A new era for Lebanon’s media?

After more than 15 years of debate, revisions, and parliamentary deliberations, Lebanon is approaching one of the most significant legislative overhauls of its media sector in decades. A legislative session is reportedly expected to be convened before the end of July to vote on 3 major bills, including the draft Media Law.

The long-awaited draft law, comprising 129 articles, is expected to be submitted to Parliament’s General Assembly for a vote after completing its review in the joint parliamentary committees; particularly the Administration and Justice, Media and Communications, and Human Rights committees. The revised draft seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing print, broadcast, audiovisual, and digital media under a single legislative umbrella. This modernization comes at a time when new online platforms and independent digital journalism continue to reshape Lebanon’s media landscape. Indeed, Lebanese Minister of Information Paul Morcos asserted that

We have reached an advanced media law proposal, and I believe it will transform the media landscape by approximately 80% to 90%.

The proposed legislation seeks to modernize a legal framework that has become increasingly outdated in the digital age, replacing provisions dating back decades with rules designed to regulate both traditional and online media. However, this has been accompanied by growing opposition from various actors, who argue that several provisions require further revision before the legislation is finalized.

Strengthening legal protections for journalists

Among the most notable reforms contained in the draft law is the complete abolition of pretrial detention in media-related cases. Under the proposed legislation, journalists accused of publishing controversial or defamatory material could no longer be detained before a final judicial ruling. This provision represents a significant departure from previous legal practices, which have frequently been criticized as tools capable of intimidating journalists and discouraging investigative reporting.

Equally significant is the abolition of Lebanon’s specialized Publications Court, which has historically handled press-related disputes. Instead, the draft law proposes the establishment of specialized civil chambers within regional courts to adjudicate media cases. This will integrate media disputes into the ordinary judicial system while ensuring judges develop expertise in media law without maintaining an exceptional judicial structure.

The legislation also introduces, for the first time, a precise legal definition of a “journalist.” It defines the latter as an individual whose principal source of income comes from employment within a recognized media institution. This distinction is necessary to differentiate professional journalists from social media activists, influencers, or individuals who publish content independently online. In this regard, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab affirmed that

Some people claim to be journalists while tarnishing the image of journalism. This law was introduced to clearly distinguish between those journalists, whose freedom and right to freedom of expression must be protected, and those who engage in defamation and fabricate false news.

Also worth noting is the fact that the draft further removes an outdated requirement contained in the current law that obliges every media institution to have at least 10 shareholders.

Combating hate speech and disinformation

While expanding protections for professional journalists, the proposed legislation also grants the judiciary broader authority to combat hate speech and misinformation.

The law authorizes courts to order the closure of media institutions found responsible for disseminating content deemed to incite sectarian strife, spread hatred, or publish false news. These measures are necessary to preserve public order and prevent media platforms from contributing to political violence or communal tensions in Lebanon’s highly sensitive sectarian environment.

Indeed, supporters argue that stronger legal tools are needed to address the rapid spread of fabricated information through both traditional media and digital platforms, particularly during periods of political crisis or national emergencies.

However, critics warn that terms such as “false news,” “incitement,” and “hatred” remain insufficiently defined within the draft legislation. Without precise legal criteria, these provisions could become vulnerable to selective interpretation or political misuse, potentially exposing media organizations to arbitrary sanctions.

Growing opposition over controversial provisions

Although the draft law has been presented as a long-overdue modernization of Lebanon’s media legislation, its latest version has prompted increasing concern among several stakeholders.

Employees contracted by the Lebanese Ministry of Information:

Employees contracted by the Ministry of Information have appealed directly to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, warning that the proposed law includes a provision abolishing several directorates within the Ministry of Information before their employment status and retirement rights have been legally secured. The contractors stressed that a separate draft law granting them access to the public retirement system has yet to be approved by Parliament, raising fears that they could lose their positions without obtaining the pension benefits for which they have campaigned for years.

In a statement issued following a general assembly meeting, the contractors urged Parliament to prioritize the retirement legislation before adopting the new Media Law. They warned that failure to safeguard their acquired rights could force them to launch an open-ended strike across the National News Agency (NNA), Radio Lebanon, the Lebanese Studies and Publications Directorate, and other departments within the Ministry of Information.

Nevertheless, Minister Paul Morcos stated that

Our main concern was preserving the rights of employees in the Ministry of Information, and these rights have been maintained. God willing, we will take them a step further when the draft retirement law is approved by the General Assembly of the House of Representatives.

The Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate:

Moreover, the draft has also faced criticism from the Lebanese Press Editors Syndicate, whose president, Joseph Kosseifi, objected to the proposed composition of the future National Media Council, arguing that journalists and media professionals would not receive fair and balanced representation within the body despite being its primary stakeholders.

Articles 106 and 123 fueling further controversy:

Furthermore, despite highlighting that the law abolishes criminal penalties for defamation and insult cases, several legal provisions have generated significant controversy.

Particular attention has focused on Article 106, which critics argue partially reintroduces criminal liability through indirect means. Under this article, criminal prosecution may still become possible if a plaintiff proves that published material was false, defamatory, extortionary, fabricated, or falsely attributed criminal acts to the complainant. This therefore risks creating legal uncertainty by allowing criminal proceedings to return under broadly worded exceptions, thereby weakening the intended decriminalization of media offenses.

Another contentious provision is Article 123, which has drawn criticism for restricting journalists’ ability to establish or freely join professional unions. Opponents view the article as a regression in labor rights and freedom of association, arguing that independent syndicates remain essential for defending journalists’ professional interests.

In this context, many have called for additional amendments before the final parliamentary vote, insisting that the legislation should fully align with international standards governing freedom of expression, due process, and press independence.

Hence, Lebanon’s proposed Media Law represents one of the country’s most ambitious attempts to reform its legal framework for journalism in a generation. As Parliament prepares to debate the bill, its final form will likely shape Lebanon’s media environment for years to come.