Egyptian journalist Essam Kamel, editor-in-chief of the newspaper and website "Veto", has responded to the call by Minister of Information, Dr. Diaa Rashwan, for online media sites to form a unified entity. In a phone interview with prominent media personality, Sayed Ali, on the program "Hadrat Al-Muwatin", Kamel expressed his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized that the discussion should not be limited by exclusion, marginalization, or intimidation.
Kamel cited an example to illustrate his point, comparing the potential formation of an online journalists' syndicate to the medical field. He mentioned that if doctors who have studied abroad and are practicing surgery using artificial intelligence, they would still be required to adhere to the standards set by the Egyptian Medical Syndicate. Similarly, Kamel argued that online journalists should be held to the same standards as their print counterparts.
The journalist expressed his surprise at the minister's call, stating that he had previously discussed the issue with prominent writer, Hamdi Rizk, at a conference on identity. Rizk had reportedly expressed concerns that the entry of non-practicing journalists into the field could compromise the standards of journalism. Kamel emphasized that there are already standards in place for journalists, including editing and writing styles.
Kamel questioned what would happen if print newspapers were to cease publication one day, suggesting that journalists who transition to online media should not be viewed as somehow lesser. He argued that the discussion should be expanded to include all stakeholders and that an open workshop should be held at the Egyptian Journalists' Syndicate to explore the issue.
The editor-in-chief of "Veto" also expressed his confusion about how to differentiate between his newspaper's print and online editions, as the same work is being done across both platforms. He called for greater clarity on this issue and emphasized that those who are talking about infiltrating the journalists' syndicate need to examine the current situation closely.
Kamel pointed out that many individuals have joined the Egyptian Journalists' Syndicate despite not being affiliated with actual publications, and that some publications do not even exist. He questioned how the syndicate can accept such a large number of new members from non-existent publications.
Kamel concluded by stating that he would welcome the existence of many online media sites, provided that they are subject to professional oversight and a sound legal framework. He suggested that such sites could then be brought under the umbrella of the journalists' syndicate to ensure that their performance is monitored in the same way as print media.
Key points
- Essam Kamel, editor-in-chief of "Veto", responds to Minister of Information's call for online media sites to form a unified entity.
- Kamel argues that online journalists should be held to the same standards as their print counterparts.
- The discussion should be expanded to include all stakeholders and an open workshop should be held at the Egyptian Journalists' Syndicate.
