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Egyptian TV network's sale concerns free press advocates

Private Egyptian security company Falcon acquires Al-Hayat TV network, sparking concerns over the state’s grip on the media.
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi answers a question from the media upon his arrival at Algiers airport June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Louafi Larbi (ALGERIA - Tags: POLITICS) - GM1EA6P1HGG01
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CAIRO — It appears the Egyptian government has indirectly tightened its hold on the media yet again. An Egyptian security company's subsidiary acquired Al-Hayat TV network for 1.4 billion Egyptian pounds ($80 million) from Sigma Media Group.

Tawasol for Public Relations and Media, a subsidiary of Falcon Group, bought the network Sept. 13. Falcon provides security for diplomats, the United Nations offices in Egypt and government officials and facilities.

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