Who Owns Hespress? Ownership, Political Bias, and Editorial Standards
Hespress Overview and Political Bias
Hespress is frequently described as reflecting the views of the Moroccan establishment, particularly regarding national sovereignty. Critics suggest it avoids scrutinizing the monarchy directly while emphasizing state-led development. Some observers claim the platform uses sensationalism to drive engagement, while its coverage of the Western Sahara is characterized as strictly patriotic.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 22,000,000 |
| Israel support | Aligns with official Moroccan diplomatic normalization (Abraham Accords) while maintaining traditional pro-Palestinian cultural sentiment |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Mass market |
Hespress History
Established in 2007 by the El Guennouni brothers, Hespress began as a digital-first alternative to traditional Moroccan print media. It rose to prominence during the 2011 regional protests by providing a platform for public discourse. It has since evolved into the country’s most-read online news source, expanding into French-language reporting.
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Who owns Hespress?
The site is owned by the Maroc Digital Group, founded by Hassan and Amin El Guennouni. Revenue is primarily generated through digital advertising and private partnerships. While privately held, some media analysts suggest its editorial independence is constrained by the broader political climate and proximity to influential Moroccan business interests.