Amid the hardship and challenges of carrying on with our journalistic and media work, and under the harsh climate clouding the financial situation of Watani, positive developments do occur. These bring in hope for Watani to go on fulfilling her mission, and generate positive energy in the hearts of those working against all odds in order for Watani’s mission, entity and family to keep going strong. Watani has had the honour of belonging to the Egyptian journalistic field since December 1958; it now prepares to step into its 65th year while still enjoying a high ranking among Egypt’s long standing journalism platforms.
With pride and appreciation, I recently received a notification from the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR), approving the reconciliation of the status of Watani with new SCMR standards and requirements. Watani had applied to SCMR for the reconciliation process, and underwent the screening and vetting required as specified in the letter I recently received from Mahmoud Fawzi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation. Following is the text of the letter:
“Mr Youssef Sidhom
“Chairman of the board of directors of Watani Newspaper
“With reference to the notification submitted by you to the Supreme Council for Media Regulation regarding reconciliation of the status of Watani newspaper, issued by the Watani Corporation for Printing and Publishing…
“Please note that the notification form you submitted was presented to the Council’s relevant specialised committee, also to the Council’s entire board. The Council decided on 6 June 2022 to approve the reconciliation of status. We are pleased to officially notify you of this, and a date will be set to hand you the licence document, during a special event that will be organised by the Council. You will be notified of its date as soon as it is set.”
I think it worth mentioning that this honourable accreditation by SCMR is an extension to the previous accreditation issued by the Supreme Council of the Press on 13 December 2000 under Mustafa Kamal Helmy, on a date which coincided with Watani’s 42nd anniversary. The 2000 accreditation letter read:
“Mr Youssef Sidhom
“Chairman of the board of Watani Corporation for Printing and Publishing
“In its session held on 12 December 2000, the Supreme Council of the Press approved the publication of Watani paper, as a political, economic, social, cultural, sports, artistic and religious newspaper, issued weekly in both Arabic and English by Watani Corporation for Printing and Publishing, and printed at al-Ahram Corporation; the Chairman of the board and Editor-in-chief being Mr Youssef Sidhom.”
I extend my gratitude to SCMR, with my assertion that Watani is honoured to belong to the family of Egyptian journalism, and to carry on serving its media mission that it began in 1958, and which it still candidly and honourably serves.
Watani International
9 September 2022