By Aswat Masriya It seems Tawfik Okasha will have to take his conspiracy theories elsewhere, as the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC) has taken his al-Faraeen TV channel off air Monday for failing to pay up. In a statement published on its website, EMPC said it was “forced” to cut its service to the channel because its management “insists” on not paying late dues. The media and information centre said it has issued several warnings but the “administration has not responded to these warnings.” Channels broadcasting out of the EMPC must pay rent, which goes to the government. While it is not a state institution, the majority of EMPC’s capital is publically funded. Al-Faraeen owes EMPC EGP 2 million, which the media centre says is “not a large debt” compared to other channels that are eager to reschedule their payments or to negotiate. But according to EMPC, al-Faraeen has not taken any steps to suggest that it is serious about responding to the warnings or that its head has any intention to pay the dues or reschedule payments. Okasha is known for his vocal political criticism and his unique, sometimes derisive attitude,…
