Advertisements Banned on Religious TV Shows Starting January 11th

Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) has announced a series of decisions to regulate the content of religious TV programs, aiming to ensure they “fulfil their intended mission of fostering ethical and moral values in society,” according to an official statement.

Key measures include a ban on all forms of advertisements during the airing of religious programs. Advertisements will only be allowed before the program begins or after it ends.

Additionally, live viewer phone-ins will no longer be permitted. Instead, public opinions, inquiries, and questions will be reviewed and presented by the program's preparation team, which will include a religious affairs expert to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards.

The SCMR has also imposed strict time limits on religious programs. General channels and radio stations are restricted to 30-minute episodes, while specialized religious channels and stations can extend up to 45 minutes. Exceptions to this rule will be made for prominent religious figures.