Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Despite legal restrictions and repercussions resulting in canceling a channel’s license, a strange phenomenon has recently appeared: renting broadcasting space to the benefit of a few individuals. This phenomenon is most widespread among religious channels which are now suspected of trading religion for money.

 

Channels such as al-Khayr, al-Nās, al-Rahmah, and al-Hikmah—religious channels known for promoting salafī thinking—have begun selling space to individuals—businessmen and shaykhs alike. These individuals are then able to broadcast their programs for anywhere between 7,000 – 2,500 Egyptian pounds per hour.

 

Salāh Hamzah, director of the Egyptian Satellite Company, said, “This is the first time we’ve heard about renting satellite space to individuals or other satellite channels without consulting the NileSat. Having a contract with the NileSat includes specifying a logo for the channel as well as the frequency and time of broadcasting (24 hours a day). The contract also stipulates that the channel does not have the right to rent its space to anyone, as any material aired on the channel is representative of the station. 

 

It should be noted that while these channels are, in fact, owned by businessmen, they underpay employees, claiming that their main mission is Islamic da‘wah and that their employees should not even be paid in the first place.