2015 International Emmys to Be Hosted by Egyptian Satirist

NEW YORK: Bassem Youssef, an Egyptian TV personality known as the "Jon Stewart of the Arab World," has been lined up to present this year's International Emmy Awards Gala in New York on November 23.

Youssef is the former host of the political satire Al-Bernameg, which became the most-watched program in the history of Egyptian television, with an average of 40 million viewers each week. The controversial series, which criticized the ruling regime, stopped airing last year as a result of pressure on the show and the broadcasting channel.

Youssef appeared on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart four times over the last few years. In 2013, he received the International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists and was featured on Time Magazine's most influential list in the "Pioneers" category.

A cardio-thoracic surgery major, Youssef passed the United States Medical License Exam and is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. He recently joined the Harvard Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government as a resident fellow for the spring semester. He is also working on a film called Comedy of Arabs.

"Bassem Youssef has been dubbed the 'Jon Stewart of the Arab world,' but in fact his talent has no borders," said Bruce L. Paisner, the president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. "Through his own show and his many appearances on the Daily Show, he has become a comedic force and important political commentator around the world."

"I am extremely honored to be chosen following the footsteps of incredibly funny and distinguished comedians like John Oliver and Matt Lucas who hosted the ceremony in the last two years," added Youssef. "This is a great opportunity where television productions from outside the United States are recognized. Being the first host from the Middle East will put more responsibility on my shoulders to serve this position in the best way I can and I hope that this will shed more light on the vibrant entertainment industry in my region."