Egyptian media: From government mouthpiece to voice of the people
Whereas state media had previously served as a loyal mouthpiece for Hosni Mubarak, they are now celebrating the ouster of the longtime president. They pledged to pay more attention to ordinary people in the future. State television even promised to be more honest in its reporting.
While the streets of Cairo were in a state of emergency, Al Nil TV showed dreamy footage of the Nile. And pro-government newspapers and state television had always portrayed the demonstrators as a small minority of troublemakers during the 18 days of protests in Egypt, which ultimately led to Mubarak's resignation.
The media suddenly changed tack on Saturday, one day after Mubarak's resignation. The people had toppled the regime, reported the leading daily newspaper Al Ahram. A reporter from state television reported on a victory celebration by the demonstrators in front of the presidential palace in Cairo. He commented on the exuberant mood with the words: "At this moment, Egyptians are breathing freedom". The sharks of the old regime had bled Egypt dry, according to an editorial in the state-run daily Al Gomhuria.
Although the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took power after Mubarak's resignation, now uses the state-funded media itself to address the public, independent publisher Hisham Kassam believes, according to SDA, that the state media could lose importance if the new government cuts funding. It is a slow decline, it could take longer than a year, he said, but it is over.
However, voices calling for independent journalism were also raised within the media during the protests. On Thursday, employees of the newspaper Al Ahram demanded the dismissal of the editor-in-chief because of the negative reporting on the protest movement. They also called for an apology for the highly immoral reporting. It is unclear exactly when the change of heart began, but the consequences are hard to miss. On Saturday, state television published a statement via the Mena news agency in which it congratulated the Egyptian people for the great revolution led by the best of Egypt's youth. Egyptian television will be honest in spreading its message, the broadcaster promised. Egyptian television belongs to the Egyptian people and will be at their service.
Arabia: Government in Bahrain promises more freedom of the press
Now the government in the Gulf emirate of Bahrain apparently wants to avert protests along the lines of Egypt and Tunisia with gifts and political reforms. The government announced on Sunday that it would control the media less in future. Meanwhile, opposition groups called for a demonstration for more political co-determination.
Tomorrow's rally is expected to be the first major demonstration in the Gulf region since the protests began in Tunisia and Egypt. The Shiite majority in Bahrain accuses the Sunni ruling class of discrimination. Clashes broke out last year following the arrest of Shiite activists.
The media suddenly changed tack on Saturday, one day after Mubarak's resignation. The people had toppled the regime, reported the leading daily newspaper Al Ahram. A reporter from state television reported on a victory celebration by the demonstrators in front of the presidential palace in Cairo. He commented on the exuberant mood with the words: "At this moment, Egyptians are breathing freedom". The sharks of the old regime had bled Egypt dry, according to an editorial in the state-run daily Al Gomhuria.
Although the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took power after Mubarak's resignation, now uses the state-funded media itself to address the public, independent publisher Hisham Kassam believes, according to SDA, that the state media could lose importance if the new government cuts funding. It is a slow decline, it could take longer than a year, he said, but it is over.
However, voices calling for independent journalism were also raised within the media during the protests. On Thursday, employees of the newspaper Al Ahram demanded the dismissal of the editor-in-chief because of the negative reporting on the protest movement. They also called for an apology for the highly immoral reporting. It is unclear exactly when the change of heart began, but the consequences are hard to miss. On Saturday, state television published a statement via the Mena news agency in which it congratulated the Egyptian people for the great revolution led by the best of Egypt's youth. Egyptian television will be honest in spreading its message, the broadcaster promised. Egyptian television belongs to the Egyptian people and will be at their service.
Arabia: Government in Bahrain promises more freedom of the press
Now the government in the Gulf emirate of Bahrain apparently wants to avert protests along the lines of Egypt and Tunisia with gifts and political reforms. The government announced on Sunday that it would control the media less in future. Meanwhile, opposition groups called for a demonstration for more political co-determination.
Tomorrow's rally is expected to be the first major demonstration in the Gulf region since the protests began in Tunisia and Egypt. The Shiite majority in Bahrain accuses the Sunni ruling class of discrimination. Clashes broke out last year following the arrest of Shiite activists.
