Dakahlia Deputy Governor receives PhD for ‘new media and terrorism’ thesis

CAIRO – 29 March 2021:  Deputy Governor of Dakahlia, Haitham Fathy al Shiekh received, Monday his PhD degree from Alexandria University for a thesis titled ‘The use of the new media by the diplomatic corps and its repercussions on the journalistic coverage of the terrorism phenomenon”.

The study which depended on the ‘Frame Analysis Theory’ was conducted on the Foreign affairs journalists at the Egyptian news websites.

 

The study used the ‘content analysis’ as a tool to collect data, as it analyzed nearly 2,548 story on terrorism published between 2016 and 2020.

The study suggested activating the Egyptian embassies, consulates and cultural centers abroad and use its social media platforms to face the ‘anti-Islam campaigns’ that promotes it as ‘the reason behind terrorism’

It pointed out to the necessity of activating the role of Egyptian embassies, consulates and cultural centers abroad and employing their pages to respond to anti-Islam campaigns describing it as terrorism, developing informal diplomatic performance and granting it broader powers in managing diplomatic campaigns to limit the growing phenomenon of terrorism.

The study stressed the necessity of adopting a strategic plan to enhance ‘public diplomacy’ role in a way that supports Egypt's vision in combating terrorism.

The study also suggested using some of the international experiences dealing with terrorism in a way that suits the Egyptian vision.

It also stressed the importance of Al-Azhar and the Church role in supporting Egypt's vision against terrorism.

Some of the results of the study included the importance of keeping an eye for all the events and news related to terrorism and terrorist groups all over the world and how its repercussions on undermining the development of any country.

The study also highlighted the importance of double checking all sources especially after June 30 revolution. It also showed that most of the news websites especially in the foreign affairs department became more focused covering the governmental development especially in Sinai after years of being away from any media attention due to the existence of terrorist groups.

The results also showed the importance of the government's role in combating terrorism in society, along with the importance of religious and moral awareness.

One of the most important results of the study as well, is that the role that any foreign editor can play could be for the benefit of his country’s polices. That’s why foreign editors are seen as ambassadors for their countries during their international visits.