Egyptian Expats Angry at Wessal-Related Decision: Expert

Many Egyptian expatriates have expressed their sadness for not being anymore able to watch “Wessal” TV show on the Egyptian Nile sat. The TV programme’s name means “Communication” in English and is used to be a media link between Egyptians living abroad and their homeland.

Wessal was the only programme produced by the Egyptian state-owned TV addressing the expats and problems that they have been facing worldwide. It was presented by well-known charismatic anchorwoman Abeer Abu Taleb who has strong relations with dozens of expats thanks to Wessal.

“Wessal succeeded over the years and during the most difficult period Egypt went through in being a national media connector between expats and their homeland,” said Mervat El Sonbaty.

Sonbaty, expert in expatriates’ affairs, told SEE in exclusive remarks on  Saturday that “Millions of Egyptian expats were watching the show weekly considering it a media platform that proposes their problems and visions, answers their questions and highlights their activities and initiatives which back Egypt and its official institutions.”

According to news reports, the Egyptian TV programmes’ new plan does not include Wessal for developments reasons.

“Months ago, the Egyptian State Information Service (SIS) stopped connecting with the expats. And now, the state media channels are doing the same now. I wonder how this help keeping in touch with our nationals abroad,” Sonbaty added.

She noted that she does not oppose implementing reforms to the state TV, but without harming it, pointing out that “I agree that Wessal like other state-produced shows need to be developed and lacks capabilities and up-to-date technologies, but such programmes must keep broadcasting thanks to their importance in keeping touch with our sons abroad.”

The Egyptian state-owned TV, known as Maspiro, is under reforming plans by concerned authorities. News reports stated that new anchors will join and others will leave Maspiro soon as part of the development plan.

In response to these unconfirmed media reports about Wessal, a number of Egyptian expatriates expressed their anger on social media platforms, urging the state institutions to reconsider the decision.