Media In Lebanon: Towards Enhancing Freedom of Expression
MEDIA IN LEBANON
TOWARDS ENHANCING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Lebanese media institutions are an extension of sectarian politics and partisan public officials. Rather than creating an issue-based accountability and participation culture, media outlets are the mouthpiece of political leaders and a powerful tool for sectarian incitement and polarization at the social, political, ideological, and socio-economic levels.
While Lebanon’s Constitution and ratified international statutes emphasize freedom of belief and expression, current governing frameworks make it impossible for citizens to access and influence the media industry. Media, a cornerstone of civil society and democratic liberties, needs to be transformed to reflect public interests and enable public participation. However, this is hindered by three main challenges: a weak regulatory framework, lack of proper infrastructure for internet usage and speed, and a vague censorship policy in the hands of General Security.
With the advent of social media and increased demands for youth and civil society participation, there is an opportunity to deploy national and local efforts aimed at overcoming the monopoly over the media scene in Lebanon.
This policy proposal aspires to: Create more credible, representative, and non-partisan media outlets; Redesign the laws and standards of governance for the media sector; Eliminating censorship and proposing alternative regulatory policies.
Adoption and implementation of these policies requires a long-term process that starts by documenting and researching relevant tools and decisions, gaining the support of a maximum number of citizens, and pushing for reforms of media-related laws, regulations, and practices. This policy brief takes a first step in this direction by identifying a multifaceted approach focused on removing licensing and censorship restrictions to enhance freedom of expression, protect media practitioners, and facilitate the entry of new actors to the media industry in Lebanon.