大象传媒

This week the Arabic media were full of stories about a student in Egypt arrested for carrying a book - not just any book though. It was 1984 by George Orwell. Now police did say later that Mohammed T had been pulled in for taking pictures of security forces, but either way the cat was out of the bag, and sales and free downloads of 1984 soared online. Why is 1984 still so powerful after all these years? Mohamed Yehia of 大象传媒 Arabic and 大象传媒 Editor Olexiy Solohubenko discuss the continuing global legacy of Orwell's iconic novel.

Also in the programme:

Meeting Syria's White Helmets
In Syria when the bombs go off the White Helmets go in. Mehrnoush Pourziaiee of 大象传媒 Persian reflects on her meeting with members of the Syrian volunteer rescue team and considers how her meeting made her reconsider her own memories of war.

Online Greatest Hits
Digital diva Fifi Haroon gives the lowdown on the weird and wonderful stories across the web, including the stupid virus and a marriage proposal with 99 iPhones.

What Makes an Ethical Ugandan?
Last week Uganda's Minister for Ethics and Integrity called for a well-known female musician to be investigated and arrested over nude pictures taken by her ex-boyfriend. According to the minister, the musician - who is now in hiding - 'broke' the country's anti-pornography law. Uganda is a largely conservative society and the last few years have seen a steady moral policing of the country - from a ban on miniskirts to a new proposal for tougher anti-gay laws. From Kampala, 大象传媒 Africa's Catherine Byaruhanga reflects on what it means to be an 'ethical' Ugandan.

Stories from the Frontline: Reporting the Niger Delta
大象传媒 Hausa's Abdullahi Kaura Abubakar recalls a seriously tough day at the office - involving two Russian adventurers, four American hostages, some speedboats, and a camp full of drunk and high militants from the Niger Delta. Some tight corners, a narrow escape and ultimate a happy ending. He tells David of the rollercoaster ride of reporting Nigeria.

The Fifth Floor is presented by David Amanor.