TV Stations Multiply as Egyptian Censorship Falls

In Tahrir Square, Egypt’s revolution is playing out before the world’s cameras; but off-screen another revolution is happening that may be just as important.

These are busy times for Egyptian Media Production City, Egypt’s largest media services company, which runs a sprawling studio complex on the outskirts of Cairo.

Stimulated by deregulation and an insatiable demand for news and information amid the uncertainties that have followed the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, investors are racing to set up new television channels.

Since Mr. Mubarak was toppled on Feb. 11, a total of 16 new Egyptian channels have obtained licenses to broadcast to the country’s 85 million people and via satellite to the larger market of 310 million in the Arab world.

Television critics and officials say more channels are expected to seek licenses soon, creating a gusher of new programming, job opportunities and advertising.

“Previously, there were periods of around year or so when not a single new client would knock on our door to rent a studio or set up a new channel,” said Sayed Helmi, chairman of Egyptian Media Production City, or E.M.P.C. Now, he said, “The atmosphere is freer and the industry has been liberalized after the revolution. We expect more business to come our way.”

The company, in which the Egyptian government owns a majority stake along with some banks and minor investors, will start building new studios to cater for the rising demand after its 64 studios were all rented out after the revolution.