Egypt to toughen law on satellite TV
January 29, 2014
By Chris Forrester
Egypt, despite the political unrest, has long been a supporter of tougher regulation for broadcasters who do not follow a balanced approach to their transmissions.
On January 28th Egypt’s Investment Minister Usamah Salih said that an amendment will be made on the law on satellite channels whereby any violator will be forced to pay a fine instead of simply switching off their transmissions.
The minister’s remarks were made on the fringe of his participation in ‘Egypt on the Right Track’ conference organised by Belton Financial Holding Company, with the participation of more than 40 world investment funds.
He made it clear that amendments to the law will be prepared by the Free Zones board (where Nilesat is based) and representatives of the satellite channels.
The amended law will stipulate sending a warning to the violating channel, then a suspension alert and afterwards withdrawal of their permits, he added, noting that such amendments will end all shortcomings of the current law in force.