Beirut: Minister Dr. Paul Morcos highlighted the importance of adopting five key media principles during a consultative meeting with electronic websites' owners and news agencies. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Information, aimed to align digital media practices with national responsibilities amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression affecting Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting included notable attendees such as Abdel Hadi Mahfouz, Chairman of the National Audio-visual Media Council; Awni al-Kaaki, Dean of the Press Syndicate; Joseph al-Kosseifi, Head of the Editors Syndicate; Dr. Hassan Falha, Director General of the Information Ministry; and various representatives from websites and news agencies. The session commenced with a minute of silence in honor of journalists who lost their lives during the war, commemorating their contribution to the dissemination of truth.
Minister Morcos emphasized the role of digital media as a crucial element in news reporting and public opinion formation. He stressed that media platforms should not only report facts but also contribute to societal protection, stability, and awareness. The minister urged media entities to avoid content that could incite unrest or division, highlighting the rapid spread and amplified impact of digital news.
The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Information's commitment to freedom of expression, paired with the responsibility to prioritize national interests during critical times. He called on media professionals to uphold ethical standards and continue to protect Lebanon with truthful reporting. Morcos expressed trust in the media's ability to serve as a unifying force rather than a divisive one.
The meeting concluded with the official adoption of the five media principles: professional responsibility, avoidance of incitement, careful verification of information, balanced discourse, and the promotion of national unity. Minister Morcos thanked attendees for their dedication and urged them to uphold these principles to strengthen Lebanon's media landscape during challenging times.