Building capabilities of Egyptian journalists in preparation for a media in transition

Abstract

Egypt is going through a dramatic transition in its media sector. The proliferation of satellite and Internet technology combined with pressure to free the media and the government's relative acceptance of media openness have created an environment that has attracted many agencies, associations and foundations to invest in training programmes intended to develop the journalism profession. This study was conducted to gauge these programs and to address questions relevant to these efforts. By analysing data from a survey on Egyptian journalists and in-depth interviews with media training experts, results show that Egypt's media reforms have made it possible for the paradigm of professional journalism training to emerge as a dominant theme. Egyptian journalists are enthusiastic toward training, despite some dissatisfaction. Furthermore, they have a relative highly perceived self-efficacy and conviction in their active role as agents of social change and as contributors to the development of a stronger democracy.