While most Moroccans rely on the internet for news, trust in the media is surprisingly low, according to a report from the Reuters Institute.
According to the “Digital News Report 2025,” around 78% of Moroccans get their news from online sources, with social media platforms and messaging apps playing a major role.
But this growing digital dependence is making them more vulnerable to fake news and misleading information.
The report shows that only 28% of people in Morocco trust the news, making it one of the countries with the lowest trust levels.
Many say that news outlets avoid sensitive topics and often reflect the government’s voice rather than offering truly independent reporting.
Apps like YouTube and Facebook are the top go-to platforms for news among Moroccans, used by 49% and 47% of the population respectively.
Other popular platforms include Instagram (32%), TikTok (24%), WhatsApp groups (30%), and even Telegram, which is growing in popularity thanks to its encryption and private channels.
Despite the rise of digital sources, TV and print newspapers still matter, especially for older generations and people who don’t use the internet often.
But the dominance of social media and low trust in traditional news outlets is causing serious concerns.
Over half of those surveyed (54%) said they’re worried about spotting the difference between real and fake news, while 52% believe influencers are the biggest source of misinformation, followed by politicians (30%) and the media itself (28%).
The shift online is also changing how news is created. The report points to a growing wave of local content creators, bloggers, political commentators, and influencers who are reshaping news consumption, especially among younger people.
One notable example is Taoufik Bouachrine, a journalist recently released from prison, who has quickly returned to public life through his new political podcast “Kalam Fi Ssiassa” (Talk in Politics), where he calls for deep reforms in both politics and the media.
While Arabic dominates the Moroccan media landscape, some of the most influential business outlets are still published in French.
Finally, traditional print journalism is struggling. Daily newspaper circulation continues to decline, a trend made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, and most print outlets now survive thanks to state subsidies, but these come with strings attached.
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