Fake News: 2M Starts Charging for Moroccans Living Abroad

Rabat – In recent weeks, many rumors circulated around the web accusing 2M television channel of launching a paid subscription of €4.99 for Moroccans living abroad. Several news outlets shared the story, including Hespress, the largest Moroccan online newspaper.

The channel, however, has categorically denied the accusations and released explanations.

“Moroccans living abroad can still access [2M Monde channel] for free. It is always available on Hot Bird [satellite],” a spokesperson told the press.

Some cable television operators in Europe decided to include 2M channel in a paid bundle plan, which made Moroccans living abroad think access to the channel was no longer free, added the spokesperson.

What reinforced the rumors was the interruption of 2M’s broadcast on Nilesat satellite for around 90 minutes. The Moroccan channel explained the interruption came about because of a delayed payment from 2M to the company managing the satellite because of 2M’s financial crisis.

The channel’s spokesperson explained that the broadcast interruption did not happen on any other satellite and that the channel maintains its free access on all available satellites.

Another rumor emanating from 2M’s difficult financial situation was the addition of a fee in Moroccan electricity bills to support the channel.

Morocco’s Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani denied the rumor, saying that the fee does not apply to 80% of Moroccans, and the money does not go to the television channel.

The reason behind the financial crisis of 2M is the decline of advertisement revenue in recent years, which represents 90% of the channel’s income, explained an employee.

As part of its cutbacks, 2M has closed its Tangier office and had some of its radio station material seized after it failed to pay rent.