Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Morocco’s High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has commented on Hit Radio’s Momo Show’s faking of an on-air robbery, urging journalists and broadcasters to respect their commitment to factual reporting and preserve citizens’ rights to safety and accurate information.
In a statement on Thursday evening, HACA responded to the Momo Show controversy by noting that it has been monitoring the situation against individuals involved in a case of fabricating fictitious crimes, spreading false information as well as insulting law enforcement agencies.
“Taking into consideration the principle of presumption of innocence, which holds that any suspect or accused of a crime is presumed innocent until their conviction is confirmed by a judicial decision, HACA recalls certain principles governing radio and television services, particularly regarding their responsibility for preserving citizens’ safety,” the statement read.
HACA recalled the need for stakeholders of the Moroccan media landscape to uphold editorial accountability. It stressed that broadcasters and journalists have the duty to report factual and reliable news, while citizens have the duty to be vigilant of the reliability of what they consume on the internet, radio stations, and TV news programs. Freedom of press does not imply the freedom to report misleading and fabricated information, it said.
Read also: Hit Radio Host ‘Momo’ Bailed, Under Probe for Staged On-Air Robbery
Hit Radio has been embroiled in controversy since a press release from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) indicated that an alleged robbery caught on air during the Momo Morning Show was staged.
DGSN opened an investigation into the case after a caller posing as a genuine Momo Show enthusiast claimed he was robbed on air while speaking to the host.
DGSN’s investigation determined, however, that the scheme was staged for personal gain and also to increase the audience of both that particular show and Hit Radio.
But Hit Radio has denied having prior knowledge of the faked on-air robbery, arguing that its collaborators are “entirely unrelated to this matter.”
In a statement, Hit Radio noted it is also “fully willing to cooperate with competent authorities to clarify matters and ensure that the truth is established.” The radio threatened to “take all legal measures against those seeking to tarnish our reputation with false allegations,” stressing its respect and appreciation for law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Momo, the host of the show, has been released on a MAD 100,000 bail and is now under surveillance as part of the ongoing investigation.
