Hamid Barrada, a prominent Moroccan journalist and intellectual, passed away in the early hours of September 26, 2026. Born in 1939 in Tangier, Morocco, Barrada had a distinguished career spanning several decades, with a focus on political and cultural journalism. He was educated in philosophy, law, and political sociology, which laid the foundation for his extensive work in the media industry. Throughout his career, Barrada traversed various mediums, including print media, Francophone television, and Moroccan audiovisual landscapes.
Barrada began his career as a reporter at Jeune Afrique, a prominent French-language magazine, before becoming its editor-in-chief from 1974 to 1985. He then moved to TV5, where he served as the director of the Maghreb/Middle East division. His work bridged multiple media spaces, including Moroccan, Maghrebi, and Francophone spheres. Barrada's personal history is deeply intertwined with Morocco's political landscape, having served as the president of the National Union of Moroccan Students in 1962 and facing a death sentence in absentia in 1963.
Barrada's experiences in exile and clandestinity in Algeria and France before being allowed to return to Morocco in 1978 significantly shaped his journalistic work. His career was marked by a commitment to in-depth interviews, which provided a platform for intellectuals, politicians, and cultural figures to share their insights. In 2025, a collection of his interviews, titled Anthologie d'entretiens, was published, covering the period from 1977 to 2012.
On Moroccan television, Barrada was known for hosting "Mais Encore?" on 2M from 2007 to 2018. The program was characterized by lengthy and demanding interviews with prominent figures. This format allowed for nuanced discussions, distinguishing Barrada's work in a media landscape often dominated by shorter, faster-paced content.
Barrada's legacy is marked by his ability to connect different intellectual and media circles. His work facilitated the exchange of ideas across generations and platforms, from Francophone print media to Moroccan television. His passing leaves behind a significant body of work, including his interviews, which now serve as archives of a bygone era.
Colleagues and media outlets have paid tribute to Barrada, highlighting his contributions to Moroccan and Maghrebi journalism. His work continues to be celebrated for its depth and commitment to exploring complex issues. As tributes pour in, Barrada's impact on the media landscape is being reassessed, with many acknowledging the void his passing leaves.
Key facts about Hamid Barrada's life and career include his birth in 1939 in Tangier, his tenure as editor-in-chief of Jeune Afrique from 1974 to 1985, and his hosting of "Mais Encore?" on 2M from 2007 to 2018. His Anthologie d'entretiens, published in 2025, comprises 744 pages of interviews conducted over several decades.
Key points
- Hamid Barrada's career bridged multiple media platforms and generations, leaving a lasting legacy in Maghrebi and Francophone journalism.
- Barrada's work was characterized by in-depth interviews with prominent intellectuals, politicians, and cultural figures.
- His passing marks the end of an era in Moroccan journalism, with his body of work serving as a testament to his contributions.
