The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has reiterated its willingness to help Egyptian Member ERTU in its transformation from state media to public service broadcaster, amid the ongoing deterioration of press freedom in the country.

The offer follows demands by the International Press Institute (IPI) that Egypt repeal new anti-terrorism legislation punishing journalists whose coverage of militant attacks does not reflect the government line.

The IPI recommendations are the result of a series of roundtable discussions that included the EBU and its sister union the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) as well as journalists, academics and members of civil society.

EBU Media Director Jean Philip De Tender said the EBU was "ready to play its part" and renewed its offer to help draft new audiovisual laws currently under discussion.

"Editorial independence is fundamental to the credibility of every public service broadcaster," said EBU Media Director Jean Philip De Tender. “We urge Egypt’s leaders to heed these recommendations and remain on standby to assist ERTU in consolidating the early gains towards press freedom following the 2011 revolution that ended then-President Mubarak's 30 year rule.”

Mr De Tender said the EBU Community supports the idea to appoint an independent ombudsman for press and audiovisual media as a means to improve the current situation until the expected legislative changes occur.