Dean of Faculty of Media Takes Part in International Conference
Professor Abdulsalam Al-Wahati, Dean of the Faculty of Media, participated in the International Scientific Conference titled “Media Regulatory Authorities in the Arab World between Social Responsibility and Regulatory Mechanisms,” organized by the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences at the University of Relizane, Algeria, on February 16–17, 2026. The conference brought together prominent academic and media leaders, along with approximately 55 researchers and experts from various Arab and foreign countries.
Professor Al-Wahati delivered the keynote address at the opening session entitled: “The Dialectic of Regulation and Freedom in Egyptian Media: An Analytical Study of Egyptian Elite Attitudes toward the Supreme Council for Media Regulation.” In his presentation, he examined the theoretical framework governing the relationship between legal regulation and freedom of expression, reviewed the evolution of media legislation in Egypt, and highlighted the transformations imposed by the digital environment on concepts of self-regulation and social responsibility.
Al-Wahati explained that the core issue does not lie in the existence of media regulation per se, but rather in its philosophy, tools, and mechanisms of implementation. He emphasized the importance of achieving a delicate balance between safeguarding freedom of opinion and expression and protecting society from hate speech and misinformation. He also called for strengthening self-regulatory mechanisms within media institutions and developing professional codes of ethics in line with rapid technological changes.
He further noted that the Egyptian elite recognizes the importance of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation as an independent regulatory body, while advocating for reconsidering its composition to ensure that it includes a majority of specialists. He also recommended limiting overlaps between its powers and those of the Journalists’ and Media Syndicates, as well as reducing potential conflicts with the Public Prosecution’s authority and bodies responsible for regulating artistic works.
The conference sessions continued over two days, addressing various themes, including media legislation, professional ethics, regulation of digital platforms, and the role of national authorities in promoting social responsibility. The event concluded with the announcement of a set of scientific recommendations aimed at supporting a balanced and responsible media environment in the Arab world.
At the conclusion of his participation, Professor Al-Wahati expressed his appreciation to the university leadership, the faculty administration, and the organizers in Algeria for their warm reception and recognition, commending the high level of academic dialogue that reflected a growing Arab awareness of media regulation and its social responsibility.
