Beirut, Lebanon – 5 November 2025 – The Ministry of Information and the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut launched today the national media campaign #Heik_Mnkammel. This campaign aims to inform the public about Lebanon’s new draft media law, currently under discussion in the Parliamentary Administration and Justice Committee and awaiting final approval by Parliament. The campaign highlights the importance of the draft law in modernizing the Lebanese media landscape and promoting an independent, transparent, and professional sector, in line with international standards and the evolving digital environment.
The media sector in Lebanon is currently governed by the 1962 Publications Law and the 1994 Audiovisual Media Law. The draft new media law, which was developed through an inclusive participatory process that included MPs, media owners, journalists, syndicates, academics, and civil society organizations, introduces several key reforms. These reforms include establishing a clear framework for licensing broadcasters, establishing and strengthening the independence of a media regulatory body, and joint regulatory mechanisms to support professional standards, journalist protection, ethical journalism, and accountability. This campaign aims to raise awareness and foster dialogue about the future of media in Lebanon, with the goal of ensuring Parliament’s approval of the proposed law.
In this context, His Excellency the Minister of Information, Dr. Paul Morcos, stated:
“I thank the Administration and Justice Parliamentary Committee, headed by MP George Adwan, for its efforts to pass the draft law, I hope it will be approved as is, without any amendments. He added: “What concerns me most, given my background as a lawyer and President of the Justicia Human Rights Association, regarding the draft law I participated in before my appointment as minister, and during the discussions of the subcommittee emanating from the Administration and Justice Committee, chaired by MP George Okais, are the following principles, among others:
1- The independence of the National Media Authority and the non-interference of the political authority in its establishment and operation. This was approved by the parliamentary committee, to its credit, during the session of September 23, 2025, after I stated in the minutes my refusal to grant the Minister of Information any authority in the formation and operation of the authority, as announced by the committee in its official statement.
2- The absolute prohibition of pretrial detention and the removal of criminal charges and prison sentences for journalists, as stipulated in the draft law, particularly Article 122.
3- The adoption of the principle of ‘informing and acknowledgement’ rather than licensing for media outlets.
4- The provision of freedom of opinion and investigative journalism without restrictions.”
In his address, Paolo Fontani, Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut and Representation to the Syrian Arab Republic, said:
“As part of its mission to promote freedom of expression, ensure access to information, and protect the safety of journalists, UNESCO attaches particular importance to media law reform, both globally and in Lebanon specifically. This support falls within the framework of the Partnership Charter signed between the Lebanese Parliament and the United Nations Country Team in Lebanon in June 2022, which aims to support legislative efforts.” He added, “It is very encouraging to see a growing consensus on the need for a more modern and advanced media law, yet one that is adapted to the realities of Lebanon. I, therefore, hope that the Parliament will make the adoption of the Media Law a priority.”
Through this campaign, the Ministry of Information and UNESCO aim to inform citizens of developments in the law and reaffirm their commitment to supporting a strong, independent, and professional media sector that serves the public interest and strengthens the media ecosystem in Lebanon.
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Download the Media Law Campaign TVC: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DGuIYalN-dbKPUlV3BbiSpK56n3siHi1?usp=sharing