The Unsweetened Truth

Yosri Fouda (MA '92) strives to maintain journalistic balance and objectivity

Photographed by Adel Mobarez/ONTV

As tensions were on the rise throughout the Egyptian uprising, journalists found their task more challenging than usual. Capturing events proved to be a real issue, with photographers and reporters facing threats of assault, detention and having their equipment confiscated and bureaus shut down. However, for TV journalist Yosri Fouda (MA '92), the biggest challenge was the ability to truthfully convey events to the viewer.

"As a journalist, you discover things as you go on, and you endeavor to present views and not tell the audience what to think," said Fouda. "I made it clear that if we don't follow the professional path in telling the truth, then I'm not in. I wouldn't risk my reputation and career. ... When I'm in front of the camera, I try to set my beliefs aside so that I can serve viewers in the best way possible by presenting the best angle to the issue. Off camera, on Twitter and Facebook, my stances are clear."

Fouda is a graduate of the Kamal Adham Center for Journalism Training and Research. Born in Egypt, he initially worked for BBC, covering escalating events in Bosnia. In 1996, he joined Al Jazeera network and played an instrumental role in uncovering secrets behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He works for the independent Cairo-based channel ONTV, owned by Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris. He is the co-author of Masterminds of Terror: The Truth Behind the Most Devastating Attack the World Has Ever Seen (2003, Arcade Publishing). Fouda believes that new media had a tremendous effect in shaping history. "Facebook, Twitter and the Internet in general did not make the revolution, but rather facilitated it," he said. "Media coverage exposed people and showed where they stood. The presence of international media on the ground was important, given Egypt's weight, but credit must go to the people of Egypt."

While the accomplishments of the revolution were remarkable, Fouda believes much remains to be done to bring Egypt to the status it truly deserves. "The small dream of most Egyptians now is education, healthcare, not being intimidated by police officers and for justice to be served. It sounds easy, but will be very difficult because the main nerves of the regime are still in place," he said. "I'm an advocate of open and liberal societies as well as accountability. I'm aware of the fact that democracy in the Western sense is not applicable here, but I'm very much for sticking to some basic concepts such as accountability, true freedom of speech, political participation, and improving education and other core services."

Looking at the way forward for Egyptian media, Fouda believes that a great first step was accomplished with the dissolution of the Ministry of Information, although skepticism remains about having a military officer oversee its functions. "I hope that this is only a transitional period, and I hope for a body of non-political professionals to take over," he said. "The catastrophe of national newspapers and state TV for the last 30 or 40 years was because everybody who worked for them had the ruler in mind in everything they reported on. You should always ask yourself if your true aim is to give rightful service to the people. Breaking this mentality and moving on to a new era is absolutely crucial."

By Ghaydaa Fahim