Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

The author did a small study in which he compares religious newspapers issued by the three Christian denominations in Egypt: Al-Kirāzah by the Coptic Orthodox Church, Hāmil al-Risālah by the Catholic Church and Al-Tarīq by the Protestant Church. The author questions if these papers observe the reader’s right to information.

 

According to the author, Al-Kirāzah is the only newspaper whose editor-in-chief is the head of the Church, and all its material mainly revolves around him and his activities. Moreover, it is the only publication in the world, according to the author, that is suspended when its editor-in-chief travels. It was suspended for several months due to the Pope’s illness, although it is bimonthly. This in turn, the author argues, violates the reader’s right to information, E especially because it is the only source for the Church’s news. There is no media bureau in the Church and a fear of some Church leaders giving information about the Church’s affairs.

 

The author ads that Al-Kirāzah ignores some important journalistic techniques, such as interviewing and the reporting. In addition, it always presents stories in a vague way. For example, it may write about a meeting of the Pope with a top official without referring to the content of the meeting.

 

Al-Tarīq is more professional in its presentation of various techniques. However, it relies on copying from other newspapers, and publishes old news for it is issued monthly, which is strange for a newspaper. In addition, it concentrates on sectarian incidents, inciting sectarian incidents.

HāmIl al-Risālah is the most moderate Christian newspaper and shows high professionalism. However, it does not focus on the domestic news because of its relationship with the Catholic leadership in the Vatican. It is published weekly and ignores sectarian incidents in Egypt.

The author points out that the aim of his criticism is to improve the professionalism of these papers and make them focus on the reader’s right more than seeking to please religious leaders.

 

[Editor: For more information on Coptic newspapers see AWR2007 Week 18 Article 19]