The Cultural Salon has dedicated its 54th session to celebrate the Media Professionals’ Day.
Titled, ‘Media Professionals Day: Message, Meaning, and Responsibility’, the event was held under the patronage of the Arab Organisation for Dialogue and International Co-operation.
It coincided with the annual celebration of Media Professionals Day in Egypt which usually falls on May 31.
A distinguished audience of scholars, media specialists, and dignitaries from Egypt and other Arab states attended the session.
Salon founder and international media professor, Hanan Youssef, opened the event by commending Egyptian media professionals for their vital role in educating the members of the public, raising awareness among them and building their nation.
She underscored the importance of what she described as the ‘noble calling’ of media and its responsibility towards Egypt.
Youssef also highlighted the historical significance of May 31 which marks the launch of Egyptian Radio in 1934.
Since then, she said, this day has been designated as one of honour for the media, a day that glorifies ethical media practices.
The session featured presentations by a panel of media and cultural experts from Egypt and abroad.
Discussions during the event focused on the current state of the Egyptian media landscape, the challenges facing it and its potentials.
The discussion also focused on means of strengthening media’s position in society.
The speakers placed emphasis on the need for supporting and protecting journalists to ensure a safe environment for their work and help them deliver their message.
They also identified the need for Egyptian media to adapt to rapid technological advances.
The same speakers called for promoting media literacy among the members of the public to facilitate what they called ‘responsible use’ of information in the digital age.
Youssef announced, meanwhile,an initiative for the formulation of a document for the renewal of media discourse renewal, based on the outcomes of the salon’s discussions.
The document, she said, can be submitted to relevant authorities in Egypt.
“It will aim to enhance media discourse and amplify its role in building the New Republic, with a focus on establishing development frameworks for media content and delivery, all within a framework of ethical and legal governance,” Youssef said.
She added that the same documents would seek to regulate and develop the media sector, fostering its contribution to the development of the New Republic.
The closing ceremony of this session of the Cultural Salon featured a musical performance by budding artist Nada al-Mansi who is also a member of the salon.
