I need to serve Egypt

Eman Ezz El-Din Cairo - Hazem El-Masri She started her career in TV, where she learnt a lot but couldn’t find a suitable patron. So she decided to move to one of the most prominent satellite channels and she started to shine. Eman Ezz El-Din, the Sabah ON presenter on ON TV gained a large amount of attention by viewers in a considerably short amount of time, even surpassing the success she achieved in five years at Official Egyptian TV.   Arabstoday speaks to Eman Ezz El-Din: To start with, talk to us about your start in media?  I started my career in mass media when I was 18, so I was the youngest media figure in the Arab world. I was selected by prominent media figure Hemmat Moustafa after she believed in my talent. I was in the front rows among others working in ART in Italy and appeared on the screen in a record amount of time.  I then applied to study in the Fine Arts faculty’s department of architecture. In spite of my studies, I was keen on following mass media so I had to move between Italy and Egypt to keep in touch with my studies. After graduation, I decided to work for Egyptian TV and started with work in the specialised channels as a correspondent, and shortly after as a presenter to Good Morning Egypt.      How did you join ON TV? I received an offer from the channel, which made me eager to join as I felt I found what I was seeking from the very beginning of my start. The liberal attitude of the channel encouraged me to join in addition to the independence of ON TV, and its objectivity let me work there without hesitation. Tell us about Sabah ON. In my time in the show, I discuss public opinion issues and try to be positive and clear in addressing them. I also avoid frivolous talks. It was evident when the protestors blocked navigation in the Suez Canal and I hosted two military and economic experts to highlight the history and significance of the Canal. Currently I'm planning on addressing the problem of the water of the river Nile. How did you gain this large amount of publicity in this short time you worked at ON TV, while you didn’t even have the least amount of popularity throughout the five years you spent at Egyptian TV.? The criteria of success in Egyptian TV are completely different...hardworking, talent and efficiency are not among the factors of quality and brilliance, but I managed to develop my career throughout those years to achieve what I wanted. How do you see Egyptian TV today? Egyptian TV is now in the intensive care unit between life and death and its chances of being rescued are not a lot. There is a possibility though to regain its status.    What about competition between you and your work partners? There is no basis for comparison between a media figure and another because every one of them has their own charisma and personality, so competition is rarely found among us. Instead, the spirit of the one family is dominant among us.     Aren’t you worried about competition with morning talk shows broadcasted on other channels? Absolutely not, I don't care about competition as I have a unique show completely different from any other morning talk show because of our distinguished content.    Have you ever thought about joining another TV channel? In this regard, I'm adherent to commitment. I received many offers while I was in Egyptian TV and declined them all because I believe in quality of work, not quantity. I will take something up when I’m sure it will add something of value. In addition, I'm content with my current job in ON TV, which I believe has no counterpart in Egypt because of its objectivity and impartiality. What is the show of your dreams? I dreamt to present the "Oprah Show"...I have been taught a lot from Oprah Winfrey. The most remarkable about that show is that perseverance, patience and had work are the key factors of success. So I regard Oprah Winfrey as a role model in addition to the super media figure Hemmat Moustafa who taught me a lot. How do you see female TV presenters who take to acting? There is no contradiction between acting and mass media work and you see how many films managed to change society and positively influence them. I have no objection to act is I was offered a good part in valuable work.     What are your expectations as a TV presenter and broadcaster? I had several tempting offers including one from Al Jazeera, but I declined all of them because I see that Egypt needs all Egyptians to serve it, so I hope I present valuable content and help in solving the problems of my country.