Tips to help students know their legal rights as creatives and to speak with confidence on-air were discussed during two guest speaker sessions at ESLSCA University on April 6, marking Day One of Media Talks Week for Year One and Two New Media and Communication (NMC) students. 

The sessions were held on campus to provide students with real-world experiences in media law and broadcasting. They aimed to give them hands-on exposure to how professionals navigate the industry and show how their studies directly apply to future careers in media. 

The first day included speakers such as media lawyer Mahmoud Othman and radio host Wael Mansour. 

The first session was held by Othman for Year Two students in the Auditorium.  

Othman, a Cairo University law graduate, is a media lawyer and founder of Othman Media Law Firm, specializing in entertainment and art law. He has worked on high-profile cases, representing artists like Wegz and El-Da7ee7, offering expert advice at the intersection of law and creativity. 

“It’s crucial, as students, to understand your rights as creatives to avoid future issues,” said Othman. 

During his session, Othman highlighted the importance of protecting artists’ rights, and navigating contracts and briefly, but effectively, explained media law, intellectual property, and information sharing.  

“Never confirm on WhatsApp, always use email, and make sure there’s a signature from both you and the person you’re agreeing with, in case there’s ever a future problem or trial over copyright,” he advised. 

Othman’s session was incredibly valuable, offering students practical insights for their future careers. His deep knowledge of media law made the talk both engaging and informative. It was a great learning experience for everyone involved. 

“He brings practical experience that’s hard to get from textbooks. Our students needed to hear this from someone who’s lived it,” said Marwa Al-Mutafy, a lecturer in the Legal Framework of Communication course at ESLSCA University, and the one who invited Othman to hold the talk. 

While Year two students attended Othman’s session, Year one went on a field trip to Al-Ahram, one of Egypt’s oldest and most established media institutions. 

They explored the institution, getting a close-up look at the different rooms and their operations. 

“They gave us a quick tour at first, but then we started going into different rooms, it got more fun as we walked and looked around,” said Tala Ahmed, a Year One NMC student. 

Later, Year One and Year Two students came together for an informative and inspiring session by Wael Mansour in the auditorium. 

Mansour is a well-known Egyptian radio host, singer, and voice actor. He is famous for his work on NRJ Egypt’s drive-time show and as the Arabic voice of Disney’s Donald Duck.  

During his session, Mansour spoke about his personal journey in the media, emphasizing the importance of persistence, self-belief, and authenticity, as well as the role of personality in making a mark in the industry. 

“Be yourself, you don’t need a fake radio voice, audiences connect with honesty, not performance,” he said. 

He also advised students to practice speaking, to know their material, and to most importantly, be bold. 

“You need to own your mic, no one’s handing it to you,” Mansour advised.  

His session was inspiring and motivating, as he emphasized the importance of persistence in pursuing goals and never giving up on dreams. This encouraged students to start their own projects and have confidence in their work. 

“I’ve been wanting to start a podcast but wasn’t sure how, his advice gave me the push I needed,” said Omar Ghattas, a Year Two NMC student.  

Lubna Dairanieh, an NMC professor at the university and the session coordinator, added, “He’s done a wide range of media work. He spoke from experience, and that’s what made the session powerful.” 

The day ended with students feeling inspired and motivated, having gained valuable insights into media law and broadcasting. Hearing firsthand from professionals like Othman and Mansour deepened their understanding of the media industry.  

“This is what we want for them, to learn from those already walking the path. That’s the purpose of this week,” said Al-Mutafy.  

Media Talks Week was a first-time event at ESLSCA University, specifically hosted for NMC students. The week featured guest speakers from different career paths in the media industry, who provided students with valuable insights and career tips. 

Students were excited for the rest of the week, inspired by the insights shared. They looked forward to more sessions with other speakers. 

“I’m excited for the upcoming sessions! I didn’t expect them to be this interesting. The real-life examples and open discussions kept me engaged. I can’t wait to get more advice,” said Zeina ElSayed, a Year Two NMC student.