Lebanon Coordination 2024

This page is dedicated to coordinating and sharing information related to support provided to Lebanese media, journalists, and media support organisations in the wake of intensified conflict and raids

Since October 2023, Lebanese journalists have paid a severe price while covering the ongoing conflict, with five media professionals killed by Israeli forces and many others wounded. On Monday, September 23, 2024, the situation took a darker turn with one of the largest air raids conducted by the Israeli army.

Since, more than a million residents from South Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburb have been forced to flee. While some relief efforts have been put in place, it is impossible to overlook the lack of preparedness by the Lebanese authorities, burdened by corruption, political interference, and severe budgetary challenges.

GFMD’s Lebanese members and those operating in Lebanon have initiated efforts to support journalists and media and are reaching out to the international donor community and stakeholders for support in these efforts.

The 2024 Lebanon Coordination is being organised by the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), and its Lebanese members, and was launched in response to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The initiative aims to assess the urgent needs of the country’s journalists and media outlets during this challenging time. By working closely with media professionals across the region through a series of information sharing and coordinating meetings, the coordination seeks to identify priorities and provide support through targeted initiatives that enhance safety, improve journalistic skills, and promote accurate reporting.

Aims

The aim of this initiative is to bring together all major actors in media development, local and regional media assistance groups and the representatives of nascent media sectors to:

Ensure the physical, mental, and digital safety of journalists covering the war.

Call for sustained and tailored funding to enable Lebanese journalists and media outlets to continue performing their vital roles.

Reach a common understanding of needs and priorities.

Support in providing relocation and housing assistance for displaced journalists.