Diaa Rashwan, Tarek Saada next in line to lead top media authorities: Sources

CAIRO – 5 July 2024: Reliable sources have disclosed that the widely respected journalist Diaa Rashwan, who currently serves as the head of the State Information Service, is edging closer to becoming the new head of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR).

Established under a 2016 law, the SCMR is responsible for the regulation of audio, visual, and digital media as well as the press.

Diaa Rashwan, 64, is an Egyptian politician and journalist who previously served as the head of the Syndicate of Journalists.

In addition to his current role as the chair of the State Information Service, he holds the position of general coordinator for the National Dialogue, an initiative launched by President Sisi in 2022 to address key political, economic, and social issues.

The sources further revealed that Tarek Saada, a member of the Senate and the Head of the Media Syndicate, is slated to become the new head of the iconic National Media Authority, Egypt's state-run public broadcaster.

These anticipated changes come shortly after the newly formed government, comprising 30 ministers and a prime minister, took their oaths before President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday.

In a week filled with significant transitions, most of Egypt's 27 governorships also witnessed changes as the newly appointed governors took their oaths before the president on the same day.

A source informed Extra News this week that media councils and authorities are expected to undergo a reshuffle, referring specifically to the SCMR, the National Media Authority, and the National Press Authority.

It is expected that Abdel Sadek El-Shorbagi will retain his position as the head of the National Press Authority.

This news coincides with Egypt's new government preparing to present its program to the parliament next Monday.