Moroccan channels allocate millions for Ramadan shows

Morocco\'s channels have allocated billions of centièmes for the production of comedy shows  Morocco\'s public channels have allocated billions of centièmes (1 Moroccan dirham equals 10 centièmes) for the production of soap operas and comedy shows during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. An informed source revealed that the approximate production budget of Channel 1, Channel 2 and Midi-1 TV was over eight billion centièmes, if shows completed last year that have not yet been broadcast are taken into account.
An official source revealed that public channels relied on commercials to pay the production companies\' dues, especially Channel 2 which finds it difficult to pay wages if enough advertising revenue is not generated.
The Moroccan Minister of Communications, Mustafa Khalfi, stated in parliament a few days ago that he hoped Ramadan would represent a quantum leap in public media to achieve the expectations of the Moroccan audience.
 He stated that Morocco\'s public channels faced two obstacles: the first was associated with the huge number of free Arabic channels via satellite; while the second obstacle was the return of Egyptian drama after the hub of the Arab entertainment industry stabilised.
\"This will create competitiveness that will not serve the interest of local drama. In case Arab channels succeed in attracting Moroccan viewers, local channels will be left by companies for Arab satellite channels to promote their products,\" added the minister.
An audience rights body has also said it aims to raise awareness of rights guaranteed by law in visual media, including ensuring that audiences have the right to freely express their opinions of TV channels.
It stressed the importance of the commitment of these channels to agreements that defend the right of the Moroccan audience in TV coverage, and to watch national channels all over the Kingdom.