Pioneer of Egyptian Journalism, Op-ed

These days mark the 70th anniversary of the launch of "Al-Akhbar" Newspaper’s first issue, which is read by millions of Egyptians.

The newspaper became a headline for the truth, always ready to shine every morning throughout the years.

“Al-Akhbar” is not just a newspaper linked to our lives, but it is a narration that carries within its pages long decades of Egypt’s features that depict the country’s joys, defeats and victories. It is simply a “press record of our homeland's history.”

I am fully inspired by Mostafa and Ali Amin’s dream, which started from an apartment on the roof of a property in Qasr al-Nil and turned “Al-Akhbar” into the press of millions and a "Journalism factory" due to its thinkers, visionaries, and talents.

The newspaper has embraced symbols of creativity and a great writer who left their footprints in the Arab press, such as Mohamed El-Tabii, Galal Al-Din Al-Hamamsi, Saeed Sonbol, Musa Sabry, Kamel Al-Shennawi, Ahmed Bahaa El-Din, sarcastic artist Ahmed Ragab, Mostafa Hussein Dowidar, and Yasser Rizk.

Many of those thinkers and intellectuals have passed away but they are still living among us with their luminous thoughts and words.

With the efforts of its authors, “Al-Akhbar” has turned through its journey into a giant institution in the press scene that includes dozens of publications in politics, sports, literature and art.

It launched the “Al-Akhbar” economic forum, which has become an annual forum for officials and intellectuals to put forward economic visions for the future of our country.

The longevity of media organizations is not measured by years but by the impact, which they leave on the hearts of their readers. In this manner, “Al-Akhbar” has won the hearts of many readers for decades with the honesty of its words, simplicity, and concern for people’s issues.

“Al-Akhbar” is the first newspaper to be published by an Egyptian and the first to invent human-centred journalism through its chapter about “Laylat al-Qadr”.

This step made the tabloid an institution for good and one of the components of the soft forces in Egypt as well as a platform for enlightenment, culture, and human building in our society.

In addition, the newspaper promoted its journalistic level to match the developments in the media arena and to keep pace with the latest technology in the press.

Every year, the journal achieves another milestone in success and brilliance. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this prestigious institution from the beginning till now.

My greetings and appreciation to the “Al-Akhbar” battalion and its leaders, including Ahmed Galal, chairman of “Akhbar Al-Youm” Foundation, and Khaled Miri, editor-in-chief of the newspaper who provides real journalism that targets awareness and supports the citizen.

The word is an honour and “Al-Akhbar” carried that honour with professionalism and patriotism throughout its remarkable history.

I wish the Egyptian newspapers all progress and prosperity in light of a new era of achievements that our country is witnessing under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.