Egypt’s President Sisi OKs law establishing National Press Authority

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ratified on Friday a law establishing the National Press Authority, which was passed by the House of Representatives in June.

The state body is tasked with upgrading the performance of national press organisations by supervising their financial and administrative activities.

Along with the Higher Council of Media Regulation and the National Media Authority, it is one of three new entities that regulate press and media affairs.

Article 7 of the law states that the head of the National Press Authority will be selected by the president.

“NPA’s board will include representatives of the State Council, the Ministry of Finance, national press organisations, and two public figures with proven experience in journalism,” reads the article.

The law drew opposition from many journalists and advocates of freedom of the press, who charged that it provides the authority with the power to interfere with and direct Egyptian media outlets.

Source: Ahram Online