Media professionals call for disbandment of Information Ministry

Staff

Wed, 16/02/2011 - 14:49

Photographed by Alsayed Albaz

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Several Egyptian media professionals have called for the abolition of Egypt's Information Ministry to bolster freedom of the media and help achieve a genuine transformation to democracy after the 25 January uprising that led to the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

Media professionals who spoke to Al-Masry Al-Youm said they consider the Ministry of Information and the Supreme Council for Journalism to be symbols of authoritative regimes.

Hamdi Qandil, a media professional known for his opposition to the fallen regime, said both bodies must be abolished, adding that freedom of information needs to be bolstered for satellite channels and the press to respect professional and ethical standards in the conduct of their work.

He added that it is no longer acceptable for the state to control media outlets as the world becomes more open.

Mohamed al-Khouli, a UN international media expert, said Egypt has signed international covenants that guarantee the freedom of expression.

He added that the state should support freedoms, especially those of the media and the press, and called for the abolition of all restrictions on the different media.

Al-Khouli predicted that the coming period will see more parties and syndicates being formed, and there will thus be a need for media outlets to serve as venues for the expression of different views.