The Minister of Communication, Zohir Bouamama, received Samir Thaalbi, the Director General of the National Copyright and Neighboring Rights Office (ONDA), on Tuesday. The meeting underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Communication and ONDA, an institution dedicated to safeguarding the moral and material rights of authors, creators, and related rights holders for the past 50 years.
During the discussions, Minister Bouamama highlighted the critical importance of ONDA’s mission and praised its efforts in protecting the rights of authors and creators. He emphasized the need to uphold the legal framework governing the distribution and broadcasting of protected works. The Minister stressed the importance of continuous cooperation and regular coordination between the Ministry and ONDA, particularly in light of Executive Decree No. 24-250, dated July 23, 2024. This decree outlines the general terms and conditions applicable to audiovisual communication services and includes provisions requiring media organizations to collaborate with ONDA through a ‘communication to the public license’ agreement.
The Director General reiterated the significance of audiovisual institutions entering into agreements with ONDA. These agreements define the terms under which licenses are granted to utilize protected works within their programming, contributing to the overall protection of authors’ and rights holders’ interests. He also highlighted the various services and opportunities ONDA offers to media organizations, including audiovisual and electronic press outlets, enabling them to legally utilize protected works in their programs and productions, especially on digital platforms.
Both parties agreed to explore several joint activity projects for the upcoming period, starting with an information day for journalists and media organizations. This initiative aims to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of copyright protection and integrate it into the practices of media institutions, thereby contributing to the regulation and organization of the media landscape. Several prominent organizations are expected to sign agreements with ONDA in the near future, further solidifying this commitment.
