Dbaye:Lebanon is set to establish a National Media Authority as part of a new Media Law aimed at reforming the media sector, according to Information Minister Paul Morcos.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the creation of this authority is a significant step in modernizing media legislation, intended to enhance the independence and transparency of the media. The new authority will assume regulatory powers previously held by the Ministry of Information and will be responsible for additional duties introduced by the law.
The authority's board will comprise ten members, with seven nominated by professional syndicates, judicial bodies, media organizations, rights groups, and academic institutions. The government will appoint the remaining three members, with judicial oversight ensuring the process's integrity and independence.
Minister Morcos announced that the Ministry of Information has initiated procedures to establish the authority and is coordinating with judges to transition media-related cases from criminal to civil courts, as stipulated by the new law. The formation of the authority and the shift to civil court jurisdiction are top priorities in implementing the legislation.
The media law has drawn attention from the Arab world, with discussions taking place in Dubai and Amman to share Lebanon's experience and explore collaborations to enhance media laws across the region.
Efforts to develop national media institutions include improving Tele Liban's quality and reach, supported by a new board of directors and grants totaling around $3 million. Plans also involve a development project for Radio Lebanon, preserving its archives, and modernizing its production methods.
These initiatives aim to revitalize Lebanon's national media institutions, reflect the country's cultural diversity, and strengthen public trust in state institutions. Tele Liban is expected to present diverse perspectives and not merely echo government views, thereby supporting the Lebanese state's representation of society's diversity.
