Can new TV network boost Cairo's role in Africa?
A new government-supervised TV channel will focus on news and issues related to the African continent, but some fear its real purpose is to promote Cairo's interests.
As part of its efforts to boost ties with other African countries, the Egyptian government is planning to launch a TV channel and news website covering African news and issues.
Ahmed Selim, secretary-general of the Egyptian Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR), said March 12 the council has been taking serious steps toward establishing the TV channel with African and Arab media professionals’ assistance.
The Cairo-based TV channel, whose launch date is yet to be determined, will operate under the government’s supervision.
“This comes as part of the SCMR belief that it is important to have an African media outlet assuming an effective role in all parts of the world,” Selim said during a Cairo meeting with a group of Arabic-speaking African media professionals, which Al-Monitor attended.
