Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has directed the government to translate the recommendations of the national media development committee into an executive action plan ahead of a major sector-wide conference scheduled for December.
The directive came during a meeting convened to follow up on presidential instructions issued by Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi regarding the development of the Egyptian media system. The session was attended by Minister of State for Information Diaa Rashwan, Head of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation Khaled Abdel-Aziz, Head of the National Press Authority Abdel-Sadek El-Shorbagy, and Head of the National Media Authority Ahmed El-Moslemany.
According to a Tuesday cabinet statement, the discussions focused on addressing the sector’s financial challenges, promoting objective dialogue, and ensuring the country’s media institutions can adapt to rapid technological shifts.
Translating Recommendations into Action
At the outset of the meeting, Madbouly stated that the government’s primary focus in the coming months must be clear: “How do we translate the recommendations that emerged from the media development committee… into an executive action plan.” He stressed that all efforts must be geared towards this objective before the annual media conference convenes in December.
The prime minister noted that President Sisi’s recent directives underscore the importance of fostering a professional and responsible media dialogue. This dialogue, he said, should present diverse opinions within a framework of mutual respect and adherence to national constants, enriching public debate and enhancing societal awareness.
Madbouly highlighted the work of the main committee for Egyptian media development, chaired by Khaled Abdel-Aziz, which has completed a set of important recommendations. These recommendations will be implemented in coordination with relevant authorities, forming the basis of the state’s roadmap for the sector.
Addressing Financial and Institutional Challenges
A significant portion of the government’s strategy involves stabilising the financial footing of state media institutions. Madbouly referenced ongoing meetings with the heads of media authorities aimed at settling debts and addressing financial imbalances, noting that these steps are crucial for ensuring the financial sustainability necessary for the institutions to optimally perform their roles.
Minister of State for Information Diaa Rashwan confirmed that his ministry has concluded its study of the committee’s results and formulated an initial framework for timelines and implementation mechanisms. He added that the upcoming December conference will serve as a comprehensive platform to discuss the multifaceted issues facing Egyptian media.
Rashwan outlined the proposed main themes for the conference, which include the economic and financial aspects of media institutions, access to information, free and responsible media, professional issues, and the conscious coverage of public affairs—spanning the national economy, foreign policy, national security, sports, and social issues.
Adapting to the Digital Era
The need to keep pace with rapid technological advancements was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Khaled Abdel-Aziz emphasised the importance of adapting to new communication methods and evolving patterns of content consumption to ensure media messages reach citizens effectively and professionally. He praised the government’s commitment to developing the sector as a fundamental pillar for building public awareness.
Ahmed El-Moslemany, Head of the National Media Authority, reviewed ongoing efforts to upgrade the authority’s operations, aiming to achieve tangible progress on longstanding challenges before the December conference. These efforts include resolving the issue of pensioner dues at Maspero, advancing digital transformation and infrastructure upgrades, and modernising transmission stations.
El-Moslemany stated that the authority is adopting a “digital first” strategy to maximise the role of digital media. He pointed to concrete steps taken in this direction, such as the development of the “Maspero Platform,” which aims to enhance the digital presence of national media content in line with global industry trends. He also stressed the importance of objective dialogue and responsible coverage in talk shows, strategies for handling trending content on social media, and preparing for the future of digital and individual media.
Abdel-Sadek El-Shorbagy, Head of the National Press Authority, echoed the call for clear implementation mechanisms based on the committee’s recommendations. He stressed the need to define specific roles and responsibilities in the lead-up to the annual conference to ensure its desired objectives are met, while commending the prime minister’s efforts to resolve the problems facing press institutions.
