LEBANON - UNESCO has welcomed Lebanon’s Parliament’s adoption of a new Media Law, calling it an important milestone in the country’s efforts to modernize its media legislation and strengthen freedom of expression, press freedom and the safety of journalists.
The law was adopted without amendments to the version submitted by the joint parliamentary committees and replaces legislation that has governed Lebanon’s media sector for decades. It covers print and publishing, television and radio broadcasting, as well as electronic media.
UNESCO said it had supported Lebanon’s Ministry of Information in recent years by providing technical and legal expertise, relaunching national consultations on media law reform and facilitating dialogue among national stakeholders.
The organization said its support contributed to advancing the reform process and aligning the proposed framework with international norms and standards before its submission to Parliament.
What Are The Main Changes?
Among the law’s main changes is the creation of an independent National Media Authority, which will have legal personality as well as financial and administrative independence. Its responsibilities include granting media licenses and notifications, maintaining a public registry of media institutions, developing codes of conduct, monitoring media pluralism and press freedoms, and issuing reports on the state of the media sector.
The authority will also oversee complaints related to the right of reply and correction and may take measures against violations, ranging from clarification requests and warnings to, in certain cases, referring media institutions to the judiciary.
The new legislation explicitly regulates electronic media, distinguishing between professional and non-professional media websites. It states that electronic media is free and that establishing media websites and pages does not require prior approval or licensing. Professional websites must, however, disclose information about their ownership, responsible manager and contact details.
The law also introduces greater transparency requirements for media ownership and finances. Media institutions will be required to maintain records containing information on owners, management, capital and shareholders, as well as revenues and their sources, including advertising, subscriptions, donations and loans.
For television and radio, the legislation establishes rules governing licensing, broadcasting services, digital transition, ownership concentration and media pluralism. It also includes provisions supporting local production and programming of public interest.
The law further establishes rules on the right to reply, correction and removal. Individuals may request the correction or removal of inaccurate factual content, including material published on an outlet’s website or social media accounts. Under certain conditions, media institutions must publish replies free of charge and with visibility comparable to the original material.
It also requires a clear separation between editorial and advertising content and introduces transparency requirements for opinion polls, including disclosure of their funding or commissioning body, sample size, methodology and margin of error.
The legislation contains provisions addressing incitement to hatred and discrimination, as well as the publication of false or harmful information.
UNESCO welcomed measures aimed at promoting a safe and responsible media environment but stressed that their implementation should remain grounded in respect for freedom of expression, access to information and journalists’ safety, in line with international human rights standards.
UNESCO said it stands ready to support the Lebanese government in implementing the law and further developing a diverse, independent, pluralistic and safe media environment.
