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Impact of U.S. Government Funding Suspension on Independent Media in Lebanon

Widad Jarbouh

Beirut: Samir Kassir Foundation (2025), 9 pp.

"The January 23, 2025 suspension of U.S. government funding has placed Lebanon’s independent media outlets under significant strain. Although some organizations were unaffected, many face heightened financial uncertainty, reduced operational capacity, and the potential for layoffs. The Samir Kassi ... r Foundation conducted a survey of 18 outlets to assess the scope of this impact, examining factors such as organizational size, primary funding sources, financial losses, and the specific measures being taken to address budget shortfalls. Key Findings: Mixed impact: Of the 18 organizations surveyed, 6 reported no adverse effects, 8 indicated direct financial and operational challenges, and 4 did not respond. Funding sources: Government grants remain the most common revenue source; however, 4 outlets also rely on advertising, subscription fees, or other production-related streams. The overall decline in available grant opportunities has intensified competition for funding and increased uncertainty. Operational challenges: 7 outlets have scaled back content production and restructured operations (e.g., implementing remote work, reducing salaries or benefits). 4 outlets project potential layoffs, albeit affecting fewer than five employees each. Short-term needs: Participants identified employee salaries and essential operating costs as top priorities. Many emphasized the importance of pursuing new grants, forging partnerships, and exploring revenue-generating activities (e.g., marketing services or AI-based tools). Psychosocial support for employees and enhanced security measures also surfaced as pressing concerns. Conclusion: The abrupt funding cut, compounded by Lebanon’s broader economic and political turbulence, has left smaller outlets especially vulnerable, limiting their ability to diversify revenue and threatening their long-term viability. Without adequate replacement funding, the diversity of Lebanon’s media landscape could shrink, and politically affiliated outlets may gain greater influence. This underscores the need for alternative financial avenues and supportive frameworks to preserve the independent voices essential to media freedom in Lebanon." (https://www.skeyesmedia.org) more

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Public Opinion Perspectives on Governance and Civil Society Organizations in Lebanon

Mirna Ghanem

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2024), 47 pp.

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Perception and consumption of hate speech in the Lebanese media

Nidal Ayoub

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2024), 25 pp.

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WhatsApp 360: A Look into the WhatsApp News Ecosystem in Lebanon Focusing on Misinformation and Hate Speech

Ralph Baydoun et al.

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 39 pp.

"1. Expansive reach and influence of WhatsApp groups: The study findings indicate that WhatsApp groups have a remarkably wide reach, potentially connecting with three quarters of WhatsApp users in Lebanon. These groups are part of larger networks, which enhances the dissemination of content. Moreove ... more

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Lebanon's Information Environment: Exploring Appropriate Responses

Mirna Ghanem

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation; National Endowment for Democracy (NED) (2023), 32 pp.

"The purpose of this study is twofold: to understand how the Lebanese public consumes news published on traditional and alternative media, with a focus on how they perceive and deal with disinformation campaigns and fake news, and to build a comprehensive view of the organizations and initiatives th ... more

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Human Rights and Freedom of Expression: Identifying Allies and Opponents

Nadine Moubarak

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 60 pp.

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Mis- and Disinformation: Media Perception and Consumption of Fake News in Lebanon

Nidal Ayoub

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 20 pp.

"Participants in the study take a snapshot of a variety of news channels and social media platforms to get their news, evaluating their truthfulness and attempting to “figure out the truth.” Across different focus groups, there is a shared lack of trust in news channels, and no media outlet is p ... more

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Photojournalists’ Social and Economic Rights in Lebanon

Nadine Moubarak

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 58 pp.

"The study addresses four key research questions: What are the social and economic rights of photojournalists in Lebanon? To what extent are these rights currently provided? What are the main challenges faced by photojournalists and their Syndicate? What recommendations can be made to enhance the le ... gal framework for photojournalists in Lebanon? To answer these research questions, a mixed data collection approach was used, combining both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 19 interviews were conducted with photojournalists working in Lebanon, using the same questionnaire, and led by the Samir Kassir Foundation (SKF) team. One of the most significant findings from these interviews is that some photojournalists who work as employees are not allowed to work as freelancers due to exclusive agreements with their employers. Additionally, some full-time employees do not have the time to take on freelance work. Furthermore, some respondents reported that photographers are not receiving the same salary adjustments as other journalists in media institutions, which has led to a disparity in pay. Out of the 19 respondents, only seven reported receiving payment in United States dollars, while the majority (63%) received payment in Lebanese pounds, or a combination of both currencies at a certain rate. The study also found that 60% of respondents use their personal equipment while working. Given that protective gear such as helmets and anti-bullet vests are expensive in Lebanon, most photojournalists do not use such equipment for their safety during their coverage. Only two respondents reported receiving a safety kit from their institution. Furthermore, 42% of respondents do not have private insurance, which is concerning given the risks and dangers that photojournalists face in their work. During the interviews, one respondent emphasized the need to protect the dignity of photojournalists who have dedicated years to their work. They suggested providing social security and retirement benefits for photojournalists who have given their wholehearted effort to their institutions. The respondent also pointed out that photojournalists often work in multiple roles, such as technicians of light and sound, drivers, and equipment carriers, and may be unable to continue working due to physical injuries. According to the study, 68% of the respondents reported experiencing discrimination in their work. Of the Lebanese respondents, 73% reported experiencing discrimination, with seven citing sectarian and regional discrimination and one reporting discrimination by a state authority. Among foreign respondents, 50% reported experiencing discrimination, with one citing a state authority as the perpetrator. Additionally, 40% of respondents reported not having a written contract with their employer or client. Of the nine who reported having a written contract, eight mentioned not having a copy of it. One respondent who did not have a written contract explained that they were afraid of being dismissed and left jobless, feeling constantly threatened and unable to demand more. The study highlighted the crucial role that photojournalists play in the media industry, with the majority of respondents acknowledging their importance. However, one respondent noted during an interview that despite the reliance on photo and video visuals, photographers are often the weakest link and are blamed for any errors or mistakes. Two other respondents echoed this sentiment. One major issue that the Photojournalists’ Syndicate faces is that its internal regulation is outdated (from 1994) and there are no professional regulations for photojournalists. In response to the question of whether the Syndicate plays a major role in protecting photojournalists’ rights in Lebanon, 58% of the respondents answered “No”. Many of those who said “No” explained that the issue is not with the Syndicate itself, but with the government in general, its corrupt system, and the fact that the authorities do not allow the Syndicate to do its work." (https://www.skeyesmedia.org) more

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Follow the Money: The Informal Channels of Lebanese Media Funding

Goergia Dagher, Sami Zoughaib, Sami Atallah

Beirut: Samir Kassir Foundation; Policy Initiative (2023), 42 pp.

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Lebanon’s Presidential Candidates in the Social Media Debate: No Place for Policy

Karim Safieddine, Jad Safwan, Jad Hani

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 22 pp.

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Journalists' Insurance Coverage in Lebanon

Nadine Moubarak

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 26 pp.

"It is crucial to emphasize that insurance should be a fundamental right for all workers, regardless of the safety and security of their working environment. In Lebanon, journalists who passionately and tirelessly advocate for rights and freedoms, who endeavor to create a better society, and who dil ... more

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Media Coverage of Religious Diversity and Freedoms: Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan

Jaber Baker

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 19 pp.

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Navigating Freedom: Making Sense of Lebanon's Digital Discourse on Free Expression

Jad Safwan

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 13 pp.

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Discord or Dialogue: Religious Authorities on Twitter in Iraq, Lebanon, and Sudan

Jad Safwan

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 33 pp.

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Hate Speech in Lebanon: The Shortcomings and Responsibilities of Social Media Platforms

Afef Abrougui, Mirna Ghanem, Farah Rasmi

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 49 pp.

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730 Days of Hate: Two-Year Monitoring of Hate Speech in the Lebanese Media and Social Media 2020-2022

Widad Jarbouh, Jad Safwan, Jad Hani

Metn: Samir Kassir Foundation (2023), 45 pp.

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Consultation on media viability in Lebanon

Beirut: Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD); Maharat Foundation; Samir Kassir Foundation; UNESCO (2023), 15 pp.

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Media Coverage of Religious Freedom and Diversity: Reception and Perception Qualitative Study from Iraq, Lebanon and Sudan

Jad Safwan, Nidal Ayoub, Montadhar Kadhim Nasser, Rasha Abdallah Al-Awad

Beirut: Samir Kassir Foundation; Internews (2022), 40 pp.

"This qualitative study report primarily details the reactions of local audiences in Lebanon, Iraq, and Sudan and their perception of media content produced by journalist trained by ENQUIRE (Enhancing Quality Information on Religious Freedoms). The content is compared with that of more traditional, ... more

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Review of the Funding Landscape for Media Development Actors in Lebanon

Michael Randall

Brussels: Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD); Samir Kassir Foundation; International Media Support (IMS) (2022), 27 pp.

"[...] there has been a growing recognition that traditional approaches to media development are struggling to deliver the anticipated results. This acknowledgement has led some donors to conduct far-ranging needs assessments in order to better understand the priorities of their beneficiaries as wel ... l as the environmental constraints that have blunted the impact of media development initiatives in the past. At the same time, the recipients of donor funding are increasingly asking to have a say in determining the kind of support that is provided by the international community. They say that programmes should be driven by demand rather than by donor assumptions or thematic priorities that do not fully reflect the situation on the ground. The calls for proposals reviewed during this study suggest that donors are responding to these concerns. There is clear evidence of concerted efforts to make funding more accessible to local organisations and to move the centre of gravity away from international partners. Although some programmes remain out of the reach of local players due to the size of their budgets or their regional scope, they often include very significant sub-granting programmes aimed at helping local media to become viable businesses and at supporting the production of public interest content. The themes embraced by the calls also reflect the urgent need within the media sector to build resilience to economic shocks, political bullying and disinformation campaigns. There is a marked insistence on promoting usable skills such as factchecking and mobile journalism, accompanied by provisions for ensuring that training is delivered by “media professionals as opposed to professional trainers with minimal or no experience in the media industry”. These are positive developments which, to a large extent, have been driven by sustained dialogue between stakeholders and far-ranging needs assessments. Of particular note in Lebanon is the unprecedented success of the Media Recovery Fund, initiated by the Samir Kassir Foundation, which marks a dramatic shift in the implementer-donor relationship. There is a strong possibility that this approach could form the focus of future coordination efforts and could, in time, serve as the cornerstone for a national media development strategy. It could also become a blueprint for other countries in the region." (Executive summary) more

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Youth and Independent Media in Jordan: Focus Group Findings

Jad Safwan

Beirut: Samir Kassir Foundation; D-Jil (2022), 6 pp.

"1. Digital media overshadowed offline media for several reasons. In Jordan’s case, trust was the primary factor and a reoccurring theme during the focus group discussions. Offline media was often associated with the status quo and therefore, inspired little to no credibility for the participants; ... more