Egyptian broadcaster Amal El-Hanawy is joining the ON network to host the new season of the talk show “The Last Word,” according to the network’s official promo. This follows her recent experience hosting “Up Close” on “Cairo News.”
El-Hanawy appeared in the promo as the main presenter for the new season. She also announced her move to ON, expressing her appreciation for United Media Services’ confidence and saying she looked forward to offering content grounded in professionalism and awareness and close to the audience.
The program’s topics and expected broadcast date
El-Hanawy’s selection follows broadcaster Ahmed Salem’s departure from the program. Salem announced on 29 August 2026 that he was leaving, thanking United Media Services and the production team. He had taken over hosting “The Last Word” after broadcaster Lamis El-Hadidi left and moved to Al Nahar TV.
El-Hanawy’s experience at “Cairo News”
El-Hanawy previously hosted “Up Close” on “Cairo News,” where she interviewed public figures and discussed issues linked to current events. The program covered the Palestinian issue, developments in the Middle East and international relations, in addition to specialised analytical episodes.
El-Hanawy began her television career in 2005 with Egyptian Satellite Channel, then moved to Nile News Channel to host programs and read news bulletins. She also founded the Cairo bureau of Russia Today RT and managed it between 2007 and 2021, according to the biography published alongside the announcement of her joining ON.
During her work with Russia Today, she hosted programs and interviews including “Today’s Talk,” “Special Interview” and “News Maker,” and took part in covering Arab and international political issues. El-Hanawy holds postgraduate qualifications in political science and international relations, and her research interests focus on international politics and regional security.
