The bill creating the National Media Regulatory Council (CNRM) was adopted on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, by the Council of Ministers. This new body is intended to replace the National Audiovisual Regulatory Council (CNRA) and strengthen the regulation of the media sector.

The Association of Online Publishers and Press Professionals (APPEL) welcomes this development. According to the association, a regulator with broad powers is essential to guarantee responsible journalism that adapts to technological advancements, particularly on digital platforms.

However, the association strongly criticizes the way the project was developed. "Professional organizations were systematically excluded," laments APPEL. The text, drafted by a committee of legal experts, was allegedly developed behind closed doors, breaking with the tradition of consultation that has always prevailed for regulatory texts in the sector.

The National Executive Bureau of APPEL emphasizes that, having not participated in the discussions, online news publishers cannot currently comment on the technical content and operational procedures of the CNRM. "It is regrettable that those most directly affected are the last to be informed of the rules that will govern their profession," the association insists.

The APPEAL affirms its willingness to engage in dialogue and reiterates that the restructuring of the media landscape can only be sustainable if it is based on a truly inclusive and participatory approach.