Egyptian journalist and media figure Magdy El-Gallad, editor-in-chief of the "Oona" journalism and media foundation—which includes Masrawy, Yalla Kora, El-Konsolto, and Shift—has published an open response to a public statement issued by State Minister for Information Diaa Rashwan. In his public Facebook post titled "Free Chitchat About the 'Minister's' Disciplined Chitchat," El-Gallad addressed Rashwan directly, reacting to a ministerial statement published on the official Facebook page of the Egyptian Cabinet approximately two days prior under the heading "Statement by the Ministry of State for Information.. Necessary Chitchat.. and Suggestions for the Profession and the Nation."
According to El-Gallad, Rashwan’s ministerial statement opened a deep wound in the body of Egypt’s media and nation. Writing with characteristic candor and balance, Rashwan’s appeal prompted El-Gallad to offer his own frank and sincere “chitchat” on behalf of the homeland and Egyptian media, which he describes as facing a genuine existential crisis. Rather than responding from a ministerial office, El-Gallad framed his commentary as an informal discussion shared over cups of koshary tea inside a struggling state-run newsroom, a large digital newsroom where professionals remain uncertain whether the state views them as legitimate journalists or impostors despite constitutional protections, or a nervous television studio operating amid manufactured obstacles.
Did You Know? Magdy El-Gallad and Diaa Rashwan previously spent years as colleagues and collaborators at the historic Al-Ahram institution, sharing a background in navigating the risks of a challenging profession and a mutual belief in the sacred weight of the written word.
Addressing Structural Crises and the Demand for True Reform
El-Gallad noted that while Rashwan’s initial appeal flowed downward smoothly from the top of the media hierarchy, he hopes his own perspective will successfully travel upward from the cold newsrooms to the rooms where decisions are made. The commentary argues that all parties must address the damage caused by years of political instrumentalization in the media, sharp polarization of voices, and the erosion of journalistic standards. According to El-Gallad, the system has spent years officially embracing individuals who abandon their professional duties while excluding and silencing those who respect the truth and the citizens who fund public salaries.
The veteran editor agreed completely with Rashwan’s emphasis on responsible freedom, asserting that such freedom must remain accountable to professional ethics, society, regulatory institutions, and an independent judiciary. However, El-Gallad raised critical questions regarding the absence of a genuine, effective law guaranteeing the free flow and circulation of information. He questioned whether television broadcasting can compete while constrained by homogenized content and standardized messaging, and whether meaningful reform can occur without genuine political will to alter media ownership models, monopolies, and structural boundaries separating management from editorial oversight.
The Core Question of Public Trust and Professional Legacy
El-Gallad pointed out that the public has increasingly lost faith in national media because coverage often fails to reflect the daily realities of citizens on the street, in homes, and at work. He highlighted the pressures placed on ambitious reporters who learn over time that self-preservation and silence are safer than asking critical questions or pursuing the truth. Referencing literary figures like writer Abdel Rahman El- sherqaoui—from the play Al-Hussein Thaeir—and Nobel-laureate novelist Gabriel García Márquez, who began his career in a newsroom, El-Gallad underscored that journalism remains a foundational pillar of human society that must be protected rather than treated as a disposable commodity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the public response regarding the Ministry of State for Information’s statement?
The response was written by Magdy El-Gallad, editor-in-chief of the Oona journalism and media foundation.
Where was the original ministerial statement published?
The original statement was published on the official Facebook page of the Egyptian Cabinet approximately two days prior to El-Gallad’s post.
What key legislative need did El-Gallad emphasize in his commentary?
El-Gallad emphasized the necessity of a real, effective law guaranteeing the free flow and circulation of information.
What steps do you think are most vital for restoring public trust in national media institutions?
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