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A number of prominent sports media figures affirmed that genuine success in the media industry is not achieved through favoritism or personal connections, but rather through hard work, credibility, responsibility, and commitment to professional ethics. They emphasized that media is a powerful message capable of either building public awareness or undermining it, depending on how it is used. These remarks came during a seminar organized by the International Higher Institute of Media at El Shorouk Academy under the title “Sports Media: Responsibility and Influence.” The seminar featured sports commentator Bilal Allam, media personality Karim Ramzy, host of the program “Men Cairo” on ON Sport, and journalist Ahmed Abdelbaset, Editor-in-Chief of the program “El Kora Ma’a Fayek.” The event was attended by academy officials, faculty members, and students. In his speech, sports commentator Bilal Allam stated that the media field has become increasingly accessible to young people due to the remarkable development of communication technologies and modern social media platforms. He explained that media students today have broader opportunities to enter the labor market and build successful professional careers. He noted that audiences respect media professionals who are honest, accurate, and professionally confident, stressing that success is not solely linked to fame, but rather to a journalist’s ability to earn the trust of the public. He further explained that media possesses immense power and can serve as a tool for construction and enlightenment, but may also become dangerous if misused. He stressed that media responsibility extends beyond sports media to all fields of communication. “Allam added that the true limit of freedom is honesty, while the true limit of professionalism is ethics,” emphasizing that ethical commitment remains the fundamental guarantee for a media professional’s continuity and success. For his part, media personality Karim Ramzy stated that many young people believe those working in media reached their positions through favoritism, noting that such a belief can become a psychological barrier that prevents individuals from trying, improving, and developing themselves. He explained that success can only be achieved through perseverance, diligence, and self-belief, affirming that faith in God and serious effort open doors that no connections or personal favors can provide. Ramzy also stressed that responsibility precedes influence, explaining that every word or piece of information delivered by a media professional has a direct impact on audiences. Therefore, journalists and presenters must demonstrate accuracy, discipline, and professional integrity. He added that media professionals operate under constant pressure and are often exposed to criticism and attacks from different audiences, particularly in the sports sector, yet they continue to perform their duties with professionalism and impartiality. Addressing the role of social media, he explained that these platforms have become an integral part of the media landscape. However, he stressed that they should not lead or dictate traditional media decisions, but rather be utilized only for their positive aspects. He further stated that media professionals may sometimes be required to go against public opinion when truth demands it, even if this exposes them to criticism, because loyalty must ultimately remain with the truth alone. In the same context, journalist Ahmed Abdelbaset reviewed his professional journey, affirming that his career began with a simple dream of working in journalism and that he went through difficult stages before reaching his current position. He explained that after graduation he worked in several jobs to secure an income while continuing to pursue his passion for journalism until the opportunity arose that launched his media career. He noted that his first salary was extremely modest, which forced him to work multiple jobs simultaneously. However, he emphasized that this stage helped shape his spirit of diligence, discipline, and responsibility. Abdelbaset stressed that one of the most important lessons he learned throughout his career is that news is a trust and that words carry great responsibility. He explained that genuine journalists exert tremendous effort to obtain accurate information that serves the public interest. He added that rushing to publish news solely for the sake of exclusivity may ultimately harm the journalist, whereas building a respected professional reputation requires patience and a cumulative record of credibility and trust. The speakers concluded by addressing direct messages to students, encouraging them to remain ambitious, reject the idea that success depends on favoritism, and rely instead on education, specialization, and continuous self-development. They affirmed that media requires talent, culture, and integrity above all else. The seminar concluded with the assertion that the future of media belongs to those who demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and commitment, and that true success ultimately belongs to those who respect their mission and believe in the value and influence of the spoken and written word within society.