The media plays an important role in raising awareness and must “support the government against rioters who vandalize properties,” the information minister said Wednesday.
During an interview with state-owned Nile News Channel, Information Minister Salah Abdel-Maqsoud defended the government's legitimacy and popular support and said the media should do the same.
“The ministry has made great efforts to make the Egyptian media the property of the people, as Egyptians have equal shares in it,” the minister said. “No one is excluded and all opinions must be broadcast.”
Prime Minister Hesham Qandil's Cabinet bears many burdens in order to serve the people, but events occurring around the country are stifling its efforts and preventing it from pursuing liberty and social justice, Abdel Maqsoud said, referring to ongoing unrest.
“State media has the right to defend legitimacy and highlights the pros and cons together,” the minister said, without offering specifics.
He accused some private media outlets of having political agendas and expressing the opinions of their funders.
"To be fair, there are private channels who put forth great effort and who play an important role in bringing about change and accelerating it," he said.
Edited translation from MENA
