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Shahira Amin is an Egyptian freelance journalist recognized for her incisive reporting and steadfast commitment to press freedom. She is a frequent contributor to CNN.com, especially for the Inside Africa program, and regularly writes for Index on Censorship, a global platform advocating for freedom of expression.
Previously, Amin served as a senior anchor and correspondent for Nile TV, the English-language service of Egypt's state-run broadcasting system. Her journalistic competence and leadership led to her promotion to Deputy Head of the channel. She resigned in February 2011, in protest against the government's restrictive media policies during the Egyptian revolution. Amin cited increasing censorship and biased coverage at a time of national unrest as the reasons behind her decision.
Amin's formative years were shaped by an international education at British schools in Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, and Accra, reflecting her family's frequent relocations. She went on to obtain a Master’s degree in television journalism from the American University in Cairo.
She began her media career as a radio DJ before joining Nile TV in 1994 as a news correspondent and anchor. Her engaging delivery and journalistic reliability contributed to her rapid rise through the organization. In 2000, Amin expanded her reach by contributing to CNN’s Inside Africa, also producing digital content for CNN’s online platforms. Her balanced and principled reporting earned her recognition as a leading voice in Egyptian journalism.
Shahira Amin resides in Cairo with her daughter, while her son lives separately. Her career has taken her to several countries, including the United Kingdom, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. These diverse experiences have informed her global perspective and enriched her reporting. Despite her international exposure, Amin has consistently emphasized that her family’s safety remains her top priority.
Amin formally resigned from Nile TV in February 2011, amid the Egyptian revolution. Although some observers credited the uprising with expanding press freedoms, Amin argued that media conditions worsened under military control after President Hosni Mubarak's resignation. She briefly returned to Nile TV in May 2011 to host the current affairs show In the Hot Seat.
One of the most debated moments in Amin’s career came in October 2011, when she conducted the first media interview with Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit shortly after his release from five years in Hamas custody. The interview faced scrutiny over claims that it occurred under duress and in the presence of armed personnel. Amin has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that the interview was conducted professionally and without coercion.
Shahira Amin has received several national and international honors recognizing her advocacy for media freedom and journalistic integrity. Her accolades include the CNN World Report’s Best News Story Award, the Catalyst for Change Award from the American University in Cairo, and the Holmes of the Year Award from the University of Gothenburg. She has also been commended by UNICEF for her work promoting the rights and welfare of women and children in Egypt.
Today, Amin continues to host In the Hot Seat, a weekly talk show broadcast across the Arab world. The program features interviews with influential public figures, offering viewers in-depth analysis and candid conversation. She has expressed a clear preference for narrative-driven journalism over conventional news delivery, underscoring her continued commitment to meaningful storytelling and investigative reporting.
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