In an effort to counter the increasing popularity of international satellite channels, Egypt's Minister of Information Safwat Al Sharif at announced on February 22nd that the government was launching new channels, The Middle East reported.
Speaking before the People's Assembly, Sharif stated that launching the new channels was a key part of Egypt's national security.
According to the weekly, the widespread access to foreign satellite channels has introduced Egyptians to information and ideas, which in the past were not available. According to Sharif, he is against trying to prevent or censor undesirable content from being transmitted on these channels.
"Egyptian media have to possess the ability to deal with new elements, which we face now," said Sharif.
Israel launched a satellite in the early 90s. Egypt followed with two satellites of its own: Nile sat 101 and Nile sat 102 at a cost of $300 million – Albawaba.com
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