Egypt

Abstract

This chapter examines the evolution of the media management system in Egypt prior to the 2011 uprising, with a particular focus on changes under the Mubarak government. It argues that the apparent liberalization of ownership in the last decade was an example of illiberal diversification, and did not on its own meaningfully increase pluralism. However, it notes a weakening of some taboos and postcensorship measures that, when combined with that diversification of ownership, did lead to a changed atmosphere for media professionals and consumers, even while state-owned media underwent little substantial change. It conveys the content and methods of media control from the perspective of media professionals and tracks changes in those over time. It sets up consideration in Chapter 4 of the media landscape after the 2011 uprising.