Al Akhbar recently published 25,000 copies of its first-ever local edition, Alexandria News supplement, in Alexandria, Egypt. The four-page supplement tackled municipal issues, addressed local economic concerns, and invited readers to participate by commenting on salient topics. The publication employs an innovative new design, devoting more space to news pictures and seizing attention through illustrative presentations.
With the exception of a tiny newspaper in the northern Delta city of Tanta, Egypt lacks local daily publications. Until recently even Alexandria—the second largest city, with a population of five million—did not have a local publication focusing on issues pertinent to Alexandrians. The need for local media was made clear when the issue of citizen dissatisfaction was discussed on a local talk show.
Recognizing the need for local publications, Al Akhbar signed a memorandum of understanding with the Media Development Program (MDP) [6], with the aim of publishing a local supplement in Alexandria. As part of the agreement, MDP made research analysis available, provided both editorial and advertising trainings, and provided equipment.
The Alexandria News supplement continues to be published every Thursday with the possibility of Al Akhbar expanding local supplements to other governorates.
The Media Development Program (MDP), a USAID funded project, is implemented through a partnership between IREX, Management Systems International, CARE, and D3 Systems. IREX works with media outlets and training institutes to improve the professionalism and sustainability of Egypt’s media sector. MDP offers training, consulting, and equipment assistance to Egyptian print and electronic media as well as to universities and other media support organizations.
