Egypt’s digital media sector could see several changes after a September 21 meeting between State Minister for Media Diaa Rashwan and the editors-in-chief of licensed news websites, where they discussed several proposals and professional decisions.
The meeting covered everything from creating a unified body for digital news organizations to restrictions on filming funerals, as well as dialogues on access to information, social media regulation, and the future of Egypt’s media sector.
A unified body for Egypt’s online platforms
Rashwan called on Egyptian news websites and platforms to establish a unified institutional body in which digital news organizations could come together to address shared challenges.
According to Youm7, the proposed body would represent the websites as institutions, not individual journalists or employees.
Its purpose would be to give digital media organizations a collective platform to discuss common problems, coordinate on industry issues, and speak with one voice.
Rashwan reportedly pointed to the Chamber of Cinema, established in 1947 under the Federation of Egyptian Industries, as an example of how institutions within one sector can come together under a shared structure.
The proposal does not create a new government regulator for news websites. Instead, it calls on the organizations themselves to establish a unified structure.
News organizations agree to stop filming funerals
One of the meeting’s most immediate decisions concerned coverage of funerals and condolence gatherings.
Following an initiative by the participating editors, the news websites agreed unanimously to stop filming funerals and condolence gatherings for any citizen.
The agreement also calls for journalists or employees who violate the decision to face accountability, including when they publish footage through their personal social media accounts.
The move intends to set clearer professional standards for sensitive coverage and protect the privacy and dignity of grieving families.
Digital journalism is now central to the media conversation
Rashwan described digital journalism as an essential component of Egypt’s media system.
He said licensed digital news organizations play an important role in delivering news, photographs and other forms of media to the public, while stressing the weight of professional standards across the industry.
The meeting also covered the challenges facing digital news organizations and ways to improve their working environment.
A Freedom of Information law is being worked on
Access to information was another major issue discussed during the meeting.
Rashwan said the government is accelerating work on a Freedom of Information law, which would deliver a clearer legal framework for access to information.
The issue is particularly relevant to journalists and news organizations, which rely on access to official information to report accurately.
Rashwan said the Ministry of State for Media’s role includes helping provide accurate information to the press and media and making it available in an appropriate form and at the appropriate time.
Social media regulation is also on the table
Rashwan also discussed efforts to develop an expanded framework for regulating social media.
According to his remarks, several ministries are involved in preparing legislative, legal and executive measures addressing issues including privacy, human dignity, family and social values.
The discussions come as the government considers how existing laws and regulations should apply to an increasingly online media environment where professional news organizations, independent creators and individual users all publish content to large audiences.
What happens
The September 21 meeting was part of a wider series of meetings Rashwan has been holding with different parts ofEgypt’s media sector.
Those meetings have included representatives of the country’s media and press bodies, journalists and media professionals, newspaper editors, television channels and government media officials.
The next major step is expected on December 3, when Egypt’s first media conference is scheduled to take place
Rashwan said the conference will provide a wider forum to discuss the challenges facing Egyptian media, hear different views and proposals, and develop practical recommendations for the sector.
A yearly session to review the state of Egyptian media and discuss its difficulties and opportunities is also expected as part of this broader process.
What is clear is that digital journalism has become central to the government’s wider conversation about the future of Egypt’s media sector, with the coming months expected to bring further discussions on professional standards, access to information,privacy, and the organization of digital media.
