Today, 21 December 2025, Watani steps into its 68th year. The date marks 67 years since Antoun Sidhom founded Watani, publishing its first issue on 21 December 1958. I must admit that I am truly eager for Watani to carry on as a print paper for at least another four years, to break the longevity record of 71 years of privately-owned papers published in Egypt. The record is currently held by Gareedet Misr (Egypt’s Paper), which was founded by Tadros Shenouda al-Manqabadi in 1895 and remained in print till 1966. I have Ramy Atta to thank for drawing my attention to this milestone, Mr Atta is a researcher and historian of Coptic journalism, and is a staunch friend of Watani.
The challenge of breaking the record of the longest living private paper is a strong incentive to keep the flame of the Watani torch alive. We are still committed to the mission rooted by Antoun Sidhom 67 years ago, to serve national and Coptic causes in integrity through the media. Ever since its foundation, reporters that belonged to various generations have successively joined Watani which over the years became for them no mere journalistic career, but an all-embracing family.
Let me seize the opportunity of this anniversary to express my gratitude to and appreciation of the entities that have over the years keenly celebrated and honoured Watani and members of its family. Only 10 days ago, on 11 December 2025, Pope Tawadros II honoured a group of Watani reporters during the celebration of Coptic Press and Media Day which was held in the papal headquarters in Abbassiya, Cairo.
I am especially grateful to Pope Tawadros II for his incessant expression of appreciation and pride of the Watani mission. On multiple occasions, the Pope has advocated public support for Watani, citing the need to help the paper wither the high tides that rock the press world. This can evidently be achieved through enhancing circulation figures, or through placing advertisements in the paper.
I have repeatedly written that Watani recognises the importance of blending the tools and traditions of the past with those of the present era. It is no longer practical to cling solely to the printed paper, no matter how much it means to older generations. We must embrace the new channels through which younger generations communicate; otherwise, we risk losing our space while they find alternative platforms. The challenge is clear: if we do not adapt to and embrace the changes of modern times, we risk losing touch with upcoming generations.
For boomers like me who retain a special place in their hearts for print paper, digital media offers a vital bridge between print and digital media. The paper’s pages are made available in PDF format on our website, ensuring continuity of the traditional newspaper even if not in the physical sense. This is not crying over spilt milk; it is a commitment to provide readers with a modern-technology equivalent of the printed paper in a framework that meets current digital requirements.
The idea goes back in time to 2000 when Watani, fully aware of the electronic, technological new reality on the ground, launched its website and social media pages, keeping pace with digital media developments. We also ventured into audiovisual platforms by establishing our Youtube channel, with a sight on reaching out to younger audiences.
In a nutshell, should the print edition of Watani be discontinued, there will not be a media void to threaten the Watani mission. Watani will take advantage of the technology and instruments of the era to keep connecting with older and younger generations, keeping alive the mission established and rooted by Antoun Sidhom back in 1958.
Watani International
21 December 2025
