Egyptian state TV staff on strike

Egypt’s state-run Nile News TV Channel Cairo – Arabstoday Dozens of employees at Egypt’s state-run Nile News TV Channel started an open-ended strike Sunday at Maspero building, as they protested policies still in place since the former regime. The staff demanded editorial independence from the state. A video appeared online on Sunday showing dozens of protesters demonstrating in front of Egypt's State Television building in Cairo’s Maspero district. Protesters can be heard calling on Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, head of Egypt’s ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to purge the television channel’s management of corrupt elements. The protesters planned to defy management Sunday evening by airing a documentary entitled “My Name is Tahrir,” which was prepared by their colleague Ali Al-Geheiny. The channel’s management has delayed screening the pro-revolution documentary, the protesters say. The protesters’ other demands include restructuring the pay scale and providing the station with more studios. There is currently only one studio assigned to the 24-hour news channel. The media professionals vowed to remain on strike until all their demands are met. In the meantime, negotiations with Egypt’s Information Minister, Ahmed Anis are ongoing.