Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation, headed by Engineer Khaled Abdel Aziz, issued a decisive decision imposing sanctions on Modern MTI TV and its sports program presenter, Hani Hathout. The decision included a fine of 100,000 Egyptian pounds for the channel, in addition to banning Hani Hathout, presenter of the "Modern Sport" program, from appearing on all media outlets subject to the Press and Media Regulation Law for 21 days.
This decision was based on investigations conducted by the Council's Complaints Committee, which reviewed a complaint filed by Al-Ahly Club regarding the content of an episode of the program. After hearing from the channel's legal representative, the investigations confirmed that the program's presenter had violated the professional and ethical codes and standards set by the Council, thus necessitating immediate intervention to regulate the media landscape.
General context and the role of the Supreme Media Council
The Supreme Council for Media Regulation is the official body responsible for regulating and monitoring the performance of all media outlets in Egypt, whether broadcast, online, or digital, pursuant to Law No. 180 of 2018. The Council aims to guarantee media freedom within a framework of professional and ethical responsibility, and to protect the rights of viewers and the public. It possesses broad powers, including imposing fines, suspending programs, and banning media personalities for specific periods when violations related to incitement to violence, dissemination of false news, or deviation from impartiality and objectivity are proven.
The importance of the decision and its impact on sports media
This decision is particularly significant as it pertains to sports media, a highly sensitive sector in Egypt given the immense popularity of the two Egyptian football giants, Al-Ahly and Zamalek. Media coverage of the rivalry between the two clubs has long been a source of tension and fanaticism among their fans. The council's decision underscores the necessity for sports programs to adhere to neutrality and objectivity, avoid insulting sports institutions or public figures, and refrain from anything that could inflame fan conflicts.
This measure sends a clear message to all channels and media professionals that the council is closely monitoring content and will not hesitate to enforce the law to maintain social stability and protect journalistic ethics. The decision also reflects the council's commitment to seriously addressing complaints from major institutions like Al Ahly Club, further solidifying its role as an effective regulatory body in the Egyptian media landscape.
