TMT 2025

EGYPT Law and Practice Contributed by: Ibrahim Shehata, Hesham Kamel, Hana ElBarbary and Dima Mazen, Shehata & Partners

5. Audiovisual Media Services 5.1 Requirements and Authorisation Procedures Audiovisual services are regulated by the Media Law (Law No 180 of 2018) and its executive regulations (Prime Ministerial Decree No 418 of 2020). Licensing requirements are detailed in the President of the Supreme Media Council Deci - sion No 26 of 2020. The Media Law applies to all types of media, press, marketing content and broadcasting ser - vices, including audio, video, satellite, electronic media, marketing and internet platforms. Social media platforms and user-generated content are also regulated to track content and income for tax purposes. Licensing Requirements A licence from the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) is required in order to oper - ate audiovisual media services, and the prereq - uisites for audiovisual media services must be met. Media institutions Media institutions are defined as institutions managing media means, which include terres - trial and satellite TV channels, and wired, wire - less and electronic broadcasting stations. A prior licence from the SCMR is required for incorpora - tion or operation, and broadcasting from outside accredited locations needs SCMR approval. Licence duties A licence from the SCMR will outline the follow - ing duties for the licensee: • service and technology – specify the type of service and broadcasting technology used;

• licence duration – define the duration of the licence; • territory – indicate the geographical area cov - ered by the licence; • quality requirements – set the standards for quality of service; and • intellectual property – address intellectual property rights and responsibilities. Ownership Egyptian nationals can own media means and websites. Prospective owners must not have committed dishonourable crimes or be deprived of political rights. Media companies must be incorporated with the following minimum author - ised share capital: • EGP50 million for TV, broadcasting and news channels; • EGP30 million for specialised TV channels; • EGP15 million for each radio station; • EGP2.5 million for TV or digital TV channels; and • EGP100,000 for online websites. Foreigners are not allowed to own the majority of shares or acquire controlling rights in media institutions. Website licensing A website is a licensed electronic page, link or application presenting press, media or advertis - ing content. Establishing or operating websites requires a pri - or SCMR licence. Applicants must be Egyptian nationals and not have committed dishonour - able crimes. Corporate entities need a minimum share capital of EGP100,000. Foreign websites providing content in Egypt also require a prior licence from the SCMR.

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