EGYPT: English-language radio Nile FM gaining popularity as shows deal with once-taboo issues

 

Since the launch of the European (non-Arabic) service by Egyptian state-run radio in the 1960s, listening to English language programs has mainly been limited to an elite class of Egyptians with Western tastes. 

However, the growing popularity of the privately-owned Nile FM has taken English-language programming in Egypt to another level, as millions of young people tune into the station daily for a lot more than hip-hop and the latest pop diva ballad. 

With its slogan as Cairo's No. 1 hit music station, Nile FM, which began airing in 2003, offers a wide range of shows, including morning news roundups and discussions of everyday life issues, from littering to romance, that conservative state-run radio stations would not dare to mention in the Arab world's most populous country. 

Erin Fleming, who has worked at Nile FM for more than three years, has become a prominent voice of the station. The broadcaster from Detroit has been encouraged by the feedback she receives while introducing sensitive issues that were previously considered taboo.

"We discuss topics like prostitution, sexual harassment, women's rights, relationships and dating among others," she says. "Every now and then I get a phone message from someone who warns me from the repercussions of talking about such issues, but those are only from people who are in fear I might get harmed or something."

Tarek Abdelaziz, 26, spends a considerable part of his day driving to and from work. He says he finds the company of Nile FM helpful in coping with Cairo's incessant traffic.

The radio station's "traffic updates, which are the first of their kind in Egypt, are crucial," he says. "Their programs shed light on many thorny and important topics, providing us with an easy way of interacting, learning and freely voicing our opinions on any given discussion. I follow their shows when I'm at home too."

-- Amro Hassan in Cairo

Photo: Nile FM poster outside the station's studios. Credit: Al Destour

Comments

[Tom]

I hope and prey that Egypt gains the democracy that you deserve, as everyone who cherishes freedom does.

"Let freedom ring thgought the land to bring peace to every child, woman, and man"

Tom - USA

[Cairienne]

The information in this article is not accurate and the writer provides little substance to his claims. Maddy below pointed to the sister agency which broadcasts in Arabic, is equally liberal, and which in fact has a much wider audience base. Also she correctly points to the many Arab satellite channels which are in fact much more liberal than Nile FM, and have been so for a much longer period of time.

Though it is true that some of the issues that Erin Fleming points out remain taboo in a culture that is at least superficially conservative, they've been discussed, represented, de-and-re-constructed in Egyptian film, theater, literature and TV for decades. The fact that she discusses them in English in an Arab country is not cause for celebration.

[Expat 21]

I thought it was especially interesting about the traffic updates, like we've had on American stations for 40 years. Very helpful to commuters, plus good entertainment to listen to in the traffic jams!

[Maddy]

Where do you get the stats that "millions" listen to it? Much more likely they listen to Nugum FM, the sister station in Arabic, which also deals with sensitive issues, along with a lot of Arabic satellite tv channels, but maybe you just want to make Egyptians look like prudes who have to discuss the sensitive topics in English, which is not true at all. Arabic is used for this purpose as well.