Bassem Youssef
Bassem Youssef

Bassem Youssef is a prominent Egyptian-American comedian, television host, and political satirist who has had a significant impact on mainstream media reporting on the Gaza genocide. Often referred to as the “Jon Stewart of the Arab world”, Yousef is recognized for his sharp humour, fearless political satire, and his talent for tackling complex social issues through comedy. Originally trained as a cardiac surgeon, Yousef shifted his focus to comedy during the Arab Spring of 2011. He launched ‘Al-Bernameg’ (‘The Programme’), a satirical news show popular for its commentary on political and social issues in Egypt and beyond. On 2 May 2024, he was honoured with the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse by the College Historical Society at Trinity College, Dublin. With around 16 million followers across various social media platforms, Yousef’s influence is substantial.

Source of Influence: Media

Status: Featured in current year