Conclusion
The Egyptian media landscape has witnessed changes during the past decade and so has the consumption behavior of the audiences. Digital developments enforce a revisit to the business model of the traditional media for them to catch up with the different needs of the audience. Print and broadcast national media are trying different restructuring plans, yet they have deep managerial challenges that make them lag behind.
Digital media have opened new opportunities for the content providers and advertisers to tailor content that meets audiences’ preference and place advertisement for the designated targeted audiences. Revenues from digital media still represent a small percentage of the total revenue, however many media entities started to have a strong presence on the online platforms because Internet penetration and broadband subscriptions predict the potential growth of the Egyptian digital media market.
Investment in producing distinctive content is a key issue for all media entities to have sustainable business models and attract readers.
Although the constitution guarantees and ensures a free press, banning of censorship and freedom of expression, there are laws that stifle this freedom, instead of protecting it. The newly established regulatory bodies are to set clear, defined rules to ensure appropriate implementation of policies. Laws that deal directly with press freedom and freedom of expression should be revisited to promote diversified independent and accountable media systems.