Egypt revokes licenses for TV satellite uplinks

AP
November 1, 2010

CAIRO — Egypt has revoked licenses for satellite television uplinks, the latest in an intensified crackdown on the media ahead of the country's crucial parliamentary elections later this month.

The state-owned MENA news agency says Information Minister Annas el-Fiqi on Monday ordered all companies providing the service or television networks with uplinks to reapply for permits.

The measure will affect about a dozen uplink providers and TV stations. The providers have complained it is aimed at controlling live TV broadcasts such as political talk-shows.

Last month Egypt shut down several private TV channels for violating broadcasting licenses — a move the activists say will stifle efforts to mobilize voters for the November elections.