Effects on Literacy in Morocco:
It is worth to say that the rate of illiteracy is very high in Morocco. 'The rate of illiteracy among Moroccans over 10 years of age dropped to 38.5% at the end of 2006, from 43% in 2004, Le Matin reported on Thursday April 19th ' (Le Matin, 2004). Moreover, illiteracy is widely spread among certain social classes or some particular regions in Morocco more than the others. 'In geographical terms, the region of Casablanca has the lowest illiteracy rate (23%), while the regions of Taza-Al Hoceima, Tadla-Azilal and Souss registered the highest rate, reaching 45%. The illiteracy rate is much higher in rural areas where it is over 55%' (Maghribia, 2007). A good approach of these statistics can reveal some important facts behind the high rate of illiteracy in Morocco. It is clear from these statistics that bigger urban areas like Casablanca have the lowest rate of illiteracy in Morocco. This can be explained by the fact that mass communication in such fortunate areas is highly advanced and well developed in comparison to other rural areas. Some mass media channels like Television and Radio devices, and by which mass communication works are widely present in big urban areas like Rabat and Casablanca. This means that people's access to the different sources of information and ideas in such places plays a significant role behind the higher literacy rate among people in comparison to other rural and small urban zones. More than half of the Moroccan population in rural areas is illiterate. The shortage of mass communication channels in such areas is a key factor behind the high rate of illiteracy among the Moroccan rural population.
'The need to use mass communication to reach as many people as possible has become pressing for Morocco' (Maghribia, 2006). Literacy is not only about a class and regular courses that deal with reading and writing. Literacy can be reached through interaction with mass media facilities. People who listen to television and others speaking a classical Arabic and other languages will undoubtedly push illiterates to look forward understanding and learning new terms and concepts. Alif Laam is an example of TV shows broadcasted on a daily basis on the first national Moroccan television, and that aims to fight illiteracy among Moroccans (Al Aman News Center, 2005). Television can also help illiterates to read and write through the illiteracy courses broadcasted in channels like Al Maghribia for instance. There is no need for elders to move to classrooms in order to fight their illiteracy. Television as a mass medium has become an amazing tool that facilitates illiteracy among Moroccans in a very effective, easy and modern way.
Another mass medium that needs to be developed in Morocco in order to increase literacy and awareness among Moroccans is newspapers. Abdelmounaïm Dilami, the second vice president of the International Union of press, asserted that Morocco needs to apply a good strategy to widen the distribution of newspapers in urban and especially rural areas in Morocco. 'Dilami also said that they are working at improving the distribution of national newspapers in remote areas and that the independent press is starting to conquest the media environment in search of profit' (Friends of Morocco, 2005). Newspapers are not only a way of attracting illiterate people to learn how to read in order to know; they are also a good tool that improves people's style of writing and expressing themselves properly. The distribution of print media (newspapers and magazines) in rural areas faces some serious obstacles (Friends of Morocco, 2005). Press industries believe that it is not profitable for them to sell their products in rural regions in Morocco because of two reasons. The first reason is that the number of readers in rural areas is very low. The second reason is fact that the undeveloped infrastructure in Moroccan rural zones makes it very hard for distributors to cover most of the areas with copies of their newspapers and magazines (Al-bab, 2007). The inadequate distribution of newspapers and magazines in Moroccan rural areas is another explanation of the high rate of illiteracy among Moroccans in rural zones.
It is clear that the insufficient efforts that the Moroccan government makes in order to facilitate the access of mass media facilities to many Moroccan regions is one of the most essential reasons behind the high rate of illiteracy in Morocco. The Moroccan government needs to assist the mass communication sector in order increase the rate of literacy in Morocco.
Mass Media and Communication Effects on Political Awareness in Morocco:
Political awareness is one big issue in Morocco. One manifestation of political activism among the Moroccan citizens lies in their participation in local and legislative elections. Here the role of mass media and communication is definitely important. It is through mass communication that political parties and candidates convey their messages to the masses either through television or through speeches held in the streets of the region in which they are elected. The 2007 legislative elections recorded one of the lowest turnouts in the history of elections in Morocco. 'Remarkably, voter turnout plunged to a historical low of 37 percent, down from 51 in 2002 elections and 58 percent in 1997' (Hamzawy, 2007). This remarkable decrease can be explained by a failure in mass communication during the course of the campaign. The primary role of the ministry or interior and the ministry of communication is to run awareness campaigns to convince people to participate in such a national duty through media like television, newspapers, magazines, radio, or even the internet. It is also the candidates' duty to attract people through the use of concise mass communication strategies and propaganda. Women's political activism in Morocco is very low as Ms Nouzha Skalli the Moroccan minister of Social Development, Family and Solidarity argued in her interview with the Maghribia magazine (Touahri, 2008). 'The media must not ignore the achievements of women who dramatically contribute to developing society, Minister Skelli maintains, but should instead establish a media culture based on real gender-equality' (Touahri, 2008). This is another statement that proves how the role of mass media and communication is important in the political orientation, participation and awareness among the Moroccan citizens, women and men. It is unfortunate to see how print and visual media are not well integrated within the Moroccan culture. In the developed countries like the United States, Americans spend a lot of money in subscriptions with TV cable providers like HBO and CNBS in order to get good quality debates, documentaries and news. A large part of their population has also a monthly subscription with their favorite newspapers and magazines in order to receive copies on a daily or a weekly basis. This culture of reading is very high in such developed societies. This is one reason that makes people in the US or Germany adopt a high sense of awareness regarding their domestic affairs. The habit of using print media is the major aspect that motivates citizens to be politically active within their environment. Thus, it is compulsory for Moroccans to adopt the culture of reading in their daily life.
Print media akin to magazines and newspapers play also a significant role in orienting people towards an efficient and fruitful political participation in Morocco.
'The shift in the independent press has not been ignored by Morocco’s small but loyal readership. The reincarnated Journal Hebdomadaire is the most popular weekly newspaper, with sales of roughly 20,000. The newcomer TelQuel has sales of 10,000 a week on a print run of just 12,000. Demain magazine and Doumane each sell 17,000 copies a week and have existed on sales alone since a government campaign scared away all advertisers two years ago' (Elkin, 2003).
The most popular Moroccan newspaper 'Le Journal Hebdomadaire' sales only 20,000 copies every week. This is only 0.06 percent of the entire Moroccan population. These statistics demonstrate how low is the number of Moroccans who read newspapers through the country. This also proves how print media is not strongly rooted in the Moroccan culture and society. Therefore, if the Moroccan government puts some efforts into developing mass media and communication, it will undoubtedly affect the political awareness and participation among the Moroccans.
Mass Media and Communication Effects on Moroccans' awareness of their rights and duties (Mudawana):
The principle of rights and duties of Moroccan citizens are revealed in the Mudawana (Smith, 2006). The Mudawana stands for a constitution of civil rights and duties in Morocco. Through the Mudwana, Moroccans can figure out a number of their rights and duties within their society. However, the real implementation of the Mudawana's articles cannot be effective in the Moroccan society unless if Morocco's citizens understand it clearly and objectively. 'Morocco needs a strong campaign by civil society and the media to support the implementation of the new code, to explain to the public what is at stake, and to gather widespread public support' (Sabir, 2004). This statement shows how mass media can play an essential role in teaching people about their duties and rights through the clear understanding of the different articles of the Mudawana. The easiest way that the Moroccan government should use in its campaigns of awareness in order to bring Moroccans to the clear meanings of the Mudawana is through mass media facilities. A tactical use of television, radio, newspapers and other media facilities can create a clear understanding of the Mudawana among the Moroccans. A clear understanding of the Mudawana's articles will undoubtedly create a better Moroccan society in which people clearly understand how they should act as good citizens and what they expect from their government.
Mass media and communication is by all means the engine of development in Morocco. There is a very strong correlation between the development of the Moroccan society as a civilized and advanced nation and the understanding of how mass communication should be implemented in this process. It is necessary to say that in all the developed civil societies, mass media and communication as a concept and as a set of facilities and devices are very developed and widely spread. It is compulsory to understand that mass communication tools should be implemented in every process of human or economic development in Morocco.
Works Cited
El Maataoui, Samir. "Press in Morocco." Al-Bab. 21 July 2008. Moroccan Gatway. 31 Oct. 2008.
Elkin, Andrew. "Morocco’s independent press under fire again." Alternatives. 5 May 2003. Building Together a different World. 31 Oct. 2008.
Hamzawy, Amr. "The 2007 Moroccan Parliamentary Elections Results and Implications." Carnegieendowment. 11 Sept. 2007. The Middle East Program. 31 Oct. 2008.
Sabir, Abderrahim. "New liberties for Moroccan women.(Human Rights Watch)." Access My Library. 1 July 2004. American Humanist Association. 31 Oct. 2008.
Smith, Andrew. "The Rhetoric of Rights and Duties in Islam, or: The Mudawana in Morocco." Allacademic. 10 Mar. 2006. 31 Oct. 2008.
Touahri, Sarah. "Assadissa religious channel still trying to gain traction in Morocco." Maghribia. 29 Oct. 2006. 31 Oct. 2008.
Touahri, Sarah. "Illiteracy rate in Morocco drops to 38.5%." Maghribia. 20 Apr. 2007. 31 Oct. 2008.
Touahri, Sarah. "Ministry report finds women stereotyped by Moroccan media." Maghribia. 21 Apr. 2008. 31 Oct. 2008.
Hatim El Fethouni
October 20, 2008
Mass communication has always been a key component in bridging cultures, building economies and developing sciences. Mass communication is also a crucial feature that contributed to the transition from medieval and traditional societies to modern ones. It is no odd if the evolution of Mass Media was in parallel with the advancement of new technologies. It is through mass communication that the human could disseminate his innovations in technologies and science. Thus, it is clear that there is a very strong correlation between the evolution of mass communication and the emergence of modern societies in the world. Mass Communication is a route used by people to disseminate and transmit messages through various channels. Through mass communication, the human being changed the whole world. If Mass Communication did not exist, new technologies and scientific theories would not be developed as they are now in our times. Countries in which mass communication was profoundly developed are the ones where advanced technologies and economies are tremendously developed. It is obvious that the process of media technologies development is running faster than what it was in the past. New techniques of TV and Radio broadcasting are evolving. The use of the digital system of encoding sound and video messages instead of the old method is providing people with better image and sound qualities. Furthermore, Mass Communication is not only a main factor behind this process of media technologies development, since it also benefits from its evolution. China, for instance, is a nation that takes advantage of mass communication to develop and produce high advanced technological devices. Japan, Germany and the United States are examples of countries that use science to develop and create new technologies. However, the cost of such devices is very high that only a limited part of the world's population is able to afford buying them. China produces an imitation of such devices and sells them for very low prices. How do they do that? They use mass communication in both the production and marketing of their goods around the world. In our Moroccan context, mass media and Communication is unfortunately not well developed. Therefore, this fact is behind the hindrance of a number of vital sectors through the country. Focusing on the development of mass communication will have tremendous effects on the development of literacy, political awareness and participation, as well as the development of a strong economy in Morocco.
Mass media and communication in the Contemporary Morocco:
The Moroccan ministry of communication started to develop the communication sector in the last few years. Any Moroccan citizen can clearly see the increase of the presence of the ministry of communication in people's daily life if it is compared to the past. Audio visual media are the simplest example that can support this theory. Four years ago, Morocco had only two TV channels that represented and covered all the kingdom's regions. The number of radio stations was not very big as well. Now we can see a tremendous increase in the number of TV and radio stations. Morocco has about six TV channels and a descent number of radio stations. This revolution in audio-visual media is sign of improvement in the performance of the Moroccan ministry of communication. Nonetheless, this fact does not make Morocco in the top list of the countries that have developed mass media. It is worth to say that Morocco is at the beginning of the phase of developing its mass media sector. Moreover, the development of this important sector is the duty of both the government and the citizens. The government can develop mass media facilities, and it can also put an effective strategy of developing the mass communication sector throughout the country. However, it is also the duty of Moroccans to use those tools and integrate them in their daily life. The citizen should be aware of how mass communication can make his/her life easier. Hence, lots of efforts should be done in order to boost this vital sector in Morocco.
Mass Media and Communication Effects on Literacy in Morocco:
It is worth to say that the rate of illiteracy is very high in Morocco. 'The rate of illiteracy among Moroccans over 10 years of age dropped to 38.5% at the end of 2006, from 43% in 2004, Le Matin reported on Thursday April 19th ' (Le Matin, 2004). Moreover, illiteracy is widely spread among certain social classes or some particular regions in Morocco more than the others. 'In geographical terms, the region of Casablanca has the lowest illiteracy rate (23%), while the regions of Taza-Al Hoceima, Tadla-Azilal and Souss registered the highest rate, reaching 45%. The illiteracy rate is much higher in rural areas where it is over 55%' (Maghribia, 2007). A good approach of these statistics can reveal some important facts behind the high rate of illiteracy in Morocco. It is clear from these statistics that bigger urban areas like Casablanca have the lowest rate of illiteracy in Morocco. This can be explained by the fact that mass communication in such fortunate areas is highly advanced and well developed in comparison to other rural areas. Some mass media channels like Television and Radio devices, and by which mass communication works are widely present in big urban areas like Rabat and Casablanca. This means that people's access to the different sources of information and ideas in such places plays a significant role behind the higher literacy rate among people in comparison to other rural and small urban zones. More than half of the Moroccan population in rural areas is illiterate. The shortage of mass communication channels in such areas is a key factor behind the high rate of illiteracy among the Moroccan rural population.
'The need to use mass communication to reach as many people as possible has become pressing for Morocco' (Maghribia, 2006). Literacy is not only about a class and regular courses that deal with reading and writing. Literacy can be reached through interaction with mass media facilities. People who listen to television and others speaking a classical Arabic and other languages will undoubtedly push illiterates to look forward understanding and learning new terms and concepts. Alif Laam is an example of TV shows broadcasted on a daily basis on the first national Moroccan television, and that aims to fight illiteracy among Moroccans (Al Aman News Center, 2005). Television can also help illiterates to read and write through the illiteracy courses broadcasted in channels like Al Maghribia for instance. There is no need for elders to move to classrooms in order to fight their illiteracy. Television as a mass medium has become an amazing tool that facilitates illiteracy among Moroccans in a very effective, easy and modern way.
Another mass medium that needs to be developed in Morocco in order to increase literacy and awareness among Moroccans is newspapers. Abdelmounaïm Dilami, the second vice president of the International Union of press, asserted that Morocco needs to apply a good strategy to widen the distribution of newspapers in urban and especially rural areas in Morocco. 'Dilami also said that they are working at improving the distribution of national newspapers in remote areas and that the independent press is starting to conquest the media environment in search of profit' (Friends of Morocco, 2005). Newspapers are not only a way of attracting illiterate people to learn how to read in order to know; they are also a good tool that improves people's style of writing and expressing themselves properly. The distribution of print media (newspapers and magazines) in rural areas faces some serious obstacles (Friends of Morocco, 2005). Press industries believe that it is not profitable for them to sell their products in rural regions in Morocco because of two reasons. The first reason is that the number of readers in rural areas is very low. The second reason is fact that the undeveloped infrastructure in Moroccan rural zones makes it very hard for distributors to cover most of the areas with copies of their newspapers and magazines (Al-bab, 2007). The inadequate distribution of newspapers and magazines in Moroccan rural areas is another explanation of the high rate of illiteracy among Moroccans in rural zones.
It is clear that the insufficient efforts that the Moroccan government makes in order to facilitate the access of mass media facilities to many Moroccan regions is one of the most essential reasons behind the high rate of illiteracy in Morocco. The Moroccan government needs to assist the mass communication sector in order increase the rate of literacy in Morocco.
Mass Media and Communication Effects on Political Awareness in Morocco:
Political awareness is one big issue in Morocco. One manifestation of political activism among the Moroccan citizens lies in their participation in local and legislative elections. Here the role of mass media and communication is definitely important. It is through mass communication that political parties and candidates convey their messages to the masses either through television or through speeches held in the streets of the region in which they are elected. The 2007 legislative elections recorded one of the lowest turnouts in the history of elections in Morocco. 'Remarkably, voter turnout plunged to a historical low of 37 percent, down from 51 in 2002 elections and 58 percent in 1997' (Hamzawy, 2007). This remarkable decrease can be explained by a failure in mass communication during the course of the campaign. The primary role of the ministry or interior and the ministry of communication is to run awareness campaigns to convince people to participate in such a national duty through media like television, newspapers, magazines, radio, or even the internet. It is also the candidates' duty to attract people through the use of concise mass communication strategies and propaganda. Women's political activism in Morocco is very low as Ms Nouzha Skalli the Moroccan minister of Social Development, Family and Solidarity argued in her interview with the Maghribia magazine (Touahri, 2008). 'The media must not ignore the achievements of women who dramatically contribute to developing society, Minister Skelli maintains, but should instead establish a media culture based on real gender-equality' (Touahri, 2008). This is another statement that proves how the role of mass media and communication is important in the political orientation, participation and awareness among the Moroccan citizens, women and men. It is unfortunate to see how print and visual media are not well integrated within the Moroccan culture. In the developed countries like the United States, Americans spend a lot of money in subscriptions with TV cable providers like HBO and CNBS in order to get good quality debates, documentaries and news. A large part of their population has also a monthly subscription with their favorite newspapers and magazines in order to receive copies on a daily or a weekly basis. This culture of reading is very high in such developed societies. This is one reason that makes people in the US or Germany adopt a high sense of awareness regarding their domestic affairs. The habit of using print media is the major aspect that motivates citizens to be politically active within their environment. Thus, it is compulsory for Moroccans to adopt the culture of reading in their daily life.
Print media akin to magazines and newspapers play also a significant role in orienting people towards an efficient and fruitful political participation in Morocco.
'The shift in the independent press has not been ignored by Morocco’s small but loyal readership. The reincarnated Journal Hebdomadaire is the most popular weekly newspaper, with sales of roughly 20,000. The newcomer TelQuel has sales of 10,000 a week on a print run of just 12,000. Demain magazine and Doumane each sell 17,000 copies a week and have existed on sales alone since a government campaign scared away all advertisers two years ago' (Elkin, 2003).
The most popular Moroccan newspaper 'Le Journal Hebdomadaire' sales only 20,000 copies every week. This is only 0.06 percent of the entire Moroccan population. These statistics demonstrate how low is the number of Moroccans who read newspapers through the country. This also proves how print media is not strongly rooted in the Moroccan culture and society. Therefore, if the Moroccan government puts some efforts into developing mass media and communication, it will undoubtedly affect the political awareness and participation among the Moroccans.
Mass Media and Communication Effects on Moroccans' awareness of their rights and duties (Mudawana):
The principle of rights and duties of Moroccan citizens are revealed in the Mudawana (Smith, 2006). The Mudawana stands for a constitution of civil rights and duties in Morocco. Through the Mudwana, Moroccans can figure out a number of their rights and duties within their society. However, the real implementation of the Mudawana's articles cannot be effective in the Moroccan society unless if Morocco's citizens understand it clearly and objectively. 'Morocco needs a strong campaign by civil society and the media to support the implementation of the new code, to explain to the public what is at stake, and to gather widespread public support' (Sabir, 2004). This statement shows how mass media can play an essential role in teaching people about their duties and rights through the clear understanding of the different articles of the Mudawana. The easiest way that the Moroccan government should use in its campaigns of awareness in order to bring Moroccans to the clear meanings of the Mudawana is through mass media facilities. A tactical use of television, radio, newspapers and other media facilities can create a clear understanding of the Mudawana among the Moroccans. A clear understanding of the Mudawana's articles will undoubtedly create a better Moroccan society in which people clearly understand how they should act as good citizens and what they expect from their government.
Mass media and communication is by all means the engine of development in Morocco. There is a very strong correlation between the development of the Moroccan society as a civilized and advanced nation and the understanding of how mass communication should be implemented in this process. It is necessary to say that in all the developed civil societies, mass media and communication as a concept and as a set of facilities and devices are very developed and widely spread. It is compulsory to understand that mass communication tools should be implemented in every process of human or economic development in Morocco.
Works Cited
El Maataoui, Samir. "Press in Morocco." Al-Bab. 21 July 2008. Moroccan Gatway. 31 Oct. 2008
Elkin, Andrew. "Morocco’s independent press under fire again." Alternatives. 5 May 2003. Building Together a different World. 31 Oct. 2008.
Hamzawy, Amr. "The 2007 Moroccan Parliamentary Elections Results and Implications." Carnegieendowment. 11 Sept. 2007. The Middle East Program. 31 Oct. 2008
Sabir, Abderrahim. "New liberties for Moroccan women.(Human Rights Watch)." Access My Library. 1 July 2004. American Humanist Association. 31 Oct. 2008
Smith, Andrew. "The Rhetoric of Rights and Duties in Islam, or: The Mudawana in Morocco." Allacademic. 10 Mar. 2006. 31 Oct. 2008
Touahri, Sarah. "Assadissa religious channel still trying to gain traction in Morocco." Maghribia. 29 Oct. 2006. 31 Oct. 2008
Touahri, Sarah. "Illiteracy rate in Morocco drops to 38.5%." Maghribia. 20 Apr. 2007. 31 Oct. 2008
Touahri, Sarah. "Ministry report finds women stereotyped by Moroccan media." Maghribia. 21 Apr. 2008. 31 Oct. 2008
