Cairo

Source: Al-Wafd newspaper

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri

The Egyptian press, like other international presses, faces major existential challenges that threaten its continuity and role in society. Among these challenges are declining print newspaper sales, declining advertising revenues, increasing consumption of digital news, and declining public confidence in the media.

According to reports, the debts of state-owned media institutions in Egypt have risen to billions of pounds, while many private entities are on the verge of collapse due to enormous financial pressures.

These data call on policymakers to take bold and effective steps to ensure the sustainability of journalism in Egypt and revive its vital role in cultural and national discourse. Adapting the Egyptian press to technological developments is no longer a choice; it is an inevitable necessity. Digital transformation in light of rapid technological changes has become a pressing matter in light of the 30% decline in the circulation of printed newspapers globally over the past decade in favor of digital platforms.

Trends in Egypt show a 60% increase in digital news consumption over the past five years. This data requires that news organizations invest in developing interactive and engaging digital platforms that meet the needs of today’s readers as a matter of paramount importance to maintaining relevance and attracting a wider audience base. For example, podcasts and digital content are new tools that represent the future of journalism and media, and can provide new opportunities for media organizations to reach a wider audience and provide more diverse content.

Regaining public trust is the most difficult but most important challenge. Public trust in official media has declined dramatically, with only 42% of Egyptians currently expressing trust in these outlets, a sharp drop from 70% a decade ago. This decline is not just a local phenomenon, but part of a global trend where digital platforms have become popular spaces for disseminating information and news by institutions and ordinary individuals who have taken on the role of journalists. Commitment to professional standards and accuracy in disseminating news can help reverse this trend.

For example, addressing local and global issues of concern to segments of society, investigative journalism that reveals opportunities for development in state institutions and their pillars, presents balanced and independent analyses, and operates with the principles of transparency and accountability regarding information sources and news gathering methods within journalistic institutions are important and necessary measures to rebuild credibility and expand the scope of influence.

Successful cases in the UK and the US show how adhering to these principles has helped them to strengthen relationships and build trust with the public. Financial sustainability is an urgent issue. Today, newspapers are faced with a requirement to diversify their sources of income away from traditional advertising, which has witnessed a significant decline, as advertising revenues in print newspapers have fallen by more than 50% in the past ten years.

Exploring new funding sources, such as online subscriptions and exclusive content, and using live streaming and digital analytics to provide comprehensive and immediate coverage of events, can in turn create new revenue generation opportunities.

Adopting innovative business models will help media organizations mitigate financial risks and build a more resilient economic foundation. An example of this is the success of international media outlets that have adopted a subscription model and have been able to open up new revenue streams even as advertising revenues have declined. The New York Times’ digital subscription revenues will exceed $1 billion in 2023.

The Telegraph, another example, has grown its digital subscribers by 75% in two years, attracting new readers by offering premium content behind a paywall. The Financial Times has also had notable success with its subscription model, surpassing 1 million digital subscribers in 2022, using a low-cost subscription app to attract a wider audience while maintaining premium content for regular subscribers. Another point in context is that investing in developing journalistic talent is essential to revitalizing the journalism industry.

Supporting journalists through continuous training in the latest media and communication skills is also essential. Reports indicate that 35% of journalists in Egypt earn less than the national average income, highlighting the need for financial support and better working conditions. Improving the living conditions of journalists and making the profession attractive to young talent are important.

Furthermore, ensuring freedom of expression and protecting journalists from threats and harassment will create a safer and more conducive environment for journalistic excellence. In addition, providing journalists with the tools and resources to excel in digital journalism will further enhance the quality of news reporting. Strategic collaborations and alliances between journalistic and media organizations can further support the media sector.

By forming partnerships that facilitate the exchange of resources and expertise, high-quality investigative reporting and comprehensive media programs can be produced. By working together, media organizations can expand their reach and innovate in content creation and distribution, allowing media entities to leverage each other’s strengths while mitigating their weaknesses. Reviving Egyptian journalism is a complex but achievable task.

This requires concerted efforts from the state, media institutions, and the wider media sector to renew this vital pillar of society and ensure its continued contribution to cultural, intellectual, and national discourse. The challenge is great, but the opportunities available for a renewed and strong Egyptian press offer a promising sparkle for the future. The digital age requires policymakers to adopt innovative strategies to balance digital transformation with financial sustainability, build credibility, and shape the cultural and intellectual landscape in society.

But the most important question remains: Can Egyptian journalism reinvent itself to keep pace with the digital age without losing its traditional essence as a reliable source of information and providing content of real value? In an era where fake news and misinformation spread at the speed of light, investigative journalism committed to transparency and accountability can be not only a means of survival, but a tool to guide society towards truth and integrity. The answer to this question will determine the future of Egyptian journalism and its role in building society.