Media Policy in Egypt: Past Performance, Current Situation and Future Strategies

Authors

1 Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication Director of Kamal Adham Center for Television and Digital Journalism School of Global Affairs and Public Policy - The American University in Cairo

2 Assistant Professor and Associate Chair Journalism and Mass Communication Department School of Global Affairs and Public Policy - The American University in Cairo

Abstract

The field of media policy is among the most important subdisciplines of public policy. Media policies is a term that describes all the legislations that aim at regulating the media industry. These policies, are mainly driven due to the technological advancements that enforced changes in the industry shape, are set and implemented with regards to the political and economic situations. Through a descriptive analysis for the literature and different local, regional and international reports, this research examines the extent to which the new legal framework that regulates the Egyptian media organizations ensures independence and pluralism, analyzing the context within which they operate and highlighting the pros and the shortcomings of the new legislative clauses. The research concludes that there is no one model or recipe for an effective public policy, yet political, economic, social and journalistic traditions play a significant role in the practice of these policies and their impact on the short and long term. The research recommends the following goals for the media policies: promoting relationships between different media entities supporting values of pluralism and responsible freedom; building reliance among media institutions and establishments, civil society organizations and the Parliament; and building sustainable trust in the Egyptian media, by providing efficient regulatory framework that would guide the performance of the different players and safeguard the public interest.    

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