Communication, Media and the Moroccan Migratory Field

Abstract

The development of new technologies of communication and information has radically changed Moroccan migrants’ relationship with space. Traditionally radio, later telephone and more recently the internet have altered the ways in which Moroccans abroad may create and imagine ongoing contacts with friends and family at home. Despite rapid developments in mobile communications and the growing diffusion of broadband internet connections within Morocco, these technologies have not yet had a major impact on the way in which Moroccan migrants remain in contact with home. For this, satellite television and particularly the transmission of the Moroccan national channel RTM by satellite have made a tremendous difference to the lives of Moroccans abroad. This paper briefly reviews the status of other forms of media and then concentrates on patterns of use of satellite television amongst Moroccans abroad in order to analyse the central role it plays in many households in providing the major link with events in Morocco.