The Faculty of Mass Communication at Ain Shams University organized a field visit for its students to the headquarters of Al-Watan newspaper. The visit included a group of second- and third-year students and was held under the auspices of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development. The visit was supervised by Prof. Heba Shaheen, Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication, and Prof. Salwa Suleiman, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs, and coordinated by Dr. Heba Shafiq, a lecturer in the Department of News Journalism.

The visit began with a meeting with journalist Samah Abdel Aaty from Al-Watan newspaper, who emphasized the importance of reading for journalists, stating that "a good journalist is someone who knows something about everything."

She explained that journalism is the foundation of media work, as it encompasses the skills required for various other media platforms. She added that today's journalist often performs multiple roles in a "One-Man Show," handling tasks such as photography, editing, and writing. She emphasized the importance of keeping pace with digital developments in journalism, noting that the newspaper's website now takes precedence over the print edition. She stated: "The print newspaper may fade away, but journalism as a profession will never disappear; only the medium of its presentation will change."

The students toured the various departments of the newspaper, starting with the Politics Department. Mr. Mustafa Rahouma, the head of the department, explained that it specializes in covering news related to political parties, governmental bodies, and institutions. He noted that the materials are presented in all forms, digital for immediate updates and print for news that does not require real-time reporting.

The tour then moved to the News Department, which focuses on covering governmental affairs and social news, such as housing updates. Mr. Wael Fayez, Deputy Head of the News Department, explained the meticulous process of monitoring sources to obtain information before its official announcement, granting the newspaper the opportunity to achieve exclusive scoops.

The visit also included the Economics Department, led by Mr. Mohamed Saif, who emphasized the journalist's role as a mediator between economic experts and the general public. He highlighted the importance of simplifying economic information and terminology to make it accessible and understandable to all readers.

In addition, Mr. Abdel Hamid Eid, Head of the Photography Department, discussed the concept of the photojournalist. He stressed that a meaningful and impactful photograph stems from the photographer's talent, perspective, and unique vision, rather than merely following technical rules. This ability to convey a message or tell a story through images is what distinguishes great photojournalists.

Mrs. Heba Amin, Deputy Head of the Arts Department, highlighted the newspaper's commitment to publishing news that aligns with its editorial policies, steering clear of sensational stories while respecting individuals' privacy.

Mr. Ezz Wahdan provided insights into the videography, live broadcasting, and news bulletin departments. The students observed the meticulous and professional process of content creation in these sections. They also learned about the various specializations within these departments, such as scriptwriters dedicated to crafting content for videography and editors responsible for assembling the news bulletin. This showcased the diversity of roles and their importance in the field of journalism.

At the end of the visit, the students expressed their happiness with the field visit, which contributes to linking theoretical media studies with the practical side, and makes the educational process more enriching and interactive.