Nilesat finally cut the cord on Iraqi insurgent television. Until recently, it was beaming Al-Zawraa TV to wider Arab audiences despite US objections. AP writes:
“The transmission frequency of the channel interferes with the other channels broadcast by NileSat,” Amin Basyouni, NileSat’s chairman, told The Associated Press. “We have no authority over what these channels show. We believe in freedom of expression.”
Al-Zawraa’s owner, Mishan al-Jabouri, was skeptical and said he would sue.
The satellite company is government controlled and praise for Egypt’s freedom of expression ring hollow. More likely, Al-Zawraa’s usefulness ended in the face of US pressure.
