Egypt says firms transmitting foreign news need new permits

Egypt has ordered nine private companies providing satellite feeds to renew their permits in what critics say is an attempt to assert control over the transmission of foreign broadcasts, media reports said on Thursday.

The information and communications ministries have ordered nine private companies that provide the feeds to reapply for permits, the independent daily Al-Masri al-Yom reported.

The head of one of the private companies, Nader Gohar, said the permits must be endorsed by the state-owned Radio and Television Authority.

If the companies do not get the permits, foreign correspondents and news groups will have to use state television facilities.

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has sent letters to several of the companies telling them the previous permits will expire on October 15, according to a copy shown to AFP.

“The government wants to place restrictions on the transmission of foreign broadcasts,” said Gohar, who heads Cairo News Company.

Egypt, which has seen a growing number of protests, usually well covered by the media, will hold parliamentary elections in November. The last election was marred by widespread violence and police interference in polling stations.

The companies will have to relocate to a Cairo suburb, which could make live coverage of protests in central Cairo more difficult, Al-Masri al-Yom said.

But the head of another company, Mohammed Gohar, said he did not believe the new policy would have negative consequences on transmission.

Regulatory officials did not answer calls seeking comment.

The Egyptian press on Monday reported that companies that provide news through cell phone text messages have to obtain a permit.

Officials have said the policy was aimed at regulating the roughly 30 companies that provide the service.

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