Rasha A. Abdulla, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Journalism and Mass Communication The American University in Cairo

rasha@aucegypt.edu www.rashaabdulla.com Twitter: @RashaAbdulla

Diversity in the Traditional Media

A recent study showed that:

No stories on ethnic or religious minorities. Only one story on a court case with no background presented.

Field reports centered around the government or NDP officials.

News centered around Cairo and other urban areas.

No diversity of agents on screen.

No diversity of opinions.

Representation of Agents

Main Figure: Former President Hosni Mubarak

Presented only in celebratory fashion, often not even speaking.

No counter points of view.

No opposition figures

Very few experts or vox pops, none opposing the government.

Diversity on the Square

Thank you, Egypt’s youth. FACEBOOK. We stand firm. We will not leave.

Most Pressing Needs

Education and media literacy is key.

Need for media diversity training

Need for high quality public broadcasting

Need for media monitoring NGOs

Need for diversity in media content

Need for media research and education

Thank you for listening

Rasha A. Abdulla, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Journalism and Mass Communication The American University in Cairo

rasha@aucegypt.edu www.rashaabdulla.com Twitter: @RashaAbdulla