I don't understand why you think that keeping the attention of random Americans helps Egypt at all. They are building this revolution themselves without any of our involvement, and they'll keep going and succeed without caring that we're watching them on TV.
I think it matters a lot more how their neighboring countries act, not how frequently people in New York or Oklahoma think about them.
I'm implying that international news coverage inhibits the powers-that-be from doing super horrible things like keeping thousands of protesters in prison, or even killing thousands.
It would be nice if their neighboring countries helped them directly, but that doesn't seem to happen in the middle-east?
However if the news stops reporting, just like all the multi-national conglomerates have obediently pulled the plug on their cellphones and sms so they can make money after this is over, the people are kinda doomed as there will be no outside pressure.
I cannot remember the last time I heard Iraq mentioned on the mainstream news since we still have 50k troops there, there is zero followup.
The US finances Egypt's current military state. If Obama's approval rating start to dip due to people calling their representatives to drop the military finance, it might happen, with enough angry Americans.
I think it matters a lot more how their neighboring countries act, not how frequently people in New York or Oklahoma think about them.