Bassem Youssef Announces the End of "Al Bernameg," For Good

Political satirist Bassem Youssef has announced a permanent end to hispopular TV program “Al Bernameg.” Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Youssef thanked host channel MBC Misr for airing the show despite the immense pressure they have faced since taking on the the program in February of this year.

Youssef answered questions from reporters at the show’s recording studio in downtown Cairo. The comedian explained that he would not move to another channel outside Egypt, despite offers from foreign channels, as this would damage the integrity of the program. Moreover it is no longer possible to broadcast the show exclusively on YouTube since “Al Bernameg” has become one of the most expensive television shows in the Arab world.

The “Al Bernameg” host also made a point of saying that his show is primarily intended to be comical, rather than political. Still, he hasfaced numerousobstacles while producing the show, including frequent disruption in the broadcasting schedule and investigation by the Attorney General. Despite these challenges Youssef stressed that the programcrew continued to produce episodes every week.

That is until now. Alluding to ongoing political pressure and fear for the safety of his team and his family, Youssef has decided to call it quits. “The current atmosphere is not conducive to a satire program,” said Youssef, “We are at the end of our rope.”

Youssef emphasized that the decision came after he and his team decided they would rather end the program than alter or soften it’s message. In response to questions about the possibility that “Al Bernameg” will return to the air, Youssef was noncommittal.

Following the press conference, the crew took a few photos holding up the "Al Bernameg" bannerto commemorate their final gathering at the program’s downtown studio in the historic Cinema Radio building.