First Egyptian private channel on Nilesat 102
Egypt, Economics, 11/4/2000

Egypt's Minister of Information Safwat Al-Sherif said that launching the first Egyptian private channel on the second Egyptian satellite Nilesat 102 is a new experience and a new thinking aiming at fulfilling more openness and more democracy, which characterize President Mubarak era.

In statements Thursday, the minister said : "We shall support this channel and make it a success so that it may support and add to our existing Egyptian and distinguished channels which are spread and successful in all areas which receive it in the world." Safwat al-Sherif said that Egyptian media led by President Mubarak is a media which has confidence in itself and gives a chance to others, a media which has confidence it its capabilities and supports the capabilities of others, a media based on freedom, democracy and responsibility, aware of its role and meets the needs of its Egyptian and Arab society - a media capable of competition in the long run, a media which is confident and moves with sure steps and opens the door before the private sector and private satellite channels and carries out its role towards its society, its people and its nation.

Al-Sherif said that the Egyptian joint stock company which will transmit its programs on the Egyptian private space channel "Al-Mehwar" (The Axis) is committed to the laws of the Investment Authority and guidelines laid down by the Egyptian Council of Ministers to regulate the work of private space channels. These guidelines aim at maintaining the unity and cohesion of the nation and preserve its national unity and abstain from cheap means, sex, provocation and artificial clashes.

The Minister of Information said that the media has a message which emanates from its responsibility towards the society. The media represents the conscience of the people and the nation.

"Competition in this important, serious and influential sphere should elevate the level of dialogue and the media be committed to objectivity in what it presents and from clashes and provocation," Al-Sherif said.

Safwat A1 Sherif said: We shall support the private sector in its first (space transmission) experiment, at their own request. We shall support the experiment with all our abilities particularly as the private sector realizes the difficulty of this experiment.

Al-Sherif pointed out that the media industry is difficult and costly and needs the experience of long years.

Radio and Television Union contributes not more than 15 percent which is not paid in cash but in the form of services, media material and studios which are the bases of media work.

This participation does not mean any interference in the work of the new Egyptian space channel which will be transmitted from the free media zone. Its programs can not be attributed to Egyptian media.

The Minister of Information and Radio and Television Union bear no responsibility in this respect within the framework of commitment to the guidelines referred to.

The Minister said that the merger of private companies to operate space stations does not affect Egyptian television, its channels and its radio stations and networks and all forms of land transmission.

"These television channels and radio stations are the right of society which cannot be touched," the Minister said. Al-Sherif stressed that Egyptian television is not for sale, privatization or trading.

Elevating the Egyptian mind and Egyptian conscience is a big responsibility. 'We do not offer or sell our national media by auction." "Let all Egyptians be assured that their channels and their radio network are not for sale," the Minister said.

Minister of Information Safwat A1 Sherif witnessed in June the signing of an agreement of intent to launch "A1 Mehwar Channel, the first Egyptian private space channel, on the new Egyptian satellite Nilesat 102 from the free media zone at October 6 City.

"A1 Mehwar" is scheduled to transmit its programs in the coming months. The project was recently approved by the board of the free media zone in accordance with guidelines laid down this respect.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak to give go-ahead to Nilesat 102 operation   (9/12/2000)
  French ambassador in Cairo assures strength of relations with Egypt   (12/2/1999)

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