Analysis : Media Comparison of Norway vs Egypt



“If people in the media cannot decide whether they are in the business of reporting news or manufacturing propaganda, it is all the more important that the public understand that difference, and choose their news sources accordingly.”
- Thomas Sowell


For centuries after the printing press era, the media has been seen as the outlet of truth. From the newspaper to online websites to tv/radio channels. The media has evolved from paper to phones, tablets, and computers. The media is the fourth branch of government (Kersey 2024). This branch caters to an agenda created by the other three branches. They are political campaigns, analysis of legislatures, live coverage of wars and conflicts. They provide the truth and the facts to the viewers, the citizens. The information provided let viewers make their own interpretations and inference. This is true for many democratic societies. The media has freedom of speech which is protected by the constitution. Under authoritarian and dictatorship societies, the media is not the enemy of the people but of the government itself. If the media does not cater to the certain agenda published by the government there can be consequences such as censorship and imprisonment. Norway is an example of freedom of speech and press within the media. Egypt is also an example of the limited to non-existent freedom of speech and press within the media. Two different locations. Two different governmental systems. Two separate perspectives on how the media operate and function. Two countries who utilize the media either for themselves or for educating their people. The media plays a pivotal role any and everywhere.

Norway. A country located in between Europe and Central Asia (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Home to beautiful mountain views and breathtaking forestry great for hiking and campaign. A country governed by parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy (U.S. Department of State). A place where journalists and reporters have safety and the freedom to speak without consequence from the government. Norway has been described as a “vibrant media market with a strong public broadcast system.” (Reporters Without Borders 2024) Norway houses 230 news outlets (Reporters Without Borders 2024) with VG newspaper being the most read online newspaper (Reporters Without Borders 2024) in the country. The country is not only diverse in its landscape but also in the media. The private sectors and publishing companies are guaranteed with extensive editorial independence (Reporters Without Borders 2024). These ensure that any and all information to be made public will not need to retract or create any backlash from critics. In some democratic media systems, the media is viewed in creating division amongst the political environment. In Norway, the media is seen operating in favor of the political environment (Reporters Without Borders 2024). The reason why it's viewed as favorable is because Norwegian politicians, parliamentarians and government ministers avoid approaching editorial boards and refrain from labeling unfavorable news coverage as “Fake news.” (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Those in high position do not criticize the media for their actions. They accept how they conduct themselves on air and keep moving. Officials realize that spreading propaganda and attacking one another will not help the country progress. They focus on the important and impending issues to create a stable living for citizens.

Egypt. The land of pyramids and pharaohs. Home of the Nile river. A country located in between the Middle East and North Africa (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Egypt rules under an authoritarian regime meaning the state, intelligence agencies, and wealthy businessmen control the country (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Egypt is one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists (Reporters Without Borders 2024). As of 2023, eighteen journalists were imprisoned (Reporters Without Borders 2024). In order for journalists to travel to the country, they need a permit to enter certain parts of Egypt (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Egypt only has three main newspaper/news outlets: Al-Akhbar, Al-Ahram, and Al-Gomburiya (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Any other outlet not regulated by the government such as independent media are censored and targeted (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Those who play in favor of the government by catering to their agenda within Egypt are three news outlets, television, and radio stations (Reporters Without Borders 2024). They willingly spread political propaganda (Reporters Without Borders 2024) in favor of the government. Those in power control the narrative. They pitch the media in their own way. Any information provided to the public is rooted in an agenda. The citizens in this case, are misled and misinformed. They are unable to make their own independent decisions because they cannot separate truth, facts, and lies.

Norway and Egypt utilize the concept of pluralism in different ways. Pluralism is a standard of living as one in a diverse society (The Pluralism Project 2024). In Norway, pluralism is upheld and protected by the Norwegian Media Authority and the Norwegian constitutions (Reporters Without Borders 2024). In Egypt, pluralism is non-existent (Reporters Without Borders 2024), you either follow the strict rules in place or become an enemy of the state. These two countries differ in how journalists and journalism are perceived in the eyes of the government. The Norwegian government encourages independent media and journalism as long as it follows the media industry’s code of ethics (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Journalists are provided safe environments to conduct their interviews and data collections. The Egyptian government disencourage independent journalism and media. Those who do not favor the country and its ruling face censorship, shutdowns, and arbitrary detentions (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Journalists face being arrested and are charged with “belonging to terrorist organizations/disseminating false information.”(Reporters Without Borders 2024). Journalists and journalism are oppressed and become hostile environments. Those in the field are forced to walk on eggshells.

How do we improve Norway’s media system and change Egypt's media system? Norway’s media, however perfect it might seem, journalists still face criticism and threats from viewers (Reporters Without Borders 2024). An agency should be placed to monitor any threats sent by those who wish harm to journalists and reporters. Without violating any privacy rules and regulations, monitor and investigate. Citizens cannot learn the truth without those who risk their lives to tell it. In the case of Egypt, change and improvement would have to come from the government. It is difficult to create new parties in an environment where disappearances of those who impose are enforced (Reporters Without Borders 2024). Egypt’s media system will not change without someone willing to stand up and fight without fear. But with the new generations demanding change, they might be able to make changes. Change does not happen overnight. Change happens overtime and the new Egyptian generation might be able to break through the silence and oppression.

Media and the world is evolving everyday, every decade and century. Media is viewed as being both good and bad. The media holds weight in how people make decisions in voting for candidates and legislation. The media takes on the task of looking at internal composition before making generalizations (Kersey 2024). The media system is an integrated part of everyday life, without it we as citizens would not know what’s happening at home and abroad. Everything has its pros and cons, even the media. But one thing is certain, “The advancement of science and the diffusion of information is the best aliment to true liberty.” - James Madison


Kersey, Tim.“Basic Media Concepts.” PowerPoint Lecture Presentation, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, February 04, 2024.


Kersey, Tim.“Media and Politics.” PowerPoint Lecture Presentation, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, February 06, 2024.


Reporters Without Borders. Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://rsf.org/en/index 


U.S Department of State. “Norway.”  2009-2017. PDF.


The Pluralism Project. “What is Pluralism?” Retrieved February 15, 2024, from https://pluralism.org/


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