Egypt prepares national media conference to advance sector reforms

CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egypt is preparing to hold a national media conference in December as the government moves to implement a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at modernizing the country’s media sector, strengthening institutional performance and accelerating digital transformation.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly directed government agencies to convert the recommendations of the national media development committee into a practical implementation plan, following directives issued by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to improve the country’s media system.

The decision was announced after a high-level meeting attended by Minister of State for Information Diaa Rashwan, Supreme Council for Media Regulation Chairman Khaled Abdel-Aziz, National Press Authority Chairman Abdel-Sadek El-Shorbagy and National Media Authority Chairman Ahmed El-Moslemany.

According to the Cabinet, discussions focused on improving the financial stability of state media institutions, encouraging professional and balanced public dialogue, and helping the sector adapt to rapid technological changes reshaping the global media landscape.

Madbouly said the government’s immediate priority is to transform the committee’s recommendations into an actionable roadmap before the December conference, which is expected to shape the future direction of Egypt’s media sector.

He said President El-Sisi has emphasized the importance of responsible journalism and constructive public dialogue that accommodates diverse viewpoints while maintaining professional standards and contributing to greater public awareness.

The prime minister noted that the media development committee, chaired by Abdel-Aziz, had completed a broad set of recommendations that will be implemented in coordination with relevant government institutions.

Addressing the financial challenges facing public media organizations also remains a central objective of the reform program. 

Madbouly said the government continues to work with media authorities to resolve outstanding debts and financial imbalances to ensure the long-term sustainability of national media institutions.

Rashwan said his ministry has completed its review of the committee’s proposals and prepared an initial framework outlining implementation timelines and mechanisms. He added that the December conference will provide a platform for discussing major issues affecting Egypt’s media industry.

Proposed topics include the financial future of media organizations, access to information, responsible journalism, professional standards and coverage of key national issues, including the economy, foreign affairs, national security, sports and social affairs.

Digital transformation will also feature prominently in the reform agenda. Abdel-Aziz stressed the need for media institutions to adapt to changing technologies and audience consumption habits to ensure effective communication in the digital era.

El-Moslemany outlined ongoing modernization efforts within the National Media Authority, including resolving outstanding pension obligations, upgrading infrastructure, modernizing transmission facilities and expanding digital media operations.

He said the authority is pursuing a “digital first” strategy, highlighted by the development of the Maspero Platform, which aims to strengthen the online presence of Egypt’s national media content while keeping pace with global digital media trends.

El-Shorbagy called for clearly defined implementation mechanisms and responsibilities to ensure the recommendations are effectively carried out before the December conference.