The Role of Regional Media in Shaping Political Awareness of Youth: Evidence from Egypt

Abstract

This is an exploratory study that aims to answer the question of whether and to what extent regional media are influential in shaping political awareness and its role in influencing public opinion, especially that of young people. We examined regional media in Egypt, more precisely in the Suez Canal Region. To ensure the validity of our results, we deployed a number of different data collection methods: the collection, analysis, and integration of quantitative and qualitative research. The results reveal that regional media have the potential to contribute effectively in raising youths' political awareness of the public policy‐making process. The recommendations specified are the elimination of red tape, governmental bureaucracy, and centralization in the management of regional radio and television is required; also necessary are financial independence and the restructuring of the organizational hierarchy of all state‐run regional media. Related Articles Antwi‐Boateng, Osman. 2015. “No Spring in Africa: How Sub‐Saharan Africa has Avoided the Arab Spring Phenomenon.” Politics & Policy 43 (5): 754‐784. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12129 Khodr, Hiba, and Isabella Ruble. 2013. “Energy Policies and Domestic Politics in the MENA Region in the Aftermath of the Arab Upheavals: The Cases of Lebanon, Libya, and KSA.” Politics & Policy 41 (5): 656‐689. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12033.x Sarquís, David J. 2012. “Democratization after the Arab Spring: The Case of Egypt's Political Transition.” Politics & Policy 40 (5): 871‐903. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00381.x Related Media Bonney, Victoria. 2018. “How Social Media is Shaping our Political Future.” TEDx Talks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kd99IIWJUw&t=34s Painter, David. 2014. “Social Media and Political Campaigns – Youth Voting; Positive Messaging.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxE2OGYhVvo

Democracy in Youth Participation Is Critical and Inclusive

“…The creation of this kind of discussion space encourages a strong critical awareness. However, it should be noted that the realization of all these forms still requires external actors to intervene so that it is these external actors who then must also follow the spirit of liberation education [24].…”

“Springboard” — a Conceptual Leap into Field of Regional Media

“…Приведем лишь несколько наиболее характерных примеров. В материале А. А. Ходаир, М. Э. АбоЭлсуд, М. Халифа «Роль региональных СМИ в формировании политического сознания молодежи: данные из Египта» [Khodair et al, 2019] осмысляется влияние региональных СМИ на формирование политического сознания молодежи Египта. Публикация Биргит Рё Матисен «Практика поиска поставщиков местных СМИ» поднимает вопрос о проблеме поиска источников информации в норвежских региональных СМИ [Mathisen, 2021].…”

دور استخدام الهاشتاج في بناء المعرفة السياسية على الفيس بوك:

“…Although 46.2% of internet users in Egypt visit social media platforms for work and 56.4% for information about brands and production 10 , seeking other information like health and political information can't be dismissed. The informative role of social media concerning political issues as well as its ability to enhance political participation has been extensively researched since the beginning of the Arab spring in 2011 11 . The main elements of any political communication campaign are "ideology, propaganda and persuasion" 12 .…”