The media in Egypt is in a state of chaos. Sensationalism, propaganda, unverified facts, and state control strip the fourth estate of its role. But how can the profession be “fixed”? Is a new regime needed, or can down-top approaches be a solution? Many journalists maintain that media reform can only begin when the government’s violations cease. “Egypt needs a non-intrusive government, a government that doesn’t stop the printing of the day newspaper because they think the article is against the regime,” said Jackie Devin*, a French journalist who had worked briefly as an editor in state-owned Al-Ahram Hebdo, and had to choose carefully or modify the titles “not to offend the regime”. Devin pointed out that editors should be free to choose the content and the tone of the title and text without fearing consequences from the government, be it censorship or funds cut. In December, the parliament approved a media “regulations” bill, which puts both state and private owned media in the hands of the government. The new law stipulates the formation of three regulatory bodies to oversee all of Egypt’s media outlets, be it public or private. Heads of…
