Beirut: Minister of Information, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, announced that significant progress has been made towards modernizing Lebanon's media legislation through a new draft law. Morcos emphasized during an interview with LBCI Channel that this initiative marks a pivotal stride after 15 years of legislative and ministerial efforts, further accelerated over the past year and a half.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Morcos explained that the draft law incorporates feedback from various media organizations and that his role has been to coordinate these proposals, ensuring their submission to Parliament. He highlighted the draft's key provisions, which include removing imprisonment for journalists and substituting criminal penalties with financial fines. The law aims to establish an independent National Media Authority and introduce a legal framework for online media, enhancing transparency and media independence.
Morcos elaborated on the draft's focus on combating misinformation, hate speech, and fake news through a 'Fact Check News' unit in collaboration with official sources. This unit will address the spread of fabricated content, with corrections disseminated via the National News Agency.
Regarding public media, Morcos outlined plans for a National Media Company to unite T©l© Liban, Radio Lebanon, and the National News Agency, ensuring employee rights are maintained. Despite challenges, T©l© Liban is reportedly improving in programming and technical performance, with potential private-sector support worth $2 million.
Morcos also addressed political matters, such as the August 4 Rome talks between Lebanon and Israel, indicating that the expansion of the Lebanese delegation depends on President Joseph Aoun's evaluation. He noted that these negotiations involve military, technical, and legal aspects, with an emphasis on consolidating the ceasefire and facilitating Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The minister emphasized that efforts to consolidate state control over arms and recover occupied territories are progressing in tandem.