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MEDIA IN LEBANON
Towards Enhancing Freedom of Expression




              POLICY BRIEF
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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

                                                                                                               With the advent of social media and
                                                                                                               increased demands for youth and
                                                                                                               civil society participation, there is an
                                                                                                               opportunity to deploy national and
This policy brief was developed by Beyond Reform & Development , part of BRD/I Group S.A.L.,                   local efforts aimed at overcoming the
                             in close collaboration with experts, activists and civil society organizations.
                                                                                                               monopoly over the media scene in
                                                                                            Lebanon, 2012      Lebanon.
                                                                                                               	




                                                                                                                                                                                               1
FRAMING THE ISSUE

The Problem                                .

Historically, Lebanon has been
portrayed as a center of human rights
and freedoms in the Arab world.
Freedom of expression is enshrined
in the Lebanese Constitution as well
as in international treaties to which
Lebanon is a party.

In practice, however, the country’s            Situation Brief                           The Urgency
media industry presents a different
image, with serious threats to                 There are many challenges facing          With the evolution of social media,
freedom of expression,         lack of         freedom    of  expression   and           Lebanese citizens display a
media objectivity, and constraints             independent media in Lebanon,             strong interest and willingness to
to the growth of independent media.            including:                                contribute more freely to media
Contrary to other Arab countries,                                                        content, but are unable to do
                                               1. Media ownership and content is
the state does not control media                                                         so. The rise in sectarianism and
                                               controlled by political figures.
outlets, and state media is among                                                        polarization calls for issue-based
the least viewed. Instead, Lebanon             2. Vague and outdated press and           and citizen-centric media.
has in place a number of media                 broadcasting laws lead to low
                                                                                         Opening up media spaces can
institutions that are an extension of          accountability in media performance
                                                                                         reposition Lebanon as a true
its sectarian politics, a reflection of        and the media sector in general.
                                                                                         sanctuary of press liberties
foreign interests, and a mouthpiece
                                               3. Overlapping roles and unclear          and freedom of expression. At
for public officials. There is a broad
                                               jurisdiction of public institutions       the same time, an alternative
consensus that the Lebanese
                                               and media regulating bodies.              and inclusive post-production
media is politicized, partisan,
                                                                                         regulatory framework is essential
unrepresentative and unregulated,              4. Inefficiency of professional unions
                                                                                         for enhancing the quality of media
and used as a tool for political control       in protecting the rights of journalists
                                                                                         outlets and creating accountability
and polarization.                              and bloggers.
                                                                                         mechanisms.
                                               5. Inconsistent censorship system
In addition, a Censorship Bureau
                                               without     clear    standards and        ”
within General Security controls
                                               regulations, contributing to the              The continuous decline in the
content and deprives citizens
                                               restriction of rights.                        role of the media in Lebanon
from access to various cultural,
educational, and political sources             6. Distribution of media ownership            will lead to the decline of
                                               licenses highly dependent on political        the role of the state, and
of information. It also suffers from
                                                                                             consequently, to its death.
lack of clear regulations, poor
management, and subjective content
                                               decisions.
                                               7. Absence of access to information
                                                                                                                         ”
                                                                                                         Abdel Hadi Mahfouz,
                                                                                                       Director of the National
analysis.                                      laws.                                                         Council for Media




2                                                                                                                                 3
LOOKING AT EXISTING POLICIES, LAWS
AND PRACTICES

Despite the protection of freedom of expression and civil liberties in Lebanon’s
Constitution, this has not been institutionalized into proper frameworks to
                                                                                                                                    1                                                            Press Freedom & Civil Liberties
regulate and support media content. This section presents existing policies and
                                                                                                                                             2                                                      Protect Media Practitioners
their shortcomings. In assessing these policies, we used three key indicators
that are essential for any policy option aimed at enhancing freedom of expression
and improving the quality and performance of media institutions:                                                                                                                  3              Enable Entry To Media Industry

1. preserve press freedoms and civil liberties
2. protect media practitioners                                                                                                       Policy
3. enable entry to the media industry                                                                                                 Law                                                                        Assessment
                                                                                                                                    Practice
     Policy
                                                                                                                                                                                      >	There are highly complex and intertwined relationships between
      Law                                                                            Assessment




                                                                                                                                             Public Institutions’ Jurisdictions
                                                                                                                                                                                        different institutions, causing an overlap in roles, responsibilities,
    Practice                                                                                                                                                                            and jurisdiction.
                                                                                                                                                                                      > The Ministry of Information and regulating bodies (including
     Lebanese Constitution:
                              Introduction & Article 13




                                                          > As overarching pieces of legislation, the Lebanese Constitution and
                                                            International Declaration for Human Rights state that freedom of                                                            the judiciary) reflect political and sectarian divisions in their
                                                            expression is a guaranteed citizen right.                                                                                   management and in the distribution of licenses to media outlets.
                                                          > However, they are not translated into existing laws and legal                                                             > Censorship bodies lack autonomy from political and sectarian
                                                            frameworks, and are therefore not enforced properly.                                                                        influence, and lack clear orientations in censorship principles.
                                                          > Nevertheless, they can be used to build arguments for suggested                                                           > Media councils operate on a minimal basis due to limited funding
                                                            policy amendments.                                                                                                          and unclear roles.

                                                                                                                                                                                      >	A limited number of journalists are part of unions due to outdated
                                                          > The Press Law and Broadcast Law limit the creation of new media




                                                                                                                                        Role of Media
                                                                                                                                                                                        procedures and restricted benefits, as well as the prevalence of
     1994 Broadcast Law




                                                            outlets by introducing a licensing system with extremely high fees.                                                         partisan influence.
       1960 Press Law




                                                                                                                                           Unions
                                                          > They include vaguely formulated constraints and censorship                                                                > Unions do not have power or competencies to support journalists
                                                            mechanisms that result in random filtering of information, content,                                                         or monitor media outlets.
                                                            and ideas.
                                                                                                                                                                                      > Heads of unions are assigned based on sectarian quotas.
                                                          > They allow financial control by the state and do not properly protect
                                                            the rights of media workers and content developers.




                                                                                                                                        Internal Governance
                                                                                                                                                                                      > From ownership to hiring, content development, and internal




                                                                                                                                          of Media Outlets
                                                                                                                                                                                        governance, political parties and political figures are involved in
                                                          >	Censorship regulations include vague and unclear mechanisms                                                                 overall media management, making media outlets inaccessible to
     Regulations
     Censorship




                                                            for censorship, resulting in subjective influence over the flow of                                                          the younger generation of media practitioners and aspiring media
                                                            information.                                                                                                                owners.
                                                          > They enable a high level of state interference in the transmission of                                                     > This affects content, transparency, and the politicized role played
                                                            information.                                                                                                                by existing outlets.




4                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5
CONSIDERING POLICY OPTIONS                                                                                                                  “ Media outlets should focus on solutions rather than transmitting
                                                                                                                                                negative messages and spreading despair.
                                                                                                                                                                                         ”                        Dr. Arda Ekmekji,
    The following table describes policy options for enhancing freedom of expression                                                                                                           Dean of the Faculty of Arts& Sciences
    thorough research and participatory consultations with stakeholders around the                                                                                                                             Haigazian University
    country. Each policy is based on different assumptions, has a specific objective
    and strategies, and presents both advantages and disadvantages.



        Policy                                    Assumptions                     Objectives                  Strategies             Advantages                Disadvantages                Experts’ Take                Policy
        options                                                                                                                                                                                                          options
1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Reforming Media Legislation
                Reforming Media Legislation




                                              > Reforming press and
                                                                                                                                                                                         “The continuous decline
                                              broadcasting laws can                                                                                                                       in the role of the media
                                                                            > Pass a new media                                                                > Long-term process
                                              guarantee freedom                                                                   > Creates a democratic                                  in Lebanon will lead
                                                                            law with clear division                                                           that requires a clear
                                              of expression and                                         > Support and advocate    means of regulating the                                 to the decline of the
                                                                            of mandates among                                                                 lobbying strategy           role of the state, and
                                              promote transparency                                      for a new media law       media industry while
                                                                            regulatory agencies,                                                              with no guarantee of        consequently, to its
                                              and accountability in                                     through direct lobbying   protecting the rights of
                                                                            transparent decision-                                                             proper implementation,      death."
                                              the media sector, while                                   of decision-makers.       journalists and media
                                                                            making mechanisms, and                                                            particularly if the        Abdel Hadi Mahfouz,
                                              allowing new, non-                                                                  professionals.
                                                                            new licensing practices.                                                          judicial system is weak.   Director of the National
                                              politicized voices to enter                                                                                                                Council for Media
                                              the media sphere.

2                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2




                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ture and Internet Freedom
         ture and Internet Freedom
          Improving ICT Infrastruc-




                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Improving ICT Infrastruc-
                                              > Improving the state                                                                                                                      “Improving internet
                                                                            > Provide basic                                                                                               infrastructure is the
                                              of the internet will                                                                                            > Faces resistance,
                                                                            infrastructure and a        > Create a legislative    > Can lead to rapid                                     quickest and most
                                              allow easy access to                                                                                            specifically from
                                                                            regulatory framework        framework to protect      change in the media                                     efficient method we
                                              information, foster                                                                                             government and public       can use to achieve the
                                                                            to empower newcomers        internet freedom, while   sphere, promote freedom
                                              the growth of new and                                                                                           institutions, slowing       change we aim for in
                                                                            to the media scene          improving broadband       of expression, and expand
                                              unconventional media                                                                                            down the change             the media sphere.”
                                                                            and protect freedom of      and telecom services.     access to information.
                                              channels, and enhance                                                                                           process.                   Rouba Helou, Communication
                                                                            expression.
                                              freedom of expression.                                                                                                                     Expert and Journalist



3                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3




                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Alternative Regulatory Policies
         Alternative Regulatory Policies




                                                                                                                                                              > Faces resistance
          Eliminating Censorship with




                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Eliminating Censorship with
                                                                                                                                                              from religious groups      “Internet censorship and
                                                                                                                                                                                          media restrictions are
                                              > Eliminating censorship                                                                                        who will loose their        increasing as a result
                                                                                                        > Support campaigns
                                              will encourage citizens       > Foster respect for                                  > Can lead to concrete      control over cultural       of sectarianism and
                                                                                                        against General
                                              to have constructive          freedom of expression to                              change in a short period    aspects, and from           partisan interests, and
                                                                                                        Security censorship                                                               there is a strong need
                                              discussions about             respond to citizen needs,                             of time, while creating a   the existing political
                                                                                                        and propose legal                                                                 to join efforts and
                                              sensitive issues and          aspirations, and main                                 more open and tolerant      groups who will no
                                                                                                        reforms and decrees to                                                            speak up to change this
                                              limit the state’s political   concerns.                                             environment.                longer have the ability     reality.”
                                                                                                        eliminate censorship..
                                              interference.                                                                                                   to use censorship as       Ayman Mhanna, SKeyes
                                                                                                                                                              a means to create          Executive Director
                                                                                                                                                              sectarian balance.




    6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7
RECOMMENDING POLICY

Enhancing Freedom of Expression and Independent Media

The challenges to freedom of expression and the growth of independent media
in Lebanon are complex, multilayered, and tied to the financial interests of
                                                                                         “    The rise of sectarianism and polarization calls for issue-based and
                                                                                         citizen-centric media.
political and sectarian groups. Addressing these challenges thus requires
a multidimensional approach that draws on all three of the policy options                                         ”
mentioned above.

While all of the suggested policy options are important to enhancing free
expression, this policy brief focuses on three critical pillars that are most urgent
and actionable by civil society organizations (CSOs):




Pillar                                      Pillar
Open     up     media     ownership         Eliminating censorship and proposing       This approach will advance freedom         In the long run, complementary
by removing the monopoly over media         alternative    regulatory    policies.     of expression and the growth of            efforts should include:
through reforming media legislation,        This offers citizens the means             independent media by removing
which includes licensing and                to engage freely with traditional          barriers to entry in the media industry,
ownership regulations. Current media        and social media as a means                decreasing media monopolization               Modernizeing outdated and
licensing and ownership practices           of political participation, while          in the hands of political figures,            sometimes contradictory media-
constrain the role of the media as          alternative          post-production       eliminating government censorship,            related laws,
platforms for free expression and           regulations create accountability          and creating a more enabling
meaningful exchange of information.         mechanisms for media outlets.                                                            Improving ICT infrastructure and
                                                                                       environment for social and online
                                                                                                                                     access, and
                                                                                       media.
                                                                                                                                     Preserving internet freedom.

                                            Pillar
                                            Improve internet infrastructure
                                            and speed to facilitate the growth
                                            of alternative media channels and
                                            expand the space for citizens to
                                            express their ideas.




8                                                                                                                                                                   9
THE WAY FORWARD

Pillar                                   Pillar
Open Up Media Ownership                  Eliminating censorship                    Existing Anti-Censorship Efforts
                                         and proposing alternative
                                         regulatory policies
                                                                                   >   SKeyes is exposing government censorship and fostering dialogue on this
Under current media regulations, it is   Vague censorship policies place               issue through periodic reports, events, and the web series “Mamnoo3”
extremely difficult for new television   ample discretionary powers in                 (“Forbidden”).
stations and newspapers to obtain        the hands of General Security’s
licenses due to legal and financial      Censorship Bureau, which is               >   MARCH, a local NGO, has researched and compiled cases of government
barriers. The Maharat Foundation         influenced by religious institutions          censorship in a “Virtual Museum of Censorship” (www.censorshiplebanon.
developed a draft law to reform the      and political parties. CSOs have              org), among other awareness activities and publications.
media sector in collaboration with       launched      several    campaigns            	
other CSOs and non-governmental          criticizing the mandate of the                Social Media Exchange (SMEX) and Ontornet, among other NGOs, have
                                                                                   >
organizations (NGOs), which is being     Censorship Bureau and its decisions           launched a campaign against the Lebanese Internet Regulation Act
discussed within parliamentary           to censor movies, books, theater              (LIRA), which has yet to be passed but which has in its current form high
committees. The proposed law             performances, and other forms of              degrees of censorship over online content.
includes a set of reforms, the most      expression. These have included The
important of which is modification of    Virtual Museum of Censorship and          >   The media law is currently being debated in parliamentary committees.
licensing rules to foster the growth     the web series Mamnou3!
of independent media outlets. The
current situation presents two           The current situation calls for an
challenges:                              approach focused on:

    During parliamentary committee            Designing a policy that respects
discussions, it is important to          freedom of expression while taking
maintain the integrity of the law        into consideration the realities of the
proposal developed by civil society      local context.	
and prevent major changes that
would dilute the impact of key               Forming an alternative and
reforms, particularly those related to   inclusive structure to oversee a post-
media licensing and ownership.           production regulatory framework
                                         instead of prior censorship.
    The      timeframe       between
concluding parliamentary committee           Convincing the executive branch
discussions, placing the new law on      to reform current censorship
the agenda of the General Assembly,      policies and practices.
and voting on it might be long,
especially since there is a backlog of
300 law proposals that Parliament
has yet to vote on.



10                                                                                                                                                             11
THE WAY FORWARD

Pillar                                                                             Existing Studies and Proposals on Media Governance,
Improve Internet                                                                   Censorship, and Media Reforms
Infrastructure and Speed

One of the main obstacles to              Civil society can support existing       >   Recommendations from the Internews Network, published in 2009, are
better internet infrastructure is         initiatives to increase internet speed       a solid starting point for setting new internal governance standards for
governance of the sector. There           such as the “Ontornet” campaign              the media industry.
are overlapping responsibilities          demanding the implementation of af-
                                          fordable, high-speed internet across     >   The Heinrich Böll Foundation presented recommendations for fighting
between the Information and
Communication Technology (ICT)            the country (www.ontornet.org) and           censorship in a study titled “Censorship in Lebanon: Law and Practice.”
Strategy Coordination Unit within the     the “Broadband Manifesto” issued by
                                                                                   >   In 2011, the Maharat Foundation presented a media law reform proposal
Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry     the Internet Society-Lebanon Chap-
of Telecommunications, the state-         ter (ISOC, www.isoc.org.lb).                 based on a consensual process that involved all major stakeholders in
run telecom provider OGERO, the                                                        the media sector.
Telecom Regulatory Authority, and
                                                                                   >   The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE), in partnership
the Office of the Minister of State for
Administrative Reform (OMSAR). The                                                     with media entities and with support from the European Union Afkar
government thus exercises a virtual                                                    program, launched a code of conduct for Lebanese journalists, which
monopoly over the internet sector.                                                     was signed but not endorsed as a binding policy.
The main reason behind low internet
speed is the weak infrastructure for                                               >   The Arab Rule of Law Initiative published a study on the state of the
broadband access. In light of these                                                    media in Lebanon highlighting limitations over ownership and content.
factors, civil society efforts should
                                                                                   >   The International Press Initiative published a report titled “Media in
focus on:
                                                                                       Lebanon: Reporting on a Nation Divided” describing how the media is
     In the short term, advocate                                                       a reflection of sectarian politics, but the recommendations were not
improvements of the internet                                                           translated into concrete initiatives.
infrastructure to the Ministry of
                                                                                   >   OMSAR developed in 2003 an ICT strategy with seven pillars for
Telecommunications and OGERO.
                                                                                       reforming the ICT sector.

     In the long term, push for                                                    >   ISOC issued the “Broadband Manifesto” calling for better broadband
restructuring governance of the                                                        connectivity.
internet sector to liberate it from
government monopoly.                                                               >   Law Proposal Number 435 calls for regulating and reforming the
                                                                                       telecom sector.

                                                                                   >   Ontornet launched a campaign in 2011 calling for faster internet speed.




12                                                                                                                                                           13
FUTURE ACTION

                                                                    SHORT TO MEDIUM TERM                                                                        LONG TERM
                                                                National Level                                 Local Level                 National Level                                Local Level




                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Outcome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Expected
                                         Outcome
                                         Expected




                                                     A new media law is passed that includes open media ownership with low            Grassroots community-level media outlets are created and spread across
                                                     financial barriers for new entrants                                              the country




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Open Up Media
 Open Up Media




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Ownership
   Ownership




                                                     Build a coalition of CSOs, NGOs, and         Support the establishment of        Create a collaborative, inclusive,
                                                                                                                                                                             Foster networking between local




                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Strategy
                                                     social media activists to monitor            new local media outlets, and        progressive, and sustainable
                                          Strategy




                                                                                                                                                                             media outlets to feed into a national
                                                     parliamentary committee discussions          assist existing ones in expanding   media outlet that can contribute
                                                                                                                                                                             outlet and share technical and
                                                     and General Assembly voting on the           their reach and increasing their    to elevating citizen concerns and
                                                                                                                                                                             financial resources.
                                                     proposed law                                 sustainability                      issues




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eliminating Censorship with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Outcome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Expected
                                                                                                                                      Alternative regulatory policy reforms are adopted by the Cabinet, all types
 Eliminating Censorship with



                                         Outcome
                                         Expected




                                                     A new regulatory framework to guarantee freedom of expression and curb
                                                                                                                                      of censorship are eliminated, and a committee is formed to implement new




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Regulatory Policies
                                                     censorship is developed and endorsed by a large number of stakeholders
     Regulatory Policies




                                                                                                                                      regulations

                                                     Develop a new inclusive regulatory
                                                                                                                                      Launch a campaign bringing
                                                     framework to replace censorship              Develop a social media platform
                                          Strategy




                                                                                                                                      together CSOs, NGOs, and social        Encourage local media outlets to




                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Strategy
                                                     policy, based on documented cases            that documents and exposes
                                                                                                                                      media activists to put pressure        expose and publicize government
                                                     and practices by General Security’s          the government’s censorship
                                                                                                                                      on government to adopt the policy      censorship practices
                                                     Censorship Bureau and benchmarks             practices
                                                                                                                                      and create a committee
                                                     with other countries
                                         Outcome
                                         Expected
       Improve Internet Infrastructure




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Improve Internet Infrastructure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Outcome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Expected
                                                     Internet speed is improved due to development of the network and                 The internet sector is liberated and not monopolized by government, and the
                                                     infrastructure as well as the availability of the needed budget to sustain it    sector is organized within an effective governance model



                                                                                                                                      Research and recommend a
                                                     Leverage and strengthen existing
                                                                                                  Organize and mobilize local         governance model for the internet      Decentralize national campaigns
                                                     campaigns by expanding outreach to
                                          Strategy




                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Strategy
                                                                                                  stakeholders to increase pressure   sector and increase pressure on        to multiply their effects locally to
                                                     other stakeholders such as the private
                                                                                                  on local MPs, linking internet      government to liberate the sector      increase internet access and speed
                                                     sector, NGOs, and the media and use
                                                                                                  speed to local development          through direct actions led by          at the local level
                                                     direct actions to call for faster internet
                                                                                                                                      existing campaigns




14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  15
ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES

During the last decade, several initiatives have sought to further freedom of
expression and independent media, including attempts to establish a code of                  “    An alternative and inclusive post-production regulatory framework
conduct for journalists and legislative proposals to improve media regulations.              is essential for enhancing the quality of media outlets and creating
These have yet to translate into concrete results. The advent of social media and            accountability mechanisms.
its popularity among youth, coupled with an increase in online news agencies, are                                              ”
indicators of interest and readiness by citizens to play a more influential role in
media. Removing licensing restrictions, curbing censorship, and improving the
internet infrastructure are critical steps for Lebanon to open the media industry
to new entrants and aspiring groups.

The following are suggestions for illustrative activities based on expert roundtables,
interviews, and focus groups, which can be adopted by NGOs, CSOs, and CBOs to
foster freedom of expression and independent media.




Illustrative Activities at the                                                             Illustrative Activities at the
National Level:                                                                            Local Level:
 	 Expose documented cases of media           	 Establish a committee of experts to         	 Link media freedoms and internet          	 Invite municipalities to support media
   censorship.                                  review and reform governance of the           rights to basic standards of living and     projects and purchase of new licenses.
                                                ICT sector.                                   local development.
 	 Document and raise awareness on                                                                                                      	 Lobby MPs to adopt new proposals
   mismanagement of General Security’s        	 Support innovative television and radio     	 Provide incentives for municipalities       to curb censorship and open media
   Censorship Bureau.                           programs that encourage freedom of            to start new media outlets focusing         ownership to new entrants.
                                                expression.                                   on democratic dialogue and local          	 Work with universities to establish
 	 Advocate for reforms aimed at curbing
                                                                                              development issues.                         media clubs.
   government censorship.                     	 Initiate creative platforms to encourage
                                                dialogue and free expression on             	 Showcase successful cases of local
 	 Create a lobbying group of new
                                                priority issues, including current            use of media and internet to raise
   aspiring media owners and content
                                                censorship policies.                          awareness and influence the national
   developers.
                                                                                              agenda of MPs and Cabinet members.
                                              	 Lobby MPs and parliamentary
 	 Propose amendments to existing
                                                committees to review and endorse            	 Advocate to improve internet speed
   licensing and media ownership
                                                Law Proposal 435 for reform of the            and access.
   practices.
                                                telecom sector.
                                                                                            	 Encourage the dissemination of
 	 Launch loan and incubator projects for
                                              	 Increase pressure on government to            citizen-generated content online and
   interested new media owners.
                                                enhance broadband infrastructure              via national news agencies.
 	 Monitor media performance and                through creative direct action and
                                                alliances with international internet       	 Help establish small online media
   expose biased coverage and sectarian
                                                activists.                                    outlets covering local issues.
   incitement.




16                                                                                                                                                                          17
ENGAGING WITH DIFFERENT                                                               PARTIAL LIST OF REFERENCES
STAKEHOLDERS
The suggested policy option must be endorsed by key stakeholders and policy-          	   Arab Rule of Law Initiative. State of Media in Lebanon. Retrieved from http://www.arabruleoflaw.
                                                                                          org/Files/PDF/Media/Arabic/P2/MediaLebanonReportP2S2_AR.pdf
makers to be implemented. The influence that the various stakeholders yield
on the decision-making process will determine how they should be engaged              	   “Artist Facing Jail Time: ‘Freedom of Expression Is a Myth in Lebanon.’” (April 6, 2012). Ya
                                                                                          Libnan. Retrieved from http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/04/06/artist-facing-jail-time-over-graffiti-freedom-of-
and the messages they should receive. Below is a list of stakeholders to be               expressionis-a-myth-in-lebanon/
considered.
                                                                                      	   Chahine, J. (May 5, 2004). “Lebanese Media Fractured, Politicized.” The Daily Star.
> President of the Republic     > International             > Media development           Retrieved from http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/May/05/Lebanese-media-fractured-politicized.ashx
> Cabinet of Ministers            media associations          organizations
                                                                                      	   “Circumventing Censors” (September 2012). Al-Ahram Weekly Online, Issue 1114. Cairo.
> Ministry of Information       > NGOs, CSOs, CBOs          > Syndicates of
> Other Ministries              > International               journalists & editors   	   Ekmekji, A., Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Haigazian University (September 19,
> Parliamentary Committee         media agencies            > Production companies        2012). Personal interview by A. Hmayed, BRD/I.
  on Media                      > Lebanese diaspora           & publishing houses     	   Feintuck, M. (1999) Media Regulation, Public Interest and the Law. Edinburgh: University of
> National Council for          > Existing media            > Academia & research         Edinburgh Press.
  Media                           outlets                    institutes
                                                                                      	   Freedom in the World 2005 - Lebanon (2005). Freedom of Expression, Freedom House. Article
> Political parties             > New small media           > Advertising agencies        19. London.
> Municipalities                  outlets
> ICT Coordination Unit at      > Bloggers                                            	   Helou, R., Communication Expert and Journalist (October 5, 2012).
  the Prime Minister’s office                                                             Personal interview by N. Menhall, BRD/I.
> General Security                                                                    	   Internews Network (2009). Behind the Scenes: Transparency in Lebanese Media Business
                                                                                          Practices.
Each of these entities requires a different strategy and approach to ally it with     	   Kraidy, M. (2011). Media Reform in Lebanon: New Media, New Politics? Annenberg School
the suggested policy. The following table highlights the incentives for the key           for Communication University of Pennsylvania.
stakeholders to adopt or support the proposed policy. These incentives can form       	   Krischer, O. (August 2012). Censorship in Lebanon. Art Asia Pacific. Lebanon.
the basis for developing communication messages to persuade the stakeholders              Retrieved from http://artasiapacific.com/News/CensorshipInLebanon
to take action.                                                                       	   Maharat Foundation, http://maharatfoundation.org
                                                                                      	   Mahfouz, A., Director of the National Council for Media (September 3, 2012). Personal
 Stakeholders                                  Incentives                                 interview by A. Hmayed, BRD/I.
 Parliamentary            Rebuild trust and credibility with constituents and         	   McNally, R. (January 4, 2012). Comparative Media Law in the MENA Region. MENA City
 Blocks and                                                                               Lawyers (MCL). Lebanon.
                          improve communication channels with them
 Committees
                                                                                      	   Media in Lebanon: Part Two. Arab Center for the Development of Rule of Law and
 Cabinet &                Improve civic engagement and responsibility through             Integrity (ACRLI). Retrieved from http://www.arabruleoflaw.org/Files/PDF/Media/Arabic/P2/
 Ministries               enhanced outreach to citizens                                   MediaLebanonReportP2S2_AR.pdf

 ICT Coordination                                                                     	   Media Law Proposal. (n.d.). Maharat Foundation. Retrieved from http://maharatfoundation.org/
                          Increase ability to implement the ICT strategy and              wp-content/uploads/2011/02/media-law-proposal2.pdf
 Unit and Telecom
 Regulatory               engage citizens in the process                              	   Media Situation in Lebanon (2006). The National Commission on Electoral Law. Retrieved
 Authority                                                                                from http://www.elections-lebanon.org/elections/docs_6_G_4_4a_25.aspx

                          Rebuild trust and credibility in the media sector and       	   Media Sustainability Index: Developing Independent and Sustainable Media in Lebanon
 Syndicates and
                                                                                          (2010). IREX.
 Media Outlets            improve membership base
                                                                                      	   Melki, J., Dabbous, Y., Nasser, K. et al. (March 15, 2012). Mapping Digital Media in Lebanon.
                          Create new alternative form of participation,                   Open Society Foundation. London.
 NGOs, CSOs, &
                          communication, and outreach and increase civil society
 CBOs
                          influence within the public sphere



18                                                                                                                                                                                                19
PARTIAL LIST OF REFERENCES

	    Memorandum on the Draft Law Amending the Press Law of Lebanon (July 2009). Article 19,
     London.
	    Monitor for the Situation of Women and Children. (2009). Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
     (MICS): Final Report. Lebanon.
	    Mouhanna, A., SKeyes Executive Director (September 3, 2012).
     Personal interview by N. Menhall, BRD/I.
	    Moukhayber, G. (2010). Motives of the Law Proposal.
	    Murr, A., Chief Executive Officer of El Nashra (September 7, 2012).
     Personal interview by N. Menhall, BRD/I.
	    Open Society Foundation. Digital Media in Lebanon. Retrieved from http://www.
     opensocietyfoundations.org/sites/default/files/OSF-Media-Report-Lebanon-05-06-2012-final-WEB.pdf

	    Power, C. (2006). Media in Lebanon: Reporting on a Nation Divided. International Press
     Institute. Retrieved from http://www.freemedia.at/fileadmin/media/Documents/IPI_mission_reports/
     Lebanon_Mission_Report.pdf

	    Press and Cultural Freedom In Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine (2011).
     Samir Kassir Foundation Annual Report. Lebanon.
	    Puddephatt, A. (2006). Defining Indicators of Media Development. IPDC Intergovernmental
     Council, 25th session.
	    Saghieh, N., Saghieh, R. Geagea, N. (n.d.). Censorship in Lebanon: Law and Practice.
     Heinrich Böll Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.lb.boell.org/web/52-744.html
	    Sharro, K. (2011, November 10). The Paradoxes of Free Speech in Lebanon: Index on
     Censorship. London.
	    SKeyes, http://www.skeyesmedia.org/
	    SKeyes (2012). Mamnou3! (web video series). Retrieved from http://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/
     Mamnou3

	    The Virtual Museum of Censorship (2012). http://www.censorshiplebanon.org/Home
	    UNESCO (2009). The Regulatory Environment for Broadcasting: An International Best
     Practice Survey for Brazilian Stakeholders.




20
MEDIA IN LEBANON.Towards Enhancing Freedom of Expression.English

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MEDIA IN LEBANON.Towards Enhancing Freedom of Expression.English

  • 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Lebanese media institutions are This policy proposal aspires to: an extension of sectarian politics and partisan public officials. Rather Create more credible, than creating an issue-based representative, and non-partisan accountability and participation media outlets; culture, media outlets are the mouthpiece of political leaders Redesign the laws and standards and a powerful tool for sectarian of governance for the media sector; incitement and polarization at the social, political, ideological, and Eliminating censorship and socio-economic levels. proposing alternative regulatory policies. While Lebanon’s Constitution and ratified international statutes Adoption and implementation of emphasize freedom of belief and these policies requires a long-term expression, current governing process that starts by documenting frameworks make it impossible for and researching relevant tools and citizens to access and influence the decisions, gaining the support of a media industry. maximum number of citizens, and pushing for reforms of media-related Media, a cornerstone of civil laws, regulations, and practices. society and democratic liberties, needs to be transformed to reflect This policy briefs takes a first step public interests and enable public in this direction by identifying a participation. However, this is multifaceted approach focused on hindered by three main challenges: removing licensing and censorship a weak regulatory framework, lack restrictions to enhance freedom of proper infrastructure for internet of expression, protect media usage and speed, and a vague practitioners, and facilitate the entry censorship policy in the hands of of new actors to the media industry General Security. in Lebanon. With the advent of social media and increased demands for youth and civil society participation, there is an opportunity to deploy national and This policy brief was developed by Beyond Reform & Development , part of BRD/I Group S.A.L., local efforts aimed at overcoming the in close collaboration with experts, activists and civil society organizations. monopoly over the media scene in Lebanon, 2012 Lebanon. 1
  • 3. FRAMING THE ISSUE The Problem . Historically, Lebanon has been portrayed as a center of human rights and freedoms in the Arab world. Freedom of expression is enshrined in the Lebanese Constitution as well as in international treaties to which Lebanon is a party. In practice, however, the country’s Situation Brief The Urgency media industry presents a different image, with serious threats to There are many challenges facing With the evolution of social media, freedom of expression, lack of freedom of expression and Lebanese citizens display a media objectivity, and constraints independent media in Lebanon, strong interest and willingness to to the growth of independent media. including: contribute more freely to media Contrary to other Arab countries, content, but are unable to do 1. Media ownership and content is the state does not control media so. The rise in sectarianism and controlled by political figures. outlets, and state media is among polarization calls for issue-based the least viewed. Instead, Lebanon 2. Vague and outdated press and and citizen-centric media. has in place a number of media broadcasting laws lead to low Opening up media spaces can institutions that are an extension of accountability in media performance reposition Lebanon as a true its sectarian politics, a reflection of and the media sector in general. sanctuary of press liberties foreign interests, and a mouthpiece 3. Overlapping roles and unclear and freedom of expression. At for public officials. There is a broad jurisdiction of public institutions the same time, an alternative consensus that the Lebanese and media regulating bodies. and inclusive post-production media is politicized, partisan, regulatory framework is essential unrepresentative and unregulated, 4. Inefficiency of professional unions for enhancing the quality of media and used as a tool for political control in protecting the rights of journalists outlets and creating accountability and polarization. and bloggers. mechanisms. 5. Inconsistent censorship system In addition, a Censorship Bureau without clear standards and ” within General Security controls regulations, contributing to the The continuous decline in the content and deprives citizens restriction of rights. role of the media in Lebanon from access to various cultural, educational, and political sources 6. Distribution of media ownership will lead to the decline of licenses highly dependent on political the role of the state, and of information. It also suffers from consequently, to its death. lack of clear regulations, poor management, and subjective content decisions. 7. Absence of access to information ” Abdel Hadi Mahfouz, Director of the National analysis. laws. Council for Media 2 3
  • 4. LOOKING AT EXISTING POLICIES, LAWS AND PRACTICES Despite the protection of freedom of expression and civil liberties in Lebanon’s Constitution, this has not been institutionalized into proper frameworks to 1 Press Freedom & Civil Liberties regulate and support media content. This section presents existing policies and 2 Protect Media Practitioners their shortcomings. In assessing these policies, we used three key indicators that are essential for any policy option aimed at enhancing freedom of expression and improving the quality and performance of media institutions: 3 Enable Entry To Media Industry 1. preserve press freedoms and civil liberties 2. protect media practitioners Policy 3. enable entry to the media industry Law Assessment Practice Policy > There are highly complex and intertwined relationships between Law Assessment Public Institutions’ Jurisdictions different institutions, causing an overlap in roles, responsibilities, Practice and jurisdiction. > The Ministry of Information and regulating bodies (including Lebanese Constitution: Introduction & Article 13 > As overarching pieces of legislation, the Lebanese Constitution and International Declaration for Human Rights state that freedom of the judiciary) reflect political and sectarian divisions in their expression is a guaranteed citizen right. management and in the distribution of licenses to media outlets. > However, they are not translated into existing laws and legal > Censorship bodies lack autonomy from political and sectarian frameworks, and are therefore not enforced properly. influence, and lack clear orientations in censorship principles. > Nevertheless, they can be used to build arguments for suggested > Media councils operate on a minimal basis due to limited funding policy amendments. and unclear roles. > A limited number of journalists are part of unions due to outdated > The Press Law and Broadcast Law limit the creation of new media Role of Media procedures and restricted benefits, as well as the prevalence of 1994 Broadcast Law outlets by introducing a licensing system with extremely high fees. partisan influence. 1960 Press Law Unions > They include vaguely formulated constraints and censorship > Unions do not have power or competencies to support journalists mechanisms that result in random filtering of information, content, or monitor media outlets. and ideas. > Heads of unions are assigned based on sectarian quotas. > They allow financial control by the state and do not properly protect the rights of media workers and content developers. Internal Governance > From ownership to hiring, content development, and internal of Media Outlets governance, political parties and political figures are involved in > Censorship regulations include vague and unclear mechanisms overall media management, making media outlets inaccessible to Regulations Censorship for censorship, resulting in subjective influence over the flow of the younger generation of media practitioners and aspiring media information. owners. > They enable a high level of state interference in the transmission of > This affects content, transparency, and the politicized role played information. by existing outlets. 4 5
  • 5. CONSIDERING POLICY OPTIONS “ Media outlets should focus on solutions rather than transmitting negative messages and spreading despair. ” Dr. Arda Ekmekji, The following table describes policy options for enhancing freedom of expression Dean of the Faculty of Arts& Sciences thorough research and participatory consultations with stakeholders around the Haigazian University country. Each policy is based on different assumptions, has a specific objective and strategies, and presents both advantages and disadvantages. Policy Assumptions Objectives Strategies Advantages Disadvantages Experts’ Take Policy options options 1 1 Reforming Media Legislation Reforming Media Legislation > Reforming press and “The continuous decline broadcasting laws can in the role of the media > Pass a new media > Long-term process guarantee freedom > Creates a democratic in Lebanon will lead law with clear division that requires a clear of expression and > Support and advocate means of regulating the to the decline of the of mandates among lobbying strategy role of the state, and promote transparency for a new media law media industry while regulatory agencies, with no guarantee of consequently, to its and accountability in through direct lobbying protecting the rights of transparent decision- proper implementation, death." the media sector, while of decision-makers. journalists and media making mechanisms, and particularly if the Abdel Hadi Mahfouz, allowing new, non- professionals. new licensing practices. judicial system is weak. Director of the National politicized voices to enter Council for Media the media sphere. 2 2 ture and Internet Freedom ture and Internet Freedom Improving ICT Infrastruc- Improving ICT Infrastruc- > Improving the state “Improving internet > Provide basic infrastructure is the of the internet will > Faces resistance, infrastructure and a > Create a legislative > Can lead to rapid quickest and most allow easy access to specifically from regulatory framework framework to protect change in the media efficient method we information, foster government and public can use to achieve the to empower newcomers internet freedom, while sphere, promote freedom the growth of new and institutions, slowing change we aim for in to the media scene improving broadband of expression, and expand unconventional media down the change the media sphere.” and protect freedom of and telecom services. access to information. channels, and enhance process. Rouba Helou, Communication expression. freedom of expression. Expert and Journalist 3 3 Alternative Regulatory Policies Alternative Regulatory Policies > Faces resistance Eliminating Censorship with Eliminating Censorship with from religious groups “Internet censorship and media restrictions are > Eliminating censorship who will loose their increasing as a result > Support campaigns will encourage citizens > Foster respect for > Can lead to concrete control over cultural of sectarianism and against General to have constructive freedom of expression to change in a short period aspects, and from partisan interests, and Security censorship there is a strong need discussions about respond to citizen needs, of time, while creating a the existing political and propose legal to join efforts and sensitive issues and aspirations, and main more open and tolerant groups who will no reforms and decrees to speak up to change this limit the state’s political concerns. environment. longer have the ability reality.” eliminate censorship.. interference. to use censorship as Ayman Mhanna, SKeyes a means to create Executive Director sectarian balance. 6 7
  • 6. RECOMMENDING POLICY Enhancing Freedom of Expression and Independent Media The challenges to freedom of expression and the growth of independent media in Lebanon are complex, multilayered, and tied to the financial interests of “ The rise of sectarianism and polarization calls for issue-based and citizen-centric media. political and sectarian groups. Addressing these challenges thus requires a multidimensional approach that draws on all three of the policy options ” mentioned above. While all of the suggested policy options are important to enhancing free expression, this policy brief focuses on three critical pillars that are most urgent and actionable by civil society organizations (CSOs): Pillar Pillar Open up media ownership Eliminating censorship and proposing This approach will advance freedom In the long run, complementary by removing the monopoly over media alternative regulatory policies. of expression and the growth of efforts should include: through reforming media legislation, This offers citizens the means independent media by removing which includes licensing and to engage freely with traditional barriers to entry in the media industry, ownership regulations. Current media and social media as a means decreasing media monopolization Modernizeing outdated and licensing and ownership practices of political participation, while in the hands of political figures, sometimes contradictory media- constrain the role of the media as alternative post-production eliminating government censorship, related laws, platforms for free expression and regulations create accountability and creating a more enabling meaningful exchange of information. mechanisms for media outlets. Improving ICT infrastructure and environment for social and online access, and media. Preserving internet freedom. Pillar Improve internet infrastructure and speed to facilitate the growth of alternative media channels and expand the space for citizens to express their ideas. 8 9
  • 7. THE WAY FORWARD Pillar Pillar Open Up Media Ownership Eliminating censorship Existing Anti-Censorship Efforts and proposing alternative regulatory policies > SKeyes is exposing government censorship and fostering dialogue on this Under current media regulations, it is Vague censorship policies place issue through periodic reports, events, and the web series “Mamnoo3” extremely difficult for new television ample discretionary powers in (“Forbidden”). stations and newspapers to obtain the hands of General Security’s licenses due to legal and financial Censorship Bureau, which is > MARCH, a local NGO, has researched and compiled cases of government barriers. The Maharat Foundation influenced by religious institutions censorship in a “Virtual Museum of Censorship” (www.censorshiplebanon. developed a draft law to reform the and political parties. CSOs have org), among other awareness activities and publications. media sector in collaboration with launched several campaigns other CSOs and non-governmental criticizing the mandate of the Social Media Exchange (SMEX) and Ontornet, among other NGOs, have > organizations (NGOs), which is being Censorship Bureau and its decisions launched a campaign against the Lebanese Internet Regulation Act discussed within parliamentary to censor movies, books, theater (LIRA), which has yet to be passed but which has in its current form high committees. The proposed law performances, and other forms of degrees of censorship over online content. includes a set of reforms, the most expression. These have included The important of which is modification of Virtual Museum of Censorship and > The media law is currently being debated in parliamentary committees. licensing rules to foster the growth the web series Mamnou3! of independent media outlets. The current situation presents two The current situation calls for an challenges: approach focused on: During parliamentary committee Designing a policy that respects discussions, it is important to freedom of expression while taking maintain the integrity of the law into consideration the realities of the proposal developed by civil society local context. and prevent major changes that would dilute the impact of key Forming an alternative and reforms, particularly those related to inclusive structure to oversee a post- media licensing and ownership. production regulatory framework instead of prior censorship. The timeframe between concluding parliamentary committee Convincing the executive branch discussions, placing the new law on to reform current censorship the agenda of the General Assembly, policies and practices. and voting on it might be long, especially since there is a backlog of 300 law proposals that Parliament has yet to vote on. 10 11
  • 8. THE WAY FORWARD Pillar Existing Studies and Proposals on Media Governance, Improve Internet Censorship, and Media Reforms Infrastructure and Speed One of the main obstacles to Civil society can support existing > Recommendations from the Internews Network, published in 2009, are better internet infrastructure is initiatives to increase internet speed a solid starting point for setting new internal governance standards for governance of the sector. There such as the “Ontornet” campaign the media industry. are overlapping responsibilities demanding the implementation of af- fordable, high-speed internet across > The Heinrich Böll Foundation presented recommendations for fighting between the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) the country (www.ontornet.org) and censorship in a study titled “Censorship in Lebanon: Law and Practice.” Strategy Coordination Unit within the the “Broadband Manifesto” issued by > In 2011, the Maharat Foundation presented a media law reform proposal Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry the Internet Society-Lebanon Chap- of Telecommunications, the state- ter (ISOC, www.isoc.org.lb). based on a consensual process that involved all major stakeholders in run telecom provider OGERO, the the media sector. Telecom Regulatory Authority, and > The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE), in partnership the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR). The with media entities and with support from the European Union Afkar government thus exercises a virtual program, launched a code of conduct for Lebanese journalists, which monopoly over the internet sector. was signed but not endorsed as a binding policy. The main reason behind low internet speed is the weak infrastructure for > The Arab Rule of Law Initiative published a study on the state of the broadband access. In light of these media in Lebanon highlighting limitations over ownership and content. factors, civil society efforts should > The International Press Initiative published a report titled “Media in focus on: Lebanon: Reporting on a Nation Divided” describing how the media is In the short term, advocate a reflection of sectarian politics, but the recommendations were not improvements of the internet translated into concrete initiatives. infrastructure to the Ministry of > OMSAR developed in 2003 an ICT strategy with seven pillars for Telecommunications and OGERO. reforming the ICT sector. In the long term, push for > ISOC issued the “Broadband Manifesto” calling for better broadband restructuring governance of the connectivity. internet sector to liberate it from government monopoly. > Law Proposal Number 435 calls for regulating and reforming the telecom sector. > Ontornet launched a campaign in 2011 calling for faster internet speed. 12 13
  • 9. FUTURE ACTION SHORT TO MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM National Level Local Level National Level Local Level Outcome Expected Outcome Expected A new media law is passed that includes open media ownership with low Grassroots community-level media outlets are created and spread across financial barriers for new entrants the country Open Up Media Open Up Media Ownership Ownership Build a coalition of CSOs, NGOs, and Support the establishment of Create a collaborative, inclusive, Foster networking between local Strategy social media activists to monitor new local media outlets, and progressive, and sustainable Strategy media outlets to feed into a national parliamentary committee discussions assist existing ones in expanding media outlet that can contribute outlet and share technical and and General Assembly voting on the their reach and increasing their to elevating citizen concerns and financial resources. proposed law sustainability issues Eliminating Censorship with Outcome Expected Alternative regulatory policy reforms are adopted by the Cabinet, all types Eliminating Censorship with Outcome Expected A new regulatory framework to guarantee freedom of expression and curb of censorship are eliminated, and a committee is formed to implement new Regulatory Policies censorship is developed and endorsed by a large number of stakeholders Regulatory Policies regulations Develop a new inclusive regulatory Launch a campaign bringing framework to replace censorship Develop a social media platform Strategy together CSOs, NGOs, and social Encourage local media outlets to Strategy policy, based on documented cases that documents and exposes media activists to put pressure expose and publicize government and practices by General Security’s the government’s censorship on government to adopt the policy censorship practices Censorship Bureau and benchmarks practices and create a committee with other countries Outcome Expected Improve Internet Infrastructure Improve Internet Infrastructure Outcome Expected Internet speed is improved due to development of the network and The internet sector is liberated and not monopolized by government, and the infrastructure as well as the availability of the needed budget to sustain it sector is organized within an effective governance model Research and recommend a Leverage and strengthen existing Organize and mobilize local governance model for the internet Decentralize national campaigns campaigns by expanding outreach to Strategy Strategy stakeholders to increase pressure sector and increase pressure on to multiply their effects locally to other stakeholders such as the private on local MPs, linking internet government to liberate the sector increase internet access and speed sector, NGOs, and the media and use speed to local development through direct actions led by at the local level direct actions to call for faster internet existing campaigns 14 15
  • 10. ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES During the last decade, several initiatives have sought to further freedom of expression and independent media, including attempts to establish a code of “ An alternative and inclusive post-production regulatory framework conduct for journalists and legislative proposals to improve media regulations. is essential for enhancing the quality of media outlets and creating These have yet to translate into concrete results. The advent of social media and accountability mechanisms. its popularity among youth, coupled with an increase in online news agencies, are ” indicators of interest and readiness by citizens to play a more influential role in media. Removing licensing restrictions, curbing censorship, and improving the internet infrastructure are critical steps for Lebanon to open the media industry to new entrants and aspiring groups. The following are suggestions for illustrative activities based on expert roundtables, interviews, and focus groups, which can be adopted by NGOs, CSOs, and CBOs to foster freedom of expression and independent media. Illustrative Activities at the Illustrative Activities at the National Level: Local Level: Expose documented cases of media Establish a committee of experts to Link media freedoms and internet Invite municipalities to support media censorship. review and reform governance of the rights to basic standards of living and projects and purchase of new licenses. ICT sector. local development. Document and raise awareness on Lobby MPs to adopt new proposals mismanagement of General Security’s Support innovative television and radio Provide incentives for municipalities to curb censorship and open media Censorship Bureau. programs that encourage freedom of to start new media outlets focusing ownership to new entrants. expression. on democratic dialogue and local Work with universities to establish Advocate for reforms aimed at curbing development issues. media clubs. government censorship. Initiate creative platforms to encourage dialogue and free expression on Showcase successful cases of local Create a lobbying group of new priority issues, including current use of media and internet to raise aspiring media owners and content censorship policies. awareness and influence the national developers. agenda of MPs and Cabinet members. Lobby MPs and parliamentary Propose amendments to existing committees to review and endorse Advocate to improve internet speed licensing and media ownership Law Proposal 435 for reform of the and access. practices. telecom sector. Encourage the dissemination of Launch loan and incubator projects for Increase pressure on government to citizen-generated content online and interested new media owners. enhance broadband infrastructure via national news agencies. Monitor media performance and through creative direct action and alliances with international internet Help establish small online media expose biased coverage and sectarian activists. outlets covering local issues. incitement. 16 17
  • 11. ENGAGING WITH DIFFERENT PARTIAL LIST OF REFERENCES STAKEHOLDERS The suggested policy option must be endorsed by key stakeholders and policy- Arab Rule of Law Initiative. State of Media in Lebanon. Retrieved from http://www.arabruleoflaw. org/Files/PDF/Media/Arabic/P2/MediaLebanonReportP2S2_AR.pdf makers to be implemented. The influence that the various stakeholders yield on the decision-making process will determine how they should be engaged “Artist Facing Jail Time: ‘Freedom of Expression Is a Myth in Lebanon.’” (April 6, 2012). Ya Libnan. Retrieved from http://www.yalibnan.com/2012/04/06/artist-facing-jail-time-over-graffiti-freedom-of- and the messages they should receive. Below is a list of stakeholders to be expressionis-a-myth-in-lebanon/ considered. Chahine, J. (May 5, 2004). “Lebanese Media Fractured, Politicized.” The Daily Star. > President of the Republic > International > Media development Retrieved from http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/May/05/Lebanese-media-fractured-politicized.ashx > Cabinet of Ministers media associations organizations “Circumventing Censors” (September 2012). Al-Ahram Weekly Online, Issue 1114. Cairo. > Ministry of Information > NGOs, CSOs, CBOs > Syndicates of > Other Ministries > International journalists & editors Ekmekji, A., Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Haigazian University (September 19, > Parliamentary Committee media agencies > Production companies 2012). Personal interview by A. Hmayed, BRD/I. on Media > Lebanese diaspora & publishing houses Feintuck, M. (1999) Media Regulation, Public Interest and the Law. Edinburgh: University of > National Council for > Existing media > Academia & research Edinburgh Press. Media outlets institutes Freedom in the World 2005 - Lebanon (2005). Freedom of Expression, Freedom House. Article > Political parties > New small media > Advertising agencies 19. London. > Municipalities outlets > ICT Coordination Unit at > Bloggers Helou, R., Communication Expert and Journalist (October 5, 2012). the Prime Minister’s office Personal interview by N. Menhall, BRD/I. > General Security Internews Network (2009). Behind the Scenes: Transparency in Lebanese Media Business Practices. Each of these entities requires a different strategy and approach to ally it with Kraidy, M. (2011). Media Reform in Lebanon: New Media, New Politics? Annenberg School the suggested policy. The following table highlights the incentives for the key for Communication University of Pennsylvania. stakeholders to adopt or support the proposed policy. These incentives can form Krischer, O. (August 2012). Censorship in Lebanon. Art Asia Pacific. Lebanon. the basis for developing communication messages to persuade the stakeholders Retrieved from http://artasiapacific.com/News/CensorshipInLebanon to take action. Maharat Foundation, http://maharatfoundation.org Mahfouz, A., Director of the National Council for Media (September 3, 2012). Personal Stakeholders Incentives interview by A. Hmayed, BRD/I. Parliamentary Rebuild trust and credibility with constituents and McNally, R. (January 4, 2012). Comparative Media Law in the MENA Region. MENA City Blocks and Lawyers (MCL). Lebanon. improve communication channels with them Committees Media in Lebanon: Part Two. Arab Center for the Development of Rule of Law and Cabinet & Improve civic engagement and responsibility through Integrity (ACRLI). Retrieved from http://www.arabruleoflaw.org/Files/PDF/Media/Arabic/P2/ Ministries enhanced outreach to citizens MediaLebanonReportP2S2_AR.pdf ICT Coordination Media Law Proposal. (n.d.). Maharat Foundation. Retrieved from http://maharatfoundation.org/ Increase ability to implement the ICT strategy and wp-content/uploads/2011/02/media-law-proposal2.pdf Unit and Telecom Regulatory engage citizens in the process Media Situation in Lebanon (2006). The National Commission on Electoral Law. Retrieved Authority from http://www.elections-lebanon.org/elections/docs_6_G_4_4a_25.aspx Rebuild trust and credibility in the media sector and Media Sustainability Index: Developing Independent and Sustainable Media in Lebanon Syndicates and (2010). IREX. Media Outlets improve membership base Melki, J., Dabbous, Y., Nasser, K. et al. (March 15, 2012). Mapping Digital Media in Lebanon. Create new alternative form of participation, Open Society Foundation. London. NGOs, CSOs, & communication, and outreach and increase civil society CBOs influence within the public sphere 18 19
  • 12. PARTIAL LIST OF REFERENCES Memorandum on the Draft Law Amending the Press Law of Lebanon (July 2009). Article 19, London. Monitor for the Situation of Women and Children. (2009). Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS): Final Report. Lebanon. Mouhanna, A., SKeyes Executive Director (September 3, 2012). Personal interview by N. Menhall, BRD/I. Moukhayber, G. (2010). Motives of the Law Proposal. Murr, A., Chief Executive Officer of El Nashra (September 7, 2012). Personal interview by N. Menhall, BRD/I. Open Society Foundation. Digital Media in Lebanon. Retrieved from http://www. opensocietyfoundations.org/sites/default/files/OSF-Media-Report-Lebanon-05-06-2012-final-WEB.pdf Power, C. (2006). Media in Lebanon: Reporting on a Nation Divided. International Press Institute. Retrieved from http://www.freemedia.at/fileadmin/media/Documents/IPI_mission_reports/ Lebanon_Mission_Report.pdf Press and Cultural Freedom In Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine (2011). Samir Kassir Foundation Annual Report. Lebanon. Puddephatt, A. (2006). Defining Indicators of Media Development. IPDC Intergovernmental Council, 25th session. Saghieh, N., Saghieh, R. Geagea, N. (n.d.). Censorship in Lebanon: Law and Practice. Heinrich Böll Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.lb.boell.org/web/52-744.html Sharro, K. (2011, November 10). The Paradoxes of Free Speech in Lebanon: Index on Censorship. London. SKeyes, http://www.skeyesmedia.org/ SKeyes (2012). Mamnou3! (web video series). Retrieved from http://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/ Mamnou3 The Virtual Museum of Censorship (2012). http://www.censorshiplebanon.org/Home UNESCO (2009). The Regulatory Environment for Broadcasting: An International Best Practice Survey for Brazilian Stakeholders. 20