Reem Majid:Islamists reject non-veiled presenters

Egyptian talkshow host Reem Majid explained why Salafi leaders had not been guests on her weekly program "Baladna Belmasry."  She epxlained that they-Salafis- refused invites because she is not "veiled." She explained, "Salafi leaders appear with the Yussri Foda, so, they have nothing against the network." She pointed out that, "the proficiency of the host should be the reason for accepting or rejecting a T.V. show appearance, and not personal considerations such as the hijab" speaking of talk shows and the revolution, Majid said, "they have played an important role in the political life before the revolution of January 25, whether in regards to the opposition parties or the executive authority. Citizens watched these shows to find a solution for their problems. Now, these programs are means to go through with the revolution by offering initiatives and analysis of events, which help     educate the masses and echoes their dreams and demands of this point in time." The only obstacle facing talkshows is their relations with the former regime, and guests who were hosted back then. That hinders the success of a program, even if those who made it are professional, according to Ms. Majid. The task of a host is very similar to T.V. journalism. She has to constantly keep up with what is happening, without losing track of the priorities that have to be discussed during the show.  The successful presenter stated that she does not have any problem with the criticism she faces. However, the amount of destructive criticism shows the need to learn how to have different opinions. Reem Majid criticized the performance of national television on covering the events of Tahrir Square and the Maspero incident, since it had no reporter on site. In addition major stations were showing unrelated programs while hundreds were bleeding in the streets. Regarding the infamous program that led to former Prime Minister Ahmad Shafiq resignation Mjid described it as the worst in her career. "I didn’t say a word during most of it and fellow host Yossri Fouda was just trying to keep guests from fighting." However, it was the most significant episode of the show, since it provided a model of what should be presented, as Prime Minister, Ahmed Shafiq was being questioned live by his opponents. She denied however that there had been a conspiracy against Shafiq.