Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a high-level meeting held in Cairo, Egyptian President El-Sisi directed the creation of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming and modernizing the national media landscape. The meeting, convened on Sunday, brought together key figures from the country’s media leadership, including Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Head of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation Eng. Khaled Abdel Aziz, Chairman of the National Press Authority Eng. Abdel Sadek El-Shorbagy, and Chairman of the National Media Authority Mr. Ahmed El-Moslemany.
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, President Sisi began the meeting by extending his appreciation to all professionals working in Egypt’s media sector. He praised their essential role in shaping public consciousness, reinforcing national identity, and keeping citizens informed of both domestic developments and global affairs.
President Sisi emphasized the media’s vital function in highlighting national achievements, improving public discourse, and preserving societal values. He reaffirmed the state’s firm commitment to upholding freedom of expression and fostering an inclusive media environment that welcomes diverse patriotic viewpoints. Such pluralism, he said, is crucial for enriching public dialogue and strengthening democratic discourse in line with the vision of Egypt’s New Republic.
The president instructed officials to begin work on a forward-looking strategy that would reposition Egyptian media in the rapidly evolving global landscape. The envisioned roadmap, he stressed, should draw upon the expertise of seasoned professionals and emerging talents alike, ensuring that national media outlets are equipped to navigate the digital era and fulfill their mission in accordance with the aspirations of modern Egypt.
A core element of the plan involves facilitating better access to information and official data for journalists and media institutions, particularly during times of crisis or national importance. President Sisi noted that transparency and timely communication are vital to preventing misinformation and ensuring accurate reporting that informs rather than inflames public opinion.
In addition to strategic development, the president underscored the importance of human capital in media reform. He called for structured training and cultural programs for media professionals, with a focus on national security awareness, critical thinking, and openness to differing perspectives. This, he said, would reinforce the principle of balanced discourse, allowing space for both majority and minority views within Egypt’s media ecosystem.
During the meeting, officials presented updates on the efforts underway to modernize the national broadcasting infrastructure, particularly the state-run Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU), commonly known as Maspero. The presentations covered ongoing technical upgrades, content revitalization, and institutional restructuring designed to make the broadcaster more competitive and relevant in the digital age.
Updates were also provided on the modernization of state-owned press institutions, including initiatives to improve financial sustainability and editorial independence.
In a significant move aimed at improving the welfare of media professionals, President Sisi approved a government-proposed cash allowance for journalists. He also ordered the resolution of long-standing issues concerning end-of-service compensation for employees of Maspero, signaling a broader commitment to supporting media workers and enhancing conditions in the sector.
The meeting marks a renewed phase in Egypt’s media reform agenda, with President Sisi calling for an approach that is inclusive, data-driven, and future-ready—an approach that, in his words, aligns with the principles of Egypt’s modern democratic trajectory.
