Information Minister Paul Morcos confirmed that the approval of the new media law represents a “historic milestone and a radical turning point” in the process of regulating the sector, considering that it is not just a legislative text, but rather a qualitative shift that will change the media landscape in Lebanon, while keeping the door open for its future development.
During a dialogue meeting organized by the “Culture and Freedoms” Foundation entitled “The New Media Law,” Morcos pointed out that the law waited more than 16 years in the corridors of parliamentary committees before it was approved.
He explained that, since assuming his duties in the Ministry of Information, he has developed a comprehensive plan to restore spirit to the state’s media institutions, starting with Lebanon Television, which is witnessing a modernization workshop, all the way to the development of the National Information Agency, Radio Lebanon, and the organization of the national and Arab archives.
He pointed out that Lebanon Television regained its vitality thanks to the energies of the Lebanese abroad, in a way that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese residents and abroad searching for objectivity and authenticity.
Morcos revealed that the National Archives have become numbered and preserved in accordance with international standards, and that it has been nominated for the “Memory of the World” program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), stressing that this archive constitutes a priceless national and Arab treasure.
He pointed out that the Lebanon Television building in Hazmieh and its studios regained their luster after being completely renovated, in parallel with the launch of the National News Agency in a new look that allows access to information more easily.
He stressed that the modernization process relied on contributions and donations from the private sector, without placing additional financial burdens on the state treasury.
Regarding the legislative process, Morcos explained that the new media law was subject to extensive discussions within the parliamentary committees, with the support of UNESCO and international and local organizations, including the Maharat Foundation.
He pointed out that the law was widely welcomed by UNESCO, the European Union, the United Nations, major embassies, and concerned international and local organizations, as it is a pillar for improving Lebanon’s global ranking in freedom of the press, pointing out that Lebanon advanced from rank 142 to surpass 25 other countries during the current presidential term.
Morcos stressed that the importance of the law lies in its definition, for the first time, of the concept of “media person,” and its establishment of an independent national body with multiple union, media, and academic representation.
He added that the law includes provisions to combat hate speech, regulate websites, and abolish the Publications Court, which, according to him, constitutes a reform shift in regulating the sector.
He explained that the law includes more than 100 articles and is moving toward liberalization, as the “prior authorization” system was replaced by the “knowledge and information” system, in accordance with clear professional standards.
These standards include identifying the site owner and responsible manager, the presence of experienced and certified editors, in addition to adopting editorial policies, professional obligations, and transparency in funding that includes all media outlets and platforms.
Regarding the Media Regulatory Authority, Morcos revealed that it will have the power to impose severe financial fines that may reach 100 times the minimum wage, and it will also have the right to refer violations that exceed its powers to the judiciary.
He pointed out that the law stipulates the establishment of specialized civil judicial chambers in each governorate to look into media violations, instead of the criminal publications court.
Regarding the structure of the Ministry of Information, Morcos revealed serious work to transform it into the “Ministry of Communication” through an independent draft law, stressing that the proposal focuses on reformulating the tasks and powers, and that the problem lies in the content and function of the ministry and not only in its name.
He explained that the role of the Minister of Information goes beyond the official appearance, to include formulating the government’s media strategy and explaining its decisions, in addition to providing a “media defense” that clarifies the path of government reforms to public opinion in the face of those affected by them.
He added that the Ministry plays an essential role in expressing the decisions of the Council of Ministers and managing sensitive files, including the joint archive and the affairs of foreign correspondents, especially during wars, as it works to facilitate their missions and work permits in coordination with Public Security and the Ministry of Labor.
Morcos stressed that there was an urgent need to break the stalemate that had lasted for three decades, noting that the new law aims to change a reality that has existed for 30 years after parliamentary discussions that lasted 16 years.
In light of the repercussions of the war and the escalation of hate speech, Morcos indicated the launch of extensive awareness campaigns in cooperation with UNESCO, the United Nations Development Program and UNIFIL forces, in addition to partnerships with the Al-Sabah Production Company.
He explained that these campaigns reached schools and universities without burdening the state financially, and aimed to encourage citizens to express their opinions freely coupled with mutual respect and preserving the dignity of others, thus establishing a model of sophisticated dialogue.
