Egypt and Saudi Arabia has become a focus of criticism from some fellow Arab countries, media freedom organisations and independent Arab broadcasters. Criticism focuses on how these two countries are upholding a region-wide satellite broadcasting charter that seems intent to stifle freedom of speech in the region. The perception of media suppression was reinforced when Egypt's state-owned NileSat discontinued reception of Arabic-language channel Al-Hiwar (broadcast from the UK) into Egypt last 2 April 2008 for expressing views critical of the Egyptian government policies. Broadcasting companies Al Baraka, and Al Hikma have supposedly been closed under the same regulations.

The charter was discussed and adopted at a meeting of information ministers from 22 Arab countries.

According to Kipp Report, the charter has provisions on satellite television. These provisions are the following:
1.Must not offend leaders or national and religious symbols in the Arab world.
2.Must not broadcast material that may incite violence or damage social harmony, national unity, public order or traditional values.
3.Must conform to the religious and ethical values of Arab society, taking into account its traditional family structure.
4.Must refrain from broadcasting anything that calls into question God, the monotheistic-religions or the prophets, sects or symbols of the various religious communities.

The charter recommends that companies in violation of these rules should be met with suspension or revocation of its broadcast license.

Qatar, where the privately owned Al-Jazeera broadcasting company is based, has expressed reservations to the charter, saying that it needed to check the charter's provisions against its own laws. Lebanon has also expressed similar reservations.

Human Rights Watch and Article 19, both media freedom organisations, have raised their concerns regarding the charter and showed intent of governments supporting it.

Sources:
allAfrica.com. (2008, April 23). Egypt: Crackdown on free expression continues amid demonstrations Retrieved on April 29, 2008 from, http://allafrica.com/stories/200804230712.html

Amin, H. Y. (2008, March).  The Arab states charter for satellite television: A
quest for regulation. Arab Media and Society. Retrieved on April 30, 2008, from http://www.arabmediasociety.com/?article=649


Bontems, N. (2008, April 7). Media manipulation and the power of suggestion. kippreport. Retrieved on  April 29, 2008, from, http://kippreport.com/article.php?articleid=1116&day=2

Bowman, D.  (2008, February 27).  Human Rights Watch calls to reject broadcast charter. ArabianBusiness.com  Retrieved on April 29, 2008, from http://www.arabianbusiness.com/512370-human-rights-watch-calls-to-reject-broadcast-charter?ln=en