Media Monitor Egypt - 03

Bi-monthly report on the media situation (mid September - mid November 2012)

Al Sawt Al Hurr Arab Network for Media Support www.asahnetwork.org

Media Monitor 03
(September 18 - November 18, 2012)
Preface al Sawt al Hurr, the Arab network for media support, based in Cairo, Egypt, introduces a series of six bi-monthly Media Monitors. These reports will cover developments in the Egyptian media, e.g. new satellite channels and programs, newspapers, news websites, etc. over a year long period, providing researchers, academics and whoever else is interested in the field of media, with information updates on developments in the Egyptian media scene. The present Media Monitor is the third of its kind and covers the months of mid September to mid November 2012. Each Monitor will consists of the following two parts.

Part 1 General Developments

In the first part, general developments will be described to readers with an interest in and some minimal knowledge of the Egyptian media landscape.

Part 2 Research Findings

In the second part, one or more subjects of general or developmental prominence will be examined in-depth by our research team. For this copy research was conducted on Cooperation between national newspapers and their local correspondents

Research team Eman Kheir El-Sayed Othman Ahmed al Gendy Yasr abdelAziz Petrus Schothorst Reactions, suggestions, etc. can be sent to info@asahnetwork.org Media developments Research work Research Coordinator English Editor

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

General developments in the media in Egypt

Part I

1. Developments in the media sector in general

- The re-emerging role of the Supreme Council for the Press is a development that dominated media attention during the whole period and especially its decision to select and appoint new managers for the state owned media. The media strongly protested and complained that the new government is attempting to bring the media under control of the Muslim Brothers and to Ikhwanize the state. - These state owned media institutions also experienced a huge financial crisis and accumulated debts made it no longer possible to pay the salaries of journalists and other staff, which lead to demonstrations, strikes and other forms of action, that were all widely covered in the media. - The media also extensively covered the hefty debates that accompanied the drafting of many articles of the new constitution, which was published at the end of this period. Some of the articles are seen as curtailing the freedom of expression; Human Rights Watch in a letter addressed to the members of the Constituent Constitutional Committee wrote that these articles are not in agreement with international conventions signed by Egypt and will bring the country back to the situation of before the 25th of January Revolution. - The media also reported on its confrontation with the Muslim Brotherhood because of what it called attempts by the Muslim Brotherhood to intimidate the press and to defame image and reputation of media and media professionals in the country. Most media criticized the decision of the Shura Council to remove Gamal Abdel-Reheim, the editor in chief of al Jumhuriya newspaper, appointed on behalf on the same institution only one month earlier, because the newspaper published an article that it considered as disseminating false news about Field Marshal, Hussein Tantawy, and Lieutenant General Samy Annan. This decision was widely reported as an interference of the Council in the affairs the of state owned media and a violation of the freedom of the press.

2. Newspapers
The eight state-owned press institutions in Egypt were the focus of attention because of the state appointment editors in chief, but also because much information was published about administrative and financial problems. Party affiliated newspapers also landed in a financial crisis. During the period covered by this report, one new newspaper was published. - al Sabah daily with Wael al Ibrashy as its editor in chief According to information released by a Shura Council committee, Egyptian media produce some 552 publications; of which 46 magazines and 9 newspapers released by state-owned press institutions. The same source also stated that some 60 % of all publications are returned unread. These institutions are hugely overstaffed, with a total staff exceeding 24.000 workers; 4029 of which are journalists. The biggest media house, al Ahram, employs some 14.000
4 Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

workers, about 4000 of which as journalists, with a total annual salary bill estimated at appr. 700 million pounds. (Some LE 980 million a year for the state-owned media sector as a whole.) Faced with this burden, accumulated debts and declining revenues from advertisements a number of new editors-in-chief have made an urgent appeal for government support. In addition, 62 publications appear per year, affiliated to political parties in the country. Journalists working for several of the party newspapers, who have not been paid their salaries for long periods, started a protest action at the premises of the Press Syndicate, requesting compensation of unpaid salaries. Problems and protests - A number of the journalists and representatives of state-owned and private newspapers journalists in Kafr el Sheikh governorate established an Association for the defense of the rights of journalists. In Beheira, a number of correspondents of newspapers and websites
in the governorate established the first coalition of young journalists in the governorate, aimed at defending their rights and the promotion of social and health care.

- Minister of Information, Salah Abdel-Maqsood, denied news reports that the Radio and TV magazine will be closed down. Journalists of the magazine accused the Minister of a planned closure following the decision to cut the topping up of basic salaries. Magazine staff organized a protest sit-in against the ministerial decision at the office of the magazine in September. - The Financial and Administrative Committee of the Supreme Press Council decided in October to pay seven million pounds in salaries for workers of state-owned newspapers. Mohammed Gamal, chairman of the Governing Board of Rose al Youssef, called for a meeting of the same Committee to discuss the financial crisis of state-owned press institutions in general and his institution in particular. - Following the appointment of new editors in chief for state-owned media, Engineer Fathy Shehab El-Deen, president of the Culture and Media Committee of the Shura Council and head of the selection committee for editors-in-chief, announced that 80% of the chairmen of the governing boards of state-owned newspapers will now also be replaced. Freedom of Expression - Abla El-Rowainy, writer at state-owned newspaper al Akhbar, announced that her new editor in chief, appointed by the Shura Council upheld the publication of her article titled the naked king because of its criticism of the Muslim Brotherhood. This article was republished in many websites. - The president of the Governing Board of state owned Dar al Tahrir printing and publishing house denied the accusations of Mostafa Bakry, editor in chief of al Osbou newspaper that he ordered to stop printing of the newspaper because of the contents of an interview with field marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawy. Dar al Tahrir denied the charge and blamed technical reasons for the stop.
5

3. Multimedia trends
An increasing number of state- and privately owned newspapers established electronic portals and websites. More than nine newspapers now provide multimedia services for their readers. - Alexa (www.alexa.com) follows trends with news websites connected to newspapers. - The following websites are ranked as most visited : al Youm7, al Ahram, al Masri al Youm, al Watan and al Wafd. - al Watan newspaper updated its website design and now provides interactive news services to its readers. - al Ahram Hebdo weekly, published in French by al Ahram media house, started an interactive news website, where readers can post their comments on topics in the newspaper. - The new al Sabah daily also opened a website.

4. A growing interest in Readers, Viewers & Users

- The Freedom and Justice daily newspaper introduced an interactive texting service for its readers order to make the officials hear the voice of readers. - al Masri al Youm newspaper opened a hotline for communication with its readers on services and to welcome news and reactions.

5. Independent News Websites

According to a report of the Ministry of Communication, internet users in Egypt went up from 6 million just before the revolution to 27,7 million at present. The popularity of news websites is following this development. - Among the 30 most visited websites in Egypt (www.alexa.com) there are five independent news websites, including www.masrawi.net; www.akhbar.net; and www.maktoob.net. - Businessman Mohammed al Sabaan bought a majority share in al Badeel news website, making continuation of its left leaning orientation and its professional reputation uncertain; the same for plans to return as a newspaper. The new Governing Board removed the editor in chief of the website, Khaled al Balshy, who promptly opened a new news website al Badaei and took many editors with him.

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

6. Egyptian Radio and Television Union

The state owned ERTU was established in 1970 and added regional broadcasting to its services in the 1980s and Nile TV in the 1990s. - The Unions operations are organized in sectors and networks, including the national wide Egyptian TV Channels Network, al Mahrousa TV Network, The Egyptian News Center, the Radio Sector, and other administrative sectors. ERTU employs about 43,000 staff with a monthly salary charge of LE 225 million. - A committee of media experts started an evaluation of all life program broadcasts on Egyptian national TV, following repeated problems and complaints of sub-standard performance, according to Magdy Lashein, President of the First Egyptian Channel. - The News Sector of ERTU launched a new project to improve the quality of its information supply on current events in the country in order to raise quality and confidence, especially of its political talk shows. - The Minister of Information announced a cooperation protocol that will be concluded between Egyptian TV and the BBC for training of workers in different channels and stations of ERTU during the coming period. - For the first time on Egyptian TV, a female news anchor was wearing a veil, previously prohibited for TV anchors. - Minister of Information, Salah Abdel-Maqsood, pressed charges against the team of the morning program Naharak Saeed, aired on Nile Live, because the anchor did not prevented a guest on the show from insulting the president and the army. The Minister did not see his action as interference of a breach of freedom of expression, but rather as a reaction to the anchors unprofessional behavior.

7. Commercial Satellite TV
Some 700 commercial satellite channels are transmitted via the Egyptian owned NileSat. Commercial satellite broadcasting for the Egyptian market was introduced around 2000 under a strict regime of licensing. Since 2011 the sector is experiencing a huge expansion. - The administration of al Hayat TV announced that it will launch al Hayat III in a package including al Hayat al Aan news channel and al Hayat Sports. - The MBC Group launched a news channel, MBC Egypt. The Group also seeks to exchange experience with ERTU in the area of production. - The University of South Valley launched its first satellite channel, called Shams al Wadi. Experimental transmission by students of the media department started from studio Shorakaa and are done in cooperation with Internews.
7

- China International Radio started its operations In Egypt in order to introduce Arab countries to Chinese culture and foster friendship between Chinese and Arab peoples. - The Minister of Information met Dr. Waleed Arab Hashem vice-president of Saudi owned Rotana Group to discuss possible investment of the Group in the Egyptian media sector. He also met with Mr. Brian Konf, president of American financed al Hurra Channels Group (Iraq) and Sawa Radio (Gulf) in order to study means of cooperation with the ERTU in the fields of news exchange and training. - A financial crisis in the 25 news channel prevented it from continuing; a source at the channel stated that it ran at a loss during the previous one and half years. - The administration of CBC channels decided to cut the wages of a number of workers reaching 40%, including a number of measures taken by the Group concerning rationalization of expenses - al Nahar won an award for the best commercial satellite channel according to a poll done by Akhbar al Youm newspaper and a second one by a poll done by al Masri al Youm. - The Consumer Protection Agency referred ten satellite channels and ten TV marketing companies to the pubic prosecution on accusations of disseminating misleading advertisements. - al Masri al Youm newspaper wrote that president Mohamed Morsi is considering to sell his share in Egypt 25 channel, established by the Muslim Brotherhood right after the revolution, to one of the MB leaders. - The Court of Administrative Adjudication ruled that the transmission of al-Faraeen Channel, owned by Tawfeeq Okasha, should be resumed, pending the outcome of his lawsuit against the Minister of Information, the Minister of Investment, and the president of the Media Free Zone, responsible for issuing licenses on commercial satellite broadcasting. - A selection of well known satellite media figures were charged with humiliation of the judiciary and investigation started. The celebrities include the editor-in-chief of the program 90 Minutes (al Mehwar Channel); Albert Shafiq (President of ON TV; Reem Maged, anchor at ON TV; Lobna Assal and Serefi Amer, the anchors of al Hayat al Youm (al Hayat Channel); Wael al Ibrashy, anchor at ; and Tv personalities Lamees Al-Hadidi and Hala Sarhan. All of them were released on guarantee of their IDs; only Wael Al-Ibrashi had to pay a bail of 1000 Egyptian pounds., - Mohammed Tosson, President of the Legislative Committee of the Shura Council and President of the Freedoms Committee of the Press Syndicate, and Abdel-Moneim Abdel-Maqsood, Lawyer of the Muslim Brotherhood, filed a case against some channels transmitting on YouTube, like al Moshagheboon [Troublemakers] and al Arab al Magholoon [Unknown Arabs], accusing them of incitement to disturbance and false accusations against the Muslim Brotherhood.

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

- The Public Prosecutor, Abdel-Megeid Mahoud referred Dr. Essam El-Erian, VicePresident of Freedom and Justice Party, to the Criminal Court in the case filed against him by Gehan Mansour, media personality and anchor at Dream TV for insulting her and accusing her on air of accepting bribes. Essam El-Erian from his side filed a lawsuit against her accusing her of insulting him on her website and demanding a compensation of 10,000 pounds.

8. Freedom of Expression
The period of the study witnessed increased unrest and anxiety among human rights activists, journalists, and media persons because of the shrinking space of freedom of expression and opinion in the new constitution when its first draft version came to light. Although the current Constitutional Proclamation guarantees the rights and freedoms of journalists and media professionals to do their work without harassment or constraints, as did the latest Constitution of 1971, a number of journalists have been arrested in the last few months. The Constitutional Proclamation guarantees Freedom of expression as follows Article 12 Freedom of opinion is guaranteed, and every person has the right to express his opinion and publish it spoken, written, photographed, or in any other form of expression within the law. Self-criticism and constructive criticism are a guarantee for the integrity of the national structure. Article 13. Freedom of the press, printing, publication and other media shall be guaranteed, and censorship on them is forbidden. As a matter of exception, limited censorship may be imposed on them when war is declared. The freedom to issue all types of newspapers, and to own them by natural and legal persons, is guaranteed by notification. The law regulates the establishment of radio and TV transmission stations and digital media in a way that dont restrict their freedom and independence. At present journalists enjoy protection under Egyptian Law: Article 12 of Law no. 96 for 1996 concerning organization of the Press. Anyone who insults or assaults a journalist because of his work is to be punished pursuant to articles 133, 136 and 137/1 of the Penal Code which are enacted for insulting or assaulting public employees, as appropriate. This article makes anyone who assaults a journalist at work punishable by imprisonment or fine. However, these laws are not enforced
9

Protection of Journalists according to International Agreements: The 29th session of the General Conference of UNESCO held in Paris in November 1997 adopted a decision that affirmed the right to life, freedom, personal health and safety, as well as freedom of expression which is a basic human right in light of the violations incurred by journalists. UNESCO member states called for adoption of the principle that crimes of prevention of freedom of media and expression dont lapse with time, as well as condemnation of the physical violence and assassination happening for journalists.

9. Infringements on the Freedom of Expression

During the years prior to the revolution, freedom guarantees were increasingly violated by the security apparatus which regularly arrested several journalists and media workers. This practice did not stop, as could be seen during the 4th of May 2012 incidents near the Ministry of Defense, now called the Abbaseya riots. -The NGO, Free Media Observatory called on the Press Syndicate and its Freedom Committee to immediately intervene to protect the rights of journalists while performing their work, and to protect their life and personal safety following the attack on the journalist and photographer of al Badeel website by Sheikh Abo-Islam who is charged with tearing a copy of the New Testament. Abo Islam and his sons have beaten the journalist and the photographer, and attempted to steal their personal belongings while he was conducting an interview with the sheikh. - Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood attacked the crew of the program 10 pm and prevented them from reporting on the public speech of President Mohamed Morsi in Alexandria and forcing them to leave the place because of what they believe to be an attack of the programs presenter, Wael al Ibrashi, on President Mohamed Morsi. The Free Egyptians Party assigned the Partys lawyer to defend the editor-in-chief of al Jumhureya, Gamal Abdel-Raheim, following his removal by the Shura Council. The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression issued a report on contempt of religion and freedom of expression in Egypt in which it documents a number of contempt of religion cases which have been raised lately and which it sees as a signal of a new attack on the freedom of expression. The report also tries to expose legal complications in the Egyptian penal code which enable the increase of contempt of religion cases, as well as the position of international law regarding such cases. Assignment of a judge to investigate 1064 cases brought to him by lower courts against newspapers and satellite channels.

10

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

10. Access to Information

In the absence of a law guaranteeing the right of Access to information several civil society organizations took the initiative and presented a draft law to parliament last May, only a short time before it was dissolved. - A group of civil society organizations, media professionals and academics have submitted a bill to demand increased freedom of information from the government, according to press release of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights. The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, American University in Cairo history professor Khaled Fahmy and Egypt Independent Editor-in-Chief Lina Attalah were among those who helped draft the bill, which was submitted on 27 February, the statement said. The draft law proposes the establishment of a Supreme Council of Information, whose members would be appointed by the prime minister, to be responsible for disclosing information about private and government bodies. - The draft constitution includes the following article on Access to Information Article 41 The freedom of obtaining information, data, statistics and documents, regardless of its source and place, is a guaranteed right for citizens. The State has the obligation to enable them of exercising this right without obstacles and disclosing information, without contradiction with the national security or violation of the sanctity of private lives.

11. State and government institutions dealing with the media

During the period of this report, parliament was still partially dissolved, with only the Shura Council functioning, which gave itself an important role in dealing with the media. Government - Egypt has gained experience with a Ministry of Information since 1952, when the Ministry of National Guidance was created. Name and role evolved, but the institution itself was constant and continued to this day and 22 different ministers held the post. The first post revolutionary government did not have one, but the second one re-introduced it again and formulated its role as designing the government policy and plan on (inter-) national media, providing international public opinion with data and information about Egypt, providing help to journalists, writers and correspondents, and supervising the composition and editing of specialized media reports about political, economic and social topics of concern to high state apparatuses.

11

- Minister of Information, Salah Abdel-Maqsood, confirmed that a committee for developing the Egyptian media will be formed and a second one for monitoring the performance of the media; an ethical standard and a professional code of conduct for the media will be issued soon to regulate media performance. - The Ministry further announced that the Egyptian Satellite Company (NileSat) is about to be ready to launch the new satellite (NileSat 202) to replace (NileSat 102) whose life is supposed to end at 2015. - The Minister met with Sheikh Mohammed ben Rashed Al Maktoom - Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister and Dubai Governor and President of the National Council for Media to discuss media cooperation between the two states. The minister was invited to another visit to discuss the matter further. With the ambassador of the republic of Turkey in Cairo, the minister discussed possible cooperation regarding exchange of radio and television news and programs. - Egypt will host the 32nd conference of the Union of Arab Countries Radios from the 5th to the 13th of December. Egypt had refused to host the conference earlier because of the security situation. The Ministry of Information welcomed the training of Iraqi media workers at its Radio and TV Institute, as well as exchanging visits between Egyptian and Iraqi members of the media. - The Minister of Information, Salah Abdel-Maqsood, received chairmen and representatives of Egyptian political parties in order to discuss the role of Egyptian media and its possible transition from state to public media. - The Minister of Justice, Ahmed Mekki, announced his intention to meet with prominent media persons to discuss the draft law regulating audio-visual transmission in Egypt. The Supreme Press Council - President Mohamed Morsi issued a presidential decree to re-form the Supreme Press Council and an Executive Office was formed, with Mohamed Negm, managing editor of October magazine as its Secretary General and Qotb Al-Arabi, journalists of al Watan newspaper as assistant. Deputies will be Mohammed Hassan Al-Banna, editor in chief of al Akhbar newspaper and Mamdouh al Wali, chairman of the board of the Press Syndicate and chairman of the Governing Board of al Ahram - The Supreme Press Council regulates and supervises print, digital, and other media and together with the National Council for Audio-Visual Media, which regulates and supervises the affairs of audio-visual transmission, the councils will work together on guaranteeing freedom of different sorts of media, developing, and diversifying them; preventing its concentration and monopolization; protecting public interests. - The Supreme Press Council endorsed the recommendation of its Financial and Administrative Committee to help solve the financial crisis of state-owned press institutions with a donation of seven million Egyptian pounds. Hesham Younes, member of the Board of the Press Syndicate, confirmed that the SPC will provide financial support to the institutions which cant pay the salaries of their workers.
12 Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

- The Council will also pay one million pounds to the Press Syndicate, so it can solve the problems of journalists in some of the insolvent party affiliated newspapers, currently on strike at the syndicate. The Council decided to re-issue the al Shaab party newspaper and pay workers salaries for the coming year. The Shura Council of Parliament and the Constituent Assembly - The Shura Council of parliament has abolished all previous decisions granting former presidents of Governing Boards of state-owned newspapers and their editors in chief inkind benefits and suspended financial compensations they were given. - Rights and Freedoms Committee of the constitutional committee voted against inclusion of two articles that would have guaranteed the protection against arrest of journalists and/ or closure of media institutions for publishing information.

12. Journalism Syndicates

The Press Syndicate is increasingly confronted with the financial problems of many newspapers and its office became the venue of choice for demonstrations, sit-inns and strikes of its members. EPS took an active role in trying to find solutions to some of the newspapers in dire straits. - The Governing Board of the Press Syndicate accredited 302 new junior members for registration, enabling them to participate in syndicate training activities. - The Press Syndicate objects to the articles related to the press in the new draft constitution and called on journalists to protests in front of the Shura Council. - Journalists working for a group of party newspapers that are faced with enormous debts and arrears in salary payments, agreed to the proposal of Mamdouh El-Waly, chairman of the Press Syndicate, to resolve their problems by offering employment with a new weekly newspaper, issued from the premises of the Press Syndicate, for which a twomillion EPT joint-stock company will be created. Negotiations are going on between the National Distribution Company and the Supreme Press Council on who will pay the salary bill. al-Ahram media will offer its printing facilities to the new weekly for a whole year. All these steps were taken following a sit-in and hunger strike of journalists at the premises of the Supreme Press Council. - A conference on Self-regulation of the media in Egypt was held at the initiative of UNESCO and the Press Syndicate. As one of its outcomes, a committee was formed with prominent media experts, including Ragai Margani, Hussein Abdel-Ghany, lawyer Negad Al-Boarie, publisher and presidential advisor Ayman Al-Sayad; engineer AbdelMoneim Al-Sawy. - The Freedoms Committee of the Electronic Journalists Syndicate called for disciplining the governor of Red Sea for refusing to provide information to all correspondents of newspapers and websites who are not registered in the Journalists Syndicate, and for refusing to deal with anyone but the members of the Press syndicate.
13

- Members of the Administrative Board of the Media Union (under establishment) met Minister of Information, Salah Abdel-Maqsood, in order to discuss means for establishing the Union either by issuing a decree-law or waiting for the election of the new Peoples Assembly so that the establishment is legal - Talat Mansy, President of the General Union for Workers in Printing, Journalism and Media, announced that the Union obtained approval of the Supreme Press Council concerning the allocation of 1% of the revenues on advertisements for support of the pension funds of workers and journalists.

13. Activities of Civil Society Organizations related to media development

Civil society organizations became particularly active during this period in systematically collecting information on freedom of information issues and the first studies were published. -The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies issued an analytical study of the performance of Egyptian media during parliamentary elections 2011 covering the performance of 20 information media throughout the months of elections. - The Media Strategies and Policies Center issued a document titled Future of Egyptian Media Policies. It interviewed a large number of people interested in the development of the media in Egypt including representatives of political parties, professional unions, members of the media, and members of the Constituent Assembly to discuss the articles of the Constitution. - The Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression issued a report titled Freedom of the Media in the Second Republic: Arrest Prevention Confiscation concerning violations of the right to freedom of expression, especially in the media. Recommendations of the report focus on the need to reform current laws and enact new ones in order to protect and foster freedom of thought and expression, which necessarily requires a political will to make the government bear its responsibilities regarding the protection of freedom of expression by refraining from committing any violations, and protecting members of the media and people who express their opinions from violations and censorship performed by other parties. - The report of Egyptian Media Watch, prepared by the Freedom of the Media Observatory of the New World for Development and Human Rights Foundation, signaled a number of shortcomings that affect the media including the liberalization of official media from the grip of the state and changing the property pattern so that it does not submit to government and the political regime following the revolution. - The events of the project Local Press on the Road to Independence came to an end. It was organized by the Rural Development Association in the village of al Batanoun in the governorate of Manufeya with support from the USAID in training local journalists in the governorates of West Delta (Manufeya, Gharbeya, Baheira, and Qaliobeya).
14 Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

- The International Union for Journalists and Members of the Media held the International Conference no. 54, which is hosted by Egypt this year in order to send a reassuring message that Egypt is safe and can retain its touristic role.

15

16

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

Part II Research Findings

Cooperation between national newspapers and their local correspondents

17

Introduction
A few months ago, one of the morning shows on satellite channel presented an interview with a man who complained about the lack of news from the governorates and said he wants to start a newspaper with a focus on news from the governorates. The complaint is not new. At regular instances the lack of attention for local news comes up, which is surprising seen the fact that most of the national newspapers have the organizational infrastructure to commission, produce and present local news. Most national newspapers have a special coordinator for local news as well as special sections for local news and extensive networks of local correspondents. For the present edition of Media Monitor it was decided to focus on the flow of local news and the way it takes to reach the pages of the national news media. What facilitates this process?, what are the stumbling blocks? How, by whom and on what basis is news local news selected? . In order to find answers to these questions, it was decided to seek information and views on both ends of the news production chain and to analyze the content of the news that makes it to the pages of national news media. To make the study workable within a relatively short period of time, three newspapers were selected with extensive networks of correspondents: al Ahram; Masry al Youm and al Wafd. To limit the scope of this study even more, a representative selection of 6 of the 28 governorates was made: al Sharqiya; Ismailia; Alexandria; North Sinai; Sohag and Luxor. In each of these governorates, three correspondents were interviewed; one of each of the three newspapers. At the other end, contacts were made with the heads of section/ coordinators for the correspondent networks. Finally an attempt was made to design a tool for the analysis of news content, but time was not sufficient put it into practice. The findings were compared with information from eight correspondents who participated in a feature production workshop in Alexandra and were asked for their experiences with offering this feature to their newspaper. In preparation to this study, the research team had hoped to find earlier studies that could be used as a basis or stepping stone. Surprisingly, no indication of previous research on the subject was found. The researchers realize that the subject of this study was ambitious for the short time-span and that the sample of correspondents too small to claim that the findings are representative for the mechanisms local news production in Egypt as a whole. Nevertheless we think that the subject is important enough and the preliminary findings interesting enough for more research in this field. The research team would like to thank mr. Yassr abdelAziz for his valuable advice on the research design; the three coordinators at the newspapers for their cooperation and the correspondents in the regions for their hospitality, openness and time in answering all these questions.
18 Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

General findings of the field study

The three newspapers under focus of this study have extensive networks of correspondents. al Ahram and al Wafd have correspondents in each of the 28 governorates; Masry el Youm has a network of 55 correspondents. The newspapers use local correspondents to supply them with local news and sometimes also with other services. al Wafd party newspaper also uses its network for party political work. The three newspapers use similar systems for the coordination of their networks of correspondents. In Cairo, there are Heads of correspondent sections who coordinate with correspondents in the governorates. Other sections of the newspaper can also contact correspondents directly in case of urgent or specific news. In selecting news items correspondents are focused on editors in Cairo who decide on publication of their work. They admitted that their news items are not selected on the basis of local needs and interests, which are therefore not reflected in the news published. The study reveals that between 60 and 80% of news items sent to the Cairo office do not reach the pages of the newspaper. This is the cause of a dramatic waste of energy and resources at governorate level and a lot of confusion and frustration. Correspondents do not formally know what the reasons and criteria are for accepting, modifying or refusing news articles and make efforts to guess what these are. There are clear differences in perception between local reporters and national editors, which negatively affect news production and quality. Newspapers are more satisfied with the (quality of) work of local correspondents than this group thinks. Both newspaper editors and correspondents name communication as a major problem. 60% of correspondents this is linked to interpersonal communication; 40% think the poor means of communication are the cause of this. Correspondents produced clear suggestions on how their performance can be improved at relatively low cost and effort. The development of human resource development policies at national newspapers; regular personal interaction on performance and targeted training activities were all mentioned.

Newspapers and their correspondent networks

All major newspapers in Egypt run extensive networks of correspondents that are posted in most if not all the 28 governorates. The major newspapers usually have several correspondents in important places, such as Alexandria. The three newspapers under focus of this study follow the same pattern. al Ahram had correspondents in all governorates; al Wafd has a network of 55 correspondents and so does Masry el Youm. Newspapers use these correspondents to supply them with local news. Party affiliated newspapers often seem to ask their correspondents to be active in party political work. al Wafd asks its correspondents to cover local part meetings and report on electoral performance of the party.
19

The three newspapers use similar systems for the organization of these networks. In Cairo, there are Heads of correspondent sections who are responsible for coordination with correspondents in the governorates. They commission articles; decide on acceptance of refusal for news pieces proposed; refer local news to relevant departments, etc. Other departments or sections of the newspaper can also contact correspondents directly in case of urgent news, e.g. accidents or in case of specific news, e.g. sports. Some newspapers, including al Wafd have regional bureaus, which function as an intermediary between newspaper and correspondents. This research tried to obtain information on the mechanisms for recruitment and selection of correspondents, but time was probably too short to obtain it. Communication between headquarters and correspondents seems to take place informally, with a focus on immediate news supply. There are no mechanisms in place for work review, target setting; guidance & supervision; long term work agreements or career planning. However it seems this situation is changing. al Ahram and al Wafd do not have human resource development plans in place for their staff in Cairo or the governorates. al Ahram recently announced its plans to develop such a policy. al Masry al Youm organized a series of training workshops for its correspondents. Coordinators at al Masry al Youm when asked for problems they face in their management of the reporters named the physical and health risks that journalists face during work in the regions; poor time management skills and poor professional performance of correspondents as compared to their counterparts in the capital. Coordinators at al Wafd named the following problems: poor communication facilities; the long distances that need to be covered to hold meetings; the low remuneration of correspondents, which reduces actions and therefore the impact of performance appraisal and news selection criteria used by local correspondents

20

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

Correspondents and their work for newspapers

The correspondents who participated in this study all have an extensive work experience, ranging from ten to thirty years. Almost oall of them have an academic qualification, some of them have attended post-graduate education. Table 4 Type of employment of correpondents interviewed

This table shows that two thirds of the correspondents have a permanent work contract with their newspaper and that the others work on a freelance basis. The researcher did not obtain information on the nature of the work contract. Are contracts based on performance, such as the number of news items submitted or published? Or is it a flat rate without any incentive? Although the majority of correspondents interviewed have permanent contracts, most of them said they work for multiple employers. Most of the correspondents in this study do not work through a regional bureau but communicate directly with the newspapers. During the research newspaper editors as well as correspondents frequently referred to the difficult work environment of journalists in the governorates, so the researcher attempted to obtain more information on this point.

21

Table (9) Problems faced by local correspondents during their journalistic work

The table shows that correspondents interviewed for this study face the following problems in their work: difficulties associated with work in one of the governorates (46%); problems related to the way HQ manages local correspondents (31%) and problems related to the journalistic working environment (23%) Problems related to work in a governorate were given as follows: - The sheer number of daily news events - The size of the area covered and transport problems - The risks associated with a deteriorating security situation - The attitude of officials who evade reporters questions - Cultural hindrances to the communication with women Problems related to the way HQ manages local correspondents - Name of reporter or photographer often not mentioned in the paper - Systematic precedence given to national news over local news - Communication problems (internet, fax, etc.) - Lack of facilities (regional office) and equipment/ resources - Presence of personal problems with HQ editors/ coordinators - Difficulties in identifying target audiences and their information needs Problems related to the journalistic work environment: - Difficulties in obtaining information from officials - Frequent requests of officials and public for proof of employment/ affiliation - Absence of social and health care provisions/ facilities - Presence of unprofessional competitors who give our work a negative image

22

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

The production of local news

The study analyzed the mechanisms behind the production of local news. It looked at the way news items are selected and the type of news that is a result of it. It also looked at the efficiency of news production by comparing the number of items produced and the number of items published Correspondents were asked how decisions on the selection of news are taken. They said many suggestions come from them, but that decisions on publication are taken in Cairo on the basis of criteria not clear to them. In selecting news items correspondents are therefore completely focused on their employers, since understanding their wished will lead to higher recognition, job satisfaction and rewards. To illustrate this mechanism, correspondents were asked if the news they select is a reflection of needs and interest of the communities whose spokesperson they are. Figure (27) Does local news in national newspapers reflect information needs of readers in the governorates?

61% of the correspondents interviewed think that local news published by the newspapers does not (sufficiently) reflect needs and interest of local readers, while 38.8% thinks local needs are met by the news published. Editors at al Masry al Youm and al Wafd were asked the same question and they expressed the opinion that local news published by their papers meet the needs of local readers. Yet, in spite of their efforts to produce news that reflect the needs of newspapers in Cairo, correspondents find it difficult to get their news placed in the national papers. Both ends of the news production chain affirm that the average number of news items that correspondents send to Cairo is five per day, of which usually only one ends up on one of the pages of the newspaper.
23

Table (7) Average number of news items of correspondents that are published

Out of an average of five news items per day, this table show that 61% of the correspondents who participated in this study, have only one article published every day; 22% of respondents said their newspapers publish two of their news items, while the remaining 17% had three news items published every day. Coordinators at al Wafd and al Masry al Youm both confirmed that their newspaper publishes an average of not more than one news item per day from their provincial reporters and more depending on the importance of the news. Correspondents interviewed spend much time speculating about the reasons for such weak results. Finding ways to improve performance will be beneficial and profitable.

24

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

Table (8) Reasons for not publishing local news items (according to correspondents)

This table shows that 50% of the correspondents interviewed believe that most of the news items that they submit are not in line with the editorial policy of the newspaper, while 38% of the interviewees think a lack of quality of the news items is the reason not to publish. The remaining 12% blame non publication on the work environment and organizational reasons. When asked further about editorial reasons, correspondents complained that they are not informed about these policies, but that they know that the policy always gives precedence to national news over local news. Organizational reasons include the arrival of local news after the deadline or other communication problems. Under work environment are grouped the following reasons: cronyism; the existence of personal feuds with officials or personal preferences at the newspaper. On the side of al Masry al Youm poor quality of news items is given as the reason for nonpublication; not sufficiently documented, no sources, based on rumors. Personal relationships; courtesy of the journalist for one of parties of news is also mentioned. At al Wafd the main reasons for not publishing of local news items are: poor quality and the editorial policy which is not in line with the news item. Both correspondents and newspapers were asked on the basis of which criteria they base their decisions for (non-) publication. Most correspondents (46,5%) assume that newspapers select articles on the basis of professional criteria. A further 13,7% assume that compatibility with editorial policies is an important criteria. Almost 20% names security related news (5.8 %) and scoops (3.9 %) as important criteria.

25

Figure (10) Criteria for the selection of local news according to correspondents

Under professional criteria (46,5%) the following criteria were suggested: - Importance of the regional news: expected interest of the public and effect - Depth of the news - Reliable, credibility and neutrality of the information - Avoidance of exaggeration in transferring details Under compatibility with editorial policy (13,7%) the following criteria were suggested: - Avoidance of criticism of newspaper owners - Party affiliation al Masry al Youm says it uses objective criteria for the selection of the news: the presence of the five Ws; balance, news value, excitement, importance. al Wafd uses the following criteria: importance, neutrality, objectivity and interest of the public. While comparing the criteria for the selection of news of the newspapers representatives and correspondents interviewed, the differences are apparent. The first group says to depend on the professional, journalistic criteria while the second group believes that there are other criteria, notably related to the newspapers editorial policy. The researcher asked for their opinion on the criteria they assumed are used and the majority said they were satisfied with these criteria.

26

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

Figure (13) Degree of correspondent satisfaction with criteria of newspapers for publication

44.4% of correspondents of the study feel comfortable with editorial decisions, while 27.7% said they agree with it to a certain extent. The remaining 27.7% is not satisfied with the criteria. In general there is more or less agreement on the criteria between correspondents and newspapers. It is important to note that correspondents say they do not know what the criteria are that are used by editors in Cairo and that the criteria they assume are in place are based on guesswork and analysis. Correspondents also say they do not know what the reasons are for amendments made to their news articles in Cairo. When asked, newspaper editors at the newspapers in Cairo summarized the most important amendments made as: deletion, curtailment, and modification of language and style.

27

Figure (19) Type of amendments on correspondents work carried out by Cairo editors

The most important amendments made by editors are merging a news items with a larger topic (37.5%); a change of language and style (27.5%); reduction of the size (25%); the correction of language errors (7.5%) and the addition of (background) information (2.5%) Correspondents were also asked for suggestions on how their performance could be improved, waste and frustration reduced, and the number of news items presented to Cairo increased Figure (21) Views of local correspondents on how their performance can be raised

Most correspondents (40,4%) think that a change in editorial policy would lead to improved performance, while almost the same percentage (33.8%) think improved efficiency on the side of correspondents would sort this effect. The remaining 25.4% think the solution can be found in improved communication services.

28

Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

Changes in the editorial policy: - Allocate a fixed page to the provinces - Increase the number of pages allocated to the provinces - Increase the area for regional news on the front page - Reduce the centralization of editorial decisions within the newspaper. Improved efficiency of reporters - Select journalists with an academic background - Establish offices for the newspaper in the provinces - Improve the financial status of correspondents - Organize training for correspondents (English language) Improve mechanisms of communication - Provide the reporter with modern technology (cameras, computers). - Organize training for correspondents (English language) - Increase the communication via the Internet - Hold regular meetings Editors at al Masry al Youm and al Wafd answered the same question with a variety of suggestions: coaching of reporters (intensify reading, set performance targets); training (field of specialization, language skills) bu they did not mention more clarity on editorial policy or improved communication mechanisms.

Communication and interaction

Communication was an issue that was often raised by correspondents and newspaper editors and was given a double meaning. This study looked at personal interaction; means of communication and the different stages of the communication process. Concerning the last point, 94.4% of news items produced locally are sent directly to Cairo and the remainder is sent to a regional office or coordinator. When asked for details, correspondents confirmed that there are no communication problems with regional offices and that all news items sent to regional offices are forwarded to Cairo.

29

Figure (15) Quality of communication between newspaper and correspondents

This table shows that 44.4% of the correspondents interviewed perceive the quality of their (personal) communication with newspaper representatives as good; 33.3% perceive this as acceptable and 11.1% as excellent. Newspaper representatives at al Masry al Youm and al Wafd also assess their communication with the provincial correspondents as good.
Figure (21) Communication problems with Cairo

The table shows that 60% of correspondents view the lack of personal communication between Cairo and correspondents as the major problem. This communication is needed to explain why news pieces are modified, partially deleted or not placed. Personal communication can also help to combat the low appreciation of the value of local news. The other 40% of respondents blame the lack of communication mechanisms such as the absence of regular meetings with the head of department and the newspaper, the absence of email address for the department, and poor communication services as a source of problems.
30 Media Monitor 03

Arab Network for Media Support

Cairo based representatives at al Masry al Youm and al Wafd acknowledged these communication problems and stressed the difficulty of daily communication and the absence of a system of regular meetings. It is clear that both parties fully agree on the nature and weight of these communication problems. Communication problems also influence the way correspondents and editors view each other. As was explained earlier, correspondents think that editors are not satisfied with the quality of their work and that this is a major reason for non-publication of many news items.. al Masry al Youm ,when asked, said they were more or less satisfied with the performance of local correspondents, whereas their counterparts at al Wafd said they were moderately satisfied. A comparison between the two groups shows that newspaper coordinators are generally more satisfied with correspondent performance than their correspondents seem to think they are.

Training & capacity development

Figure (23) Training activities organized for correspondents

The table shows that 66.6% of individuals participating in the study did not receive any training by their newspapers during the past year, while 33.3% said they had received training by their newspapers a year ago. Information obtained from the newspapers showed that only al Masry al Youm provided training for its correspondents. The newspaper confirmed that two three sessions were organized last year.

31

32

Media Monitor 03