The reforms aim to enhance the quality of sports media and address public concerns over controversial practices that have sparked heated debates among fans.
Key changes include limiting sports talk shows to 90 minutes per episode, intending to streamline content delivery, avoiding excessive airtime, and curbing the increasing number of such programmes in recent years.
Additionally, pre- and post-match analysis segments for local and international games will be limited to one hour.
The media regulator also banned referee performance analysis across all media platforms, including TV, radio, websites, and digital channels, to address escalating controversies over referee decisions. These have fuelled tensions among fans, placed undue pressure on referees, detracted from fair play, and created an unnecessary public uproar.
Moreover, live sports programmes will no longer be allowed to air between midnight and 6am, except for international match coverage that accounts for time zone differences.
However, during these hours, only reruns will be permitted.
The SCMR highlighted that these measures aim to foster professionalism in sports media while creating a balanced environment for audiences and stakeholders.
Broadcasters are expected to comply with the new rules to avoid penalties entirely. Starting in January, the SCMR will pledge strict oversight to ensure adherence, aiming to reshape Egypt’s sports media landscape.
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