Morocco’s multiculturalism is reflected by the myriad of languages broadcast and published and the respect for its original Berber roots

s a national public broadcaster, the SNRT reflects the linguistic tendencies of the Moroccan people, emitting programs not only in French, Arabic and Berber, but even English and Spanish. However, around 40 percent of the population speak the country’s original Berber tongue, Tamazight, which pre-dates the Arab occupation and has existed in written form for over 2,000 years.

While programs in Tamazight have been gradually introduced to radio and television output over the past years, the decision has been taken to create a new terrestrial television channel broadcasting solely in this language.

This comes as a welcome step for the defenders of Morocco as a primarily Tamazight nation. Since 2000, and with the support of King Mohammed VI who established the Royal Institute for Amazigh Culture (Ircam), this integral aspect of national culture and identity is experiencing a renaissance. Teaching of the language was introduced experimentally in 317 schools, and will be standardized as of 2013 thanks to a massive teacher training campaign.

The new channel, which is planned for the end of 2007, will be jointly financed by the Ministry of Communication, the SNRT and Ircam, who will also work together to decide content and programming.