CAIRO, Feb 23 (MENA) – Abdel-Mohsen Salama, one of the candidates vying for the post of the journalists’ syndicate head, said Egyptian journalists need a strong syndicate that offers them tangible rewards in various areas.

This could be achieved by maximizing the privileges of the syndicate’s membership, offering adequate training for journalists, and providing a new package of integrated economic services to support journalists and improve their economic conditions, Salama added during a meeting with MENA staff on Monday, in the presence of Board Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Ahmed Kamal.

Speaking about his election program, Salama said he has a comprehensive three-pillar program for improving the syndicate’s services.

He indicated that the first pillar focuses on promoting freedoms, the second pillar is intended to improve the profession and the syndicate, and the third aims to improve the economic conditions of journalists.

Salama stressed that freedom is the engine of the Egyptian press, a fact that can never be ignored.

Salama promised to work for establishing an academic training institute, accredited by the Supreme Council of Universities, that will grant master's and PhD degrees.

He said the institute will serve as a source of income for the syndicate, in addition to its role as training center for journalists.

As for the third pillar, namely improving journalists’ economic conditions, Salama promised an unprecedented increase in journalists' training and technology allowance, which will reflect positively on their living conditions.

Furthermore, Salama stressed that temporary (fixed-term) journalists will also be a top priority for him, emphasizing the need to appoint them on a permanent basis and opening doors for the appointment of new journalists. (MENA)
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