Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a decisive move signaling the state’s commitment to media reform and freedom of expression, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a high-level meeting with top media officials to chart a new course for the future of Egyptian media. The meeting included Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Chairman 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.
Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President Sisi began the session by extending appreciation to all those working in Egypt’s media sector. He praised the pivotal role that national media plays in shaping public awareness, strengthening national identity, and informing citizens about key developments both locally and globally.
The president acknowledged media’s contribution to showcasing Egypt’s achievements, elevating public taste, and reinforcing core societal values. He also reiterated the state’s unwavering commitment to upholding freedom of expression and embracing all national viewpoints within the Egyptian media system. Such inclusiveness, he noted, is essential to ensuring intellectual diversity, healthy public discourse, and the development of a truly pluralistic society.
President Sisi directed that a comprehensive roadmap be developed for the modernization of Egyptian media. He emphasized that this plan must be shaped by experienced professionals and innovative thinkers alike, ensuring that the national media sector can adapt to global transformations and align with the principles of Egypt’s New Republic.
Among the key priorities outlined was the need for greater transparency and access to information. The president called for government institutions to make data more readily available to journalists, particularly during times of national crises or heightened public interest. By doing so, the media can report responsibly, avoiding sensationalism or misinformation and presenting well-balanced coverage that serves the public good.
The president also stressed the importance of empowering the next generation of media professionals. He called for investment in training programs that would instill critical values such as national security awareness, openness to diverse opinions, and the principle of “dialogue and counter-dialogue” — promoting a culture of respect for differing viewpoints within the national media landscape.
Efforts are already underway to revamp the country’s state-run media infrastructure. During the meeting, officials briefed the president on progress in modernizing the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (Maspero), including technological upgrades and institutional reforms. Updates were also provided on the restructuring of state-owned press organizations.
As part of the state’s broader support for media professionals, President Sisi approved a government-proposed cash allowance for journalists and instructed that long-standing issues related to end-of-service compensation for employees at Maspero be resolved.
The meeting signals a new phase in Egypt’s media strategy, one focused on professional development, institutional reform, and a firm grounding in constitutional freedoms. With this renewed vision, the state aims to ensure that Egyptian media remains a reliable pillar of national development and democratic engagement in a rapidly changing world.
