# 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: {% hint style="success" %} Ensure the physical, mental, and digital safety of journalists covering the war. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Call for sustained and tailored funding to enable Lebanese journalists and media outlets to continue performing their vital roles. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Reach a common understanding of needs and priorities. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Support in providing relocation and housing assistance for displaced journalists. {% endhint %} # Lebanon Coordination (2020-22) This resource centre was created by the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) and is dedicated to coordinating media development assistance in Lebanon 2020-2022. ## An example of locally driven coordination {% hint style="info" %} The Lebanon Coordination (2020-2022) was an example of **a locally driven coordination** and presented an opportunity to rethink the future of media assistance in Lebanon. Led by **the SKeyes Centre for Media and Cultural Freedom**, along with other Lebanese media development and journalism support organisations, it was conducted in partnership with **the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD)** and supported by **International Media Support (IMS).** This effort focused on information sharing and invited both international and local media development organizations to coordinate recovery and assistance efforts in Lebanon. {% endhint %} ## Conclusion of the Lebanon Coordination (2020–2022): Key Outcomes and Global Lessons in Media Assistance {% hint style="success" %} The 2020–2022 coordination effort concluded with the Lebanon Media Recovery Fund closing after fulfilling its mission and delivering assistance to media and journalists affected by the August 2020 port blast. As part of the closing activities, the team produced the ["Coordinating Media Assistance and Journalism Support Efforts" report and policy paper](https://gfmd.info/briefings/coordinating-media-assistance-journalism-support/), which analyse the scope and focus of media assistance coordination efforts (in Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, and several other cases), highlighting common pitfalls as well as best practices. The report contributed to the development of [the OECD Development Co-operation Principles for Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment ](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info)and is now used as a baseline document for planning coordination activities. {% endhint %} ## Background, Activities and Outcomes ## The context On the 4th of August 2020, the Beirut port blast ripped a city to shreds and reopened old wounds for a fragile population already facing civil unrest, an ongoing socio-economic crisis, on the top of the COVID-19 pandemic. ## Joint Coordination Mechanism On the initiative of Samir Kassir Foundation’s [SKeyes Center](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/Home), and with support from International Media Support **(**IMS), GFMD brought together Lebanese, regional and international media assistance groups together to form a Joint Coordination Mechanism. ### Aim Bring together all major actors in media development, local and regional media assistance groups and the representatives of nascent media sectors: {% hint style="success" %} Map out media support to Lebanon to help the media development community. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Reach a common understanding of needs and priorities. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Identify areas for potential partnerships, collaboration and innovation. {% endhint %} ### **Roles** **GFMD** is supported by **IMS**, to: {% hint style="success" %} Contribute to the exchange and collection of information about the international media development assistance and recovery efforts in Lebanon through engagement with the network of media donors, funders, and media support organisations and other actors. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Collect relevant information and reports, and share within the group and relevant stakeholders. {% endhint %} Project activities and plans are coordinated and co-organised in partnership with the [**Samir Kassir Foundation**](https://samirkassirfoundation.org/en/Samir-Kassir-Foundation/About-Us/Mission), GFMD member and a well known Lebanon based organisation that monitors violations of freedom of the press and culture, and defends the rights and freedom of expression of journalists and intellectuals. ## Mapping of Lebanon media assistance To support ongoing coordination GFMD compiled a spreadsheet that lists the organisations invited to participate in the information-sharing initiative, which provides a background for each organisation, an overview of their projects in the MENA region, and outlines their Lebanon recovery efforts. {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG) {% endcontent-ref %} Access is restricted to GFMD members and those operating in, or managing media assistance and journalism support projects in Lebanon. {% hint style="info" %} To request access, please click on the link and follow the instructions and/or email **** {% endhint %} ## Coordination meetings To achieve the aims of the Joint Coordination Mechanism, GFMD, in collaboration with IMS and the Samir Kassir Foundation’s SKeyes Center is holding a series of information sharing and coordination meetings. ### October 2020 The first coordination meeting -- “Lebanon Media Recovery Fund and Media Development Assistance Efforts” -- held on October 26th, 2020. The meeting was attended by over 35 participants representing local and international media development and journalism support organisations implementing projects in Lebanon. A report from the meeting available [here](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/october-2020). {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxRtkNg1d7eyaRSY8E" %} [October 2020](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/october-2020) {% endcontent-ref %} The coordination meeting raised a significant interest and received positive feedback. Economic viability was identified as one of the main follow-up topics participants wanted to learn more about in the upcoming activities. ### March 2021 The second coordination meeting, held on 16 March 2021, focused on **Media Sustainability in Lebanon**. The meeting heard from a variety of media with different business models and the results of series of interviews on sustainability and viability in Lebanon with media assistance representatives and Lebanese media. A report from the meeting available [here](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021). {% content-ref url="/pages/-MYeB90D\_QW4nmEH\_Mzr" %} [March 2021](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021) {% endcontent-ref %} ### December 2021 The third meeting of the Joint Coordination Mechanism for Lebanon on December 16, 2021 focused on the **funding landscape for media development actors in Lebanon** based on new research. The meeting also heard from donors and implementers on effective programme design and the structure of support. A report from the meeting available [here](#undefined). {% content-ref url="/pages/rNhgzkgJJZXc12i34KHL" %} [December 2021](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/december-2021) {% endcontent-ref %} ## Research As an introduction to the second coordination meeting, in [March 2021](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021), GFMD, together with SKeyes and IMS, prepared and conducted snapshot research on media sustainability and viability by conducting interviews with media assistance professionals and representatives from Lebanese media with successful and/or innovative business models in Lebanon and MENA region. {% content-ref url="/pages/-MVud8ePBD9V2vSR\_9Sp" %} [REPORT - Sustainability & journalism support in Lebanon](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) {% endcontent-ref %} ## Literature review GFMD is curating a [literature review](/resources/lit-review) of resources relevant to media assistance in Lebanon. {% content-ref url="/pages/-MYeH7OYlmMR8BllfznT" %} [LIT REVIEW - Lebanon media landscape](/resources/lit-review) {% endcontent-ref %} # Lebanon meeting reports (2020-22) # December 2021 Report from the third meeting of the Joint Coordination Mechanism for Lebanon held on December 16, 2021. ![](https://3489568568-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvUk2bAgWClatWsb5WGlC%2Fuploads%2FCPGIZjZENjkZxYzMluQA%2FGFMD%20SKEYES%20IMS%20Lebanon%20coordination.png?alt=media\&token=dd9370a6-8bd5-47fe-a0b9-545bdd58023f) This meeting report has three sections: 1. [An Update on Media Recovery Fund](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/december-2021/media-recovery-fund): Presented by Ayman Mhanna from Skeyes Centre for Media and Cultural Freedom. 2. A summary of a presentation of a report on [Funding Landscape for Media Development Actors in Lebanon](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/december-2021/funding-landscape-report) by fundraising expert and researcher, Michael Randall. 3. [Perspectives from donors and implementers](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/december-2021/donor-and-implementer-perspectives) on effective programme design and the structure of support. ### Attendance * **13** representatives of international media assistance organisations * **8** representatives of donor organisations * **5** representatives of regional or Lebanese media assistance organisations * **3** organisers * **2** academia representatives * **1** consultant keynote speaker ### Background * Meeting notes from previous meetings of the Joint Coordination Mechanism for media assistance in Lebanon: [March 2021](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021), [October 2020. ](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/october-2020) * [Background about the Joint Coordination Mechanism for media assistance in Lebanon](https://coordination.gfmd.info). * [A literature review of relevant resources](https://coordination.gfmd.info/resources/lit-review). # Agenda Lebanon Media Development Assistance Efforts Coordination Meeting - December 16, 2021 - Programmes supporting the sustainability of media in Lebanon ![](https://3489568568-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MNdNXh2sslttzRplLZG%2F-MUx5UAEbjMAwQ-2og9Y%2F-MUx5qUEJRSOq9pCj6Il%2FScreenshot%202021-03-04%20at%2012.55.31.png?alt=media\&token=4d4b31eb-f230-4e76-b04f-8ecd4a766885) ## Programmes for media sustainability support in Lebanon ### Media Development Assistance Coordination Meeting #### December 16, 2021 ## AGENDA ### **Aim** The overall aim of the joint coordination is to map and share information between journalism support and media development actors around their plans for media development and recovery activities and efforts in Lebanon. The focus of this, third coordination meeting is to gather donors, and media and journalism support organisations to discuss the donor practices around: * How donors design their calls for proposals * How donors learn about efforts of other funders when issuing calls for proposals and how they work to avoid of duplication and overlap * What would be best practices in two items above from the perspective of beneficiaries and from the perspective of donors? ### **Previous activities** **Coordination meetings:** [**The first meeting**](https://coordination.gfmd.info/lebanon-meeting-reports/october-2020) was held on October 26th 2020 gathering over 35 media development actors with experience of working in Lebanon and implementing recovery assistance programs in the explosion aftermath.​ [**The second meeting**](https://coordination.gfmd.info/lebanon-meeting-reports/march-2021) gathered 41 representatives of media development and journalism support organisations, media development actors and Lebanese media organisations to discuss the challenges of achieving sustainability of media and media support organisations in Lebanon. GFMD also [**conducted a snapshot research on media sustainability**](https://coordination.gfmd.info/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) as introduction and for the facilitation of discussions. **Mapping:** To support ongoing coordination GFMD compiled [**a spreadsheet** ](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gKB3uxHaeyJLu27lgVDhrNwtfDt-2DX2sijVkV9GmTg/edit#gid=0)that lists the organisations invited to participate in the information-sharing initiative, which provides a background for each organisation, an overview of their projects in the MENA region, and outlines their Lebanon recovery efforts.To access the information sheet mapping media assistance in Lebanon click on the link below and request access. Please note that access will only be granted to donors and those working on media development in Lebanon.​[MAPPING - Lebanon Media Assistance (Restricted Access)](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gKB3uxHaeyJLu27lgVDhrNwtfDt-2DX2sijVkV9GmTg/edit#gid=0) ### Meeting details **Date:** 16th December 2021 **Time: 16:00** – **17:30** (Beirut, Lebanon time - UTC+3) | **15:00** – **16:30** (Brussels, Belgium time - UTC+2) **Moderator:** Ivana Bjelic Vucinic, [Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD)](https://gfmd.info)​ ## **WELCOME (15:00-15:10)** * Michael Irving Jensen, [International Media Support (IMS)](https://www.mediasupport.org)​ * Mira Milosevic, [Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD)](https://gfmd.info)​ * Ayman Mhanna, [Skeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom](#agenda) ## [UPDATE ON MEDIA RECOVERY FUND (15:10-15:20)](https://coordination.gfmd.info/lebanon-meeting-reports/december-2021/media-recovery-fund) **Speaker:** * Ayman Mhanna, [Skeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom](#agenda) {% embed url="" %} ## Presentation of the report **Funding Landscape for Media Development Actors in Lebanon** (15:20-15:40) **Presenter:** Michael Randall, fundraising expert and researcher {% hint style="info" %} **Recommended reading:** ​[REPORT - *Funding Landscape for Media Development Actors* \ *in Lebanon*](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/News/Reports/15-02-2022/9874) Also, read the presentation of the main findings below. {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} ## Donor perspective in programme design (15:40-15:55) * How donors learn about efforts of other funders when issuing calls for proposals and how they aim to avoid of duplication and overlap * What would be best practices from the perspective of donors **Contributors:** Donor representatives * Rabeh Ghadban, [The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, US Department of State](https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-civilian-security-democracy-and-human-rights/bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/) * Alessandro Accorsi, [The European External Action Service, (EEAS) ](https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en) ## Implementor perspective in programme design (15:55-16:10) * How beneficiaries prepare their proposals based on call and propositions * What would be best practices from the perspective of beneficiaries **Contributors:** Media support organisation representative * Roula Mikhael, founder and Executive Director, [Maharat Foundation](http://maharatfoundation.org) * Michael Irving Jensen, MENA regional director, [International Media Support (IMS)](https://www.mediasupport.org)​ ## **Q\&A (16:10-16:25)** ## **CONCLUSIONS (16:25-16:30)** ## **MEETING ENDS** ### **WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU** {% hint style="info" %} **Please help us improve future meetings by answering this short survey** [**https://forms.gle/B5WGSNJDqDKFqTFQ7**](https://forms.gle/B5WGSNJDqDKFqTFQ7) {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} **​*****If you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to send them to *** {% endhint %}
# Media Recovery Fund The December 2021 meeting of the Joint Recovery Mechanism began with an update about the Lebanon Media Recovery Fund. The Lebanon Media Recovery Fund was launched by the Samir Kassir Foundation (Skeyes) with the purpose of responding directly to the immediate needs of journalists and media agents in Lebanon. Ayman Mhanna, the director of the SKeyes Center, provided updates on the [Media Recovery Fund](/2020-22/funding-2020-22/media-recovery-fund), which was launched after the Beirut blast in August 2020. He began by emphasising that it is widely recognised that the Fund is not a long-term solution to the challenges faced by Lebanese media. > *“Short term and emergency aid is not enough to establish a new culture for journalism. We’re not naive that with one project alone, we can establish a full new culture, but it was very important to actually put media outlets in Lebanon on the paths for better journalism, on the path for better sustainability.” - Ayman Mhanna* Mhanna advised that all the grants received for the Fund would have been used by the end of December, with the exception of the OSF grant ending on January 31st, 2022. ### Support to journalists The [Media Recovery Fund](/2020-22/funding-2020-22/media-recovery-fund) has supported individual journalists in the following ways: * **$108,000** for livelihood support (house repairs, car replacement, education support for journalists’ children (42 children have been beneficiaries). * **$17,000** for the health insurance of 11 journalists and their families. * **$17,200** for the replacement of the equipment of six journalists who lost it in the Beirut blast * **$4,000** in medical support for wounded journalists who required long-term treatment. * **$3,000** for the psycho-social support of journalists. > *“These numbers might appear low, relatively, but if you calculate them in terms of (the) Lebanese pound, given the inflation that happened in the country and the devaluation of the pound, we’re talking about numbers in the many millions. Because the funds we receive are in US dollars, a small amount in US dollars is able to help a lot.”* *- Ayman Mhanna* ### Support to investigative journalism Mhanna reported that the Fund has been used to support "a new culture of investigative journalism" through grants to a number of Lebanese media organisations amounting to **$290,000.** Investigations have focused on corruption, accountability and governance issues, including: * the August 2020 Beirut port explosion * mismanagement of international aid received after the Beirut blast * mismanagement of EU funds destined to solid waste and water sanitation * Russian involvement in Lebanon's refineries * management of international aid received after the Beirut blast. ### Administration The Fund has also been used to cover the costs of translation, building web tools, travel, the salaries of the staff who managed the day-today running of the fund, and participation at international conferences. ### Reporting > *“All the people who took part in supporting it will receive a very detailed final report end of January alongside an audit report for the Media Recovery Fund.” - Ayman Mhanna* # Funding landscape - report In this section of the December 2021 meeting of the Joint Coordination Mechanism, a media development consultant and expert presented a report on the media development funding landscape in Lebanon. Michael Randall, a media development consultant and expert, presented some of the initial findings from a report on the ['Funding Landscape for Media Development Actors in Lebanon'.](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/News/Reports/15-02-2022/9874) {% embed url="" %} The report presented at the meeting was a work in progress, it was revised on the basis of the discussions at the December 2021 coordination meeting and may be subject to further revisions and updates. {% hint style="info" %} The report 'Funding Landscape for Media Development Actors in Lebanon' is available [here](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/News/Reports/15-02-2022/9874). If you have any relevant information or illustrations you would like to share to be included in the report please contact us at: . {% endhint %} **Methodology:** A series of interviews, and desk research and analysis of the most recent calls for proposals published in the Lebanese media development sector, and across the wider region as well. **Themes in the calls of proposals analysed:** Strong emphasis on viability, on fact-checking and coalition building, and on the need to increase the public’s trust. ## Postive trends {% hint style="success" %} Donors have started in recent times to conduct **needs assessments**, to quote the findings of those assessments in terms of reference, and to to act upon them {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} There is evidence of efforts to **minimise the administrative burden** on grantees {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Local organisations are looking for an equal partnership with their international counterparts. The commitment of international partners such as DW Akademie and International Media Support (IMS), which have established a presence in country and have **long term relationships with local partners** is encouraging. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} European Commission, certainly for larger programmes, will hold **information sessions and respond to requests for clarifications** {% endhint %} ## What still needs improvement ### Clarity of terms in the terms of reference proposals: {% hint style="warning" %} Terms of reference still tend to blur the distinction between media, professional journalists and civil society activists. {% endhint %} ### Lack of focus and realism {% hint style="warning" %} Some programmes (espeically larger ones) present a wish list of activities, and encourage applicants to try to address them all of the issues related to media development. This leads to projects being less effective due to their lack of focus. {% endhint %} ### Donor feedback {% hint style="warning" %} Few donors provide detailed feedback on unsuccessful applications, which provokes frustration and impedes the ability of local actors to succesfully apply for grants. {% endhint %} ### Equity and access {% hint style="warning" %} The extent to which the calls proposals are open to a broad base of different applicants was a cause for concern for many organisations. The introduction of sub granting programmes has somewhat improved that situation, allowing small media outlets and NGOs to apply for grants in a way that they had fewer opportunities to do before. However, sub-granting processes tend to favour applicants with a track record and the skills to apply for the funding. {% endhint %} ### Donor to donor coordination {% hint style="warning" %} There is no obvious evidence of donor to donor coordination. {% endhint %} ## Recommendations {% hint style="success" %} **Urgently improve donor to donor development coordination:** It is imperative that donors periodically apportion responsibilities and tasks (who should support what and to what extent) to avoid duplication and/or leaving over areas under funded. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} **Improve accessibility and enaggement in grant-application processes and design:** * Simplify language used in granting programmes. * Bottom-up processes and practises have proven to be the most effective method to assess needs and design programmes. Positive developments in this area should be accelerated {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} **Iterative monitoring and evaluation:** Allow implementing agencies to put greater emphasis on beneficiary feedback and by put in place mechanisms to ensure that projects can be recalibrated based on this feedback. {% endhint %} > “And that's something that doesn't happen very often enough - both with smaller organisations and with larger ones - the need to see projects as an evolutionary process, the need to revisit impact and to have an open and frank discussion with donors about what is working and what's not. And I think there's no shame in admitting that activities did not go as planned. “ {% hint style="success" %} **Coordination and knowledge sharing:** Use the Joint Coordination Mechanism to gather knowledge and inisghts gathered from monitoring and evaluation efforts and play a significant role in the effective implementation and coordination of projects. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} **Aspirational long term development strategies:** To what extent is it possible to align donors and implementing agencies with local stakeholders in government and civil society around a strategy addresses the main development priorities and identifies what measures could reasonably be taken to address them? {% endhint %} # Donor & implementer perspectives In final section of the December 2021 meeting of the Joint Coordination Mechanism, donors and implementers of media support programmes in Lebanon exchanged perspectives on effective practice. {% hint style="info" %} As this section of the meeting was held using the Chatham House rule speakers the identities of speakers are not included. {% endhint %} ### Involvement of other agencies, networks and civil society in the design, planning and assessment One donor representative explained that their organisation works in specific countries through joint efforts between their policy team, contacts from their networks, and civil society. These joint efforts help the organisation assess where to place their efforts, which also guides policy priorities. > *“There are certain expertise that can be transferred, but we're also trying to more and more look at how we can create a sustainable environment in the region and expertise in the region. In terms of media expertise, we realised that we were lacking this expertise of what media needed." - Donor representative* ### Lack of formal assessment process Another donor pointed out that their organisation does not have a formal assessment process and instead . A common first step is a calls for proposals asking for a statement of interest as a contribution to the organisation. With this, donor organisations want to encourage small NGOs without the capacity to provide a full package of support, to apply. ### Complex application processes and complicated programme implementation system Some donor organisations at the meeting recognised they have complex application processes and programme implementation systems. One donor representative highlighted that, although the whole process is very complicated, an initial statement of interest is used to select the most promising proposals and so that they can be guided through the full application process. After this, a panel is convened with relevant stakeholders, including members from the respective embassy in which the project will take place, and sometimes partners of the organisation. Finally, a negotiation is held with local partners to ensure that the recommendations made by the panel upon the project presentation are indeed addressed. However, the donor pointed out that this approach has not been implemented in Lebanon. > *“In the context of Lebanon, specifically, we do rely on our post\[ed] colleagues \[at the country's embassy] who have an active presence, they do try to help us navigate the space of who’s doing what.” - Donor organisation representative* A practitioner representative also spoke on the complicated systems of application by stating that the guidelines are often inaccessible to those wishing to grants. A Lebanese media support organisation representative explained their calls for proposals process is very inclusive of practitioner voices and needs. They explained how media organisations that have benefited from their support are shaping and influencing the public debate about ending impunity in Lebanon, which is imperative in the transition to democracy in the country. ### From a "top-down" to a "balanced approach" A representative of a donor organisation explained how they were moving away from top-down approach - which they admitted were designed to fit the donor’s needs and desires - towards a more “balanced” approach where calls for proposals are more aware of the needs of media organisations working on the ground. The donor representative also expressed how holding extensive consultations helps their organisation understand needs instead of seeking to implement a checklist that practitioners must sometimes go out of their way to accomplish even if it isn’t addressing many of their immediate needs. > *“Media was just part of the overall work on civil society and we would approach human rights issues or women empowerment and media in the exact same way. Worse, even maybe, media was also seen as a tool to actually address some of our own political priorities. We realised that we were running a lot of programmes focusing on grants for women empowerment agendas that were dictating basically the agenda also for media in the region.” - Donor organisation representative* A practitioner representative agreed that a top-down approach is deeply problematic. They pointed out the alternative - engaging with implementing organisations and considering their assessments - is more effective as it enables them to build on their ongoing projects. Examples of bottom-up and local-led approaches mentioned during the meeting included: * The design and launch of the Media Recovery fund in 2020 * Maharat Foundation working to build up a national approach for election observation based on their extensive experience of media monitoring and then seek funding for this approach. * Samir Kassir Foundation, based on audience data, designing a primetime election television show and successfully approaching donors for support. > *“I very much hear the statement that local organisations are looking for an equal partnership with with their international counterparts. And I think that extends to the donor community as well.” - Michael Randall* ### From short-term relationships to long-term support A practitioner representative highlighted that donors are also oftentimes prioritising short-term relationships with practitioners while at the same time have high expections. This attitude means that many projects are not as impactful as they could be as they try to do too many different thing and fail to address fundamental issues. Thus, the practitioner representative expressed hope that discussions with the Joint Coordination Mechanism will inspire donors to be more “progressive” and interested in long-term development. A Lebanese media support organisation explained that although grants are important, donors and implementers should focus on building longer term relationships that result is more sustainable support. Taking a longer-term approach allows small media organisations to flourish and develop strategies to grow their projects. ### Decentralisation and empowering local media > *“We know that Lebanon has a heavy history of media capture and very centralised media. So going into the region, working with the local community and empowering them to have a look at local media is very important to the diversity of voices in Lebanon.” Lebanese media support organisation representative* ### Frustration with the current situation National authorities do not seem to be anywhere close to engaging in conversations about media development initiatives. > *“We are not able to access any information regarding the reform. We also question if they are really doing something to rebuild Beirut and to also ensure justice after the Beirut blast, so there is a lot of frustration. Sometimes we would like to engage with them in a conversation, but most of the time we are really frustrated. We don't really have hope in the current political class.” - Lebanese media support organisation representative* ### Why was coordination successful in this case? Reflecting on the 16 months of the Joint Coordination Mechanism Lebanese media support organisations said that: {% hint style="success" %} The Beirut blast crisis improved the accessibility of implementers to grants and international funding and resulted in increased willingness from international donors to organise their efforts. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} The coordination effort prompted the inclusion of the needs of implementers that would have otherwise been neglected if the situation had been responded to more chaotically. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} The sympathy and willingness to engage by international donors helped make the coordination effort successful but also has helped maintain and improve friendly relationships implementers such that Samir Kassir Foundation to Maharat and SMEX who share values and seek common similar goals. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} The availability of adequate funding meant that local organisations were not forced spend their energies to competeing over insiificient funds. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Donors' still have some way to go to ensure that implementers are given the room to adjust to changing situations. However, in the case where funding was flexible, this enabled collaboration between local actors and bridges to be built among projects funded by different organisations. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Commitment to good local coordination regardless of international funding. {% endhint %} ## Meeting Conclusions {% hint style="success" %} Information-sharing among the donor community is invaluable, and because the situation in Lebanon is so unique, it should be more prioritised. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} The relationship between donors and beneficiaries should be more of a long-term partnership. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Although it is understandable that donors are rigid in termsof not having to deal with practitioners asking for funds on an ad-hoc basis, more flexibility is needed, as well as a constant flow of communication among donors and practitioners. {% endhint %} > *“I think we want the learning from this to be translated into multiple contexts on coordination. \[...] I think there’s a lot of groundwork to be done here. We can’t just assume everything would work swimmingly.” - Donor organisation representative* {% hint style="info" %} **Key words mentioned throughout the discussion:** trust, cooperation, coordination, partnership, long-term support, developing local and regional expertise. {% endhint %} # March 2021 Report from the meeting of the Joint Coordination Mechanism for Lebanon held on 16 March 2021. ## Media Sustainability in Lebanon #### March 16, 2021 #### The second meeting of the [Joint Coordination Mechanism](/2020-22) for media assistance in Lebanon. {% hint style="info" %} * A report of the first meeting can be found [here](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/october-2020). * Background about the [Joint Coordination Mechanism](/2020-22) for media assistance in Lebanon can be found [here](/2020-22). * A literature review of relevant resources is available [here](/resources/lit-review): {% endhint %} This meeting report has three sections: [**Joint Coordination Mechanism**](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021#joint-coordination-mechanism-for-lebanon)**:** An update about the Joint Coordination Mechanism for Lebanon from GFMD, IMS and SKeyes. [**Lebanon Media Recovery Fund**](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021#lebanon-media-recovery-fund) * How have funds been distributed so far? * New opportunities - workshops and funding. * [Next steps for the Media Recovery Fund](https://coordination.gfmd.info/meeting-reports/march-2021#next-steps-for-the-media-recovery-fund) [**Media sustainability in Lebanon**](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021#media-sustainability-in-lebanon-snapshot-research)**:** A summary of a presentation of GFMD’s snapshot research into media sustainability in Lebanon. {% hint style="info" %} Highlights from a discussion with Lebanese media on business models and sustainability can be found [here](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability): {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MYjr7JSHUJnjRqvSsWj" %} [Business models and sustainability (March 2021)](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability) {% endcontent-ref %} ## Attendance * **7** representatives of donor organisations * **18** representatives of international media assistance organisations * **5** representatives of regional or Lebanese media assistance organisations * **10** representatives from Lebanese media * **1** academia representative ## Joint Coordination Mechanism for Lebanon The co-organisers of the meeting- Mira Milosevic, [**Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD**](https://gfmd.info)**)**, Michael Irving Jensen, [**International Media Support (IMS)**](https://www.mediasupport.org), and Ayman Mhanna, [**SKeyes Centre** ](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/Home)- provided an overview of the Joint Coordination Mechanism for Lebanon initiative. Both GFMD and IMS reaffirmed their commitment to support local partners, coordination efforts, and attempts to drive donor support for journalism in Lebanon. SKeyes emphasised that the coordination mechanism initiative is an opportunity to discuss the future of the Lebanese media sector beyond the various emergencies facing the country. ### GFMD Mira Milosevic said that it was a pleasure to support a local coordination process that was driving international and national support for journalism in Lebanon. Milosevic also spoke about the importance of learning, experience and knowledge sharing and the need to create safe, neutral and space spaces for conversations between donors, media development and journalism support partners. She invited media development actors and researchers working in Lebanon to participate in the [GFMD International Media Policy and Advisory Centre (IMPACT)](https://impact.gfmd.info/) - an initiative that aims to be an umbrella and platform for these processes. {% hint style="info" %} Sustainability - the main topic for this coordination meeting - will be discussed at future meetings of [GFMD IMPACT](). {% endhint %} ### IMS Michael Irving Jensen said that over 15 to 18 years of working in the region IMS has developed a philosophy of listening to the partners to identify the needs and act accordingly. The expectation from the coordination initiative is that it will lead to a discussion where development actors exchange information and attempt to align their activities so they can jointly deliver effective assistance to the media in Lebanon. ## Lebanon Media Recovery Fund For background about the [Lebanon Media Recovery Fund](/2020-22/funding-2020-22/media-recovery-fund), updates and next steps go to: {% content-ref url="/pages/-MYgKg83LjONhTSE7pvW" %} [Lebanon Media Recovery Fund (2020-22)](/2020-22/funding-2020-22/media-recovery-fund) {% endcontent-ref %} Ayman Mhanna (SKeyes) who is running the Media Recovery Fund, told the meeting that the fund has responded to the direct needs of media and journalists and allowed Lebanese media and individual journalists to focus on producing quality content. He emphasised that improving investigative journalism in Lebanon is at the core of the Media Recovery Fund. > “You have seen some very significant headway that the media has done while our police and law enforcement and justice are just busy scoring political gains when it comes to the port explosion. The real breakthrough has come from the media.” **As of March 2020, $346,000 (approx. 40%) of the funds dedicated to the Media Recovery Fund had been spent.** {% hint style="info" %} The full breakdown of how funds have been spent is [available here](). {% endhint %} ### Next steps for the Media Recovery Fund #### Psychosocial support Mhanna announced a [series of workshops](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/News/News/10-03-2021/9179) on psychosocial resilience for Lebanese and international journalists covering Lebanon. The workshops will be held in partnership with the Dart Centre in New York at Columbia University, the largest centre dedicated to trauma for journalists. #### Investigative journalism Nearly $166,000 has been committed to supporting journalists investigating some of the most sensitive issues in Lebanon. #### Supporting media start-ups Independent media start-ups were [urged to apply](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/Media-Recovery-Fund) to the Media Recovery Fund for equipment and other costs to enable them to direct their existing funds to content production. ## Next steps for supporting media in Lebanon The meeting heard various perspectives on how to avoid some of the common challenges and pitfalls when it comes to media assistance: * International media assistance agendas not being in line with the priorities of the media they are trying to support. * Providing training and capacity building initiatives are not based on realities or actual needs. * How to create institutional memory - about business models and sustainability for example - within media outlets and the wider ecosystem that outlasts the individuals that work there. One of the international media development organisations attending the meeting expressed optimism that the ongoing coordination efforts would lead to major development actors better aligning their programmes to jointly deliver media assistance in ways that are relevant and pertinent to the Lebanese context. ### Coordination and funding One of the donors taking part in the meeting; * Praised the speed at which the Media Recovery Fund was established and assistance mobilised so swiftly after the explosion in August 2020; * Noted that the ongoing coordination initiative was an opportunity to align the work of donors to maximise what can be done collectively for the benefit of partners in Lebanon; * Described the preparedness of donors to offer core support, be flexible and trust partners to take advantage of opportunities and define their own priorities as a “duty”; * Agreed with participants who said donors should prioritise support that helps media remain viable through future economic shocks. ### Journalist’s safety Donors emphasised that - it is important to protect the individuals who are putting themselves at risk and enable them to continue reporting. When it comes to impunity for attacks on journalists and activists (such as the [Lokman Slim assassination in February 2021](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-55933222)), donors said there is an opportunity to coordinate activities around such cases and defend the relative freedoms that Lebanon enjoys compares to other countries in the region. ### Engaging the Lebanese diaspora Donors also welcomed the fact that Lebanese media were engaging with the diaspora and asked how their interest in the role of journalism to hold the powerful and rights-bearers to account could be harnessed. ## Media sustainability in Lebanon snapshot research In preparation for the meeting, GFMD conducted a [snapshot research project](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) to better understand what sustainability (or viability) means in the Lebanese context. The snapshot report attempts to provide some insights into what effective media development interventions aiming to improve the sustainability or viability of news media might look like. {% hint style="info" %} Read about the methodology for the report [here](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support/appendix-1). {% endhint %} ### The main findings of the report 1. **Sustainability is not guaranteed** - no media flourishing and existing today can claim that they will exist in five years unless they are funded or run through a foundation or funded by the state. 2. **Incorporating sustainability into business planning and strategy** is a must for every media organisation or anyone providing media assistance. 3. Building **commercial arms** of media organisations is a successful approach in some circumstances. 4. **Trainers and mentors should know the Lebanese context**. Engaging experts and trainers from the region could potentially help sustainability efforts become more effective. 5. **Regional cooperation and networking** could lead to sustainability through experience and knowledge sharing and joint initiatives. 6. **Selling content** can contribute to revenues and sustainability. 7. Donors that provide media assistance should consider allocating more **core funding** to media and local media support groups as this alleviates the need for constant fundraising and enables media to focus on producing content and strategic planning. 8. **Long term strategic partnerships** between donors and media and media support organisations have proven to be successful in building the capacity of media organisations and improving the potential of achieving sustainability. In regard to point 4 above, a representative from an investigative journalism organisation, suggested creating a database of experienced Lebanese journalists and trainers so they can be hired more often to deliver training. They added: > “Unfortunately, those working for Gulf Media are often part of the political agendas of the governments funding them and do not are not often able to ‘walk their talk’ in front of their mentees…” Full report findings are available [here](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support). {% content-ref url="/pages/-MVud8ePBD9V2vSR\_9Sp" %} [REPORT - Sustainability & journalism support in Lebanon](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) {% endcontent-ref %} ## Lebanese media perspectives on media sustainability After the results of the research were presented, representatives of Lebanese media commented on the research findings and discussed the strategies and business models they use to survive and achieve a level of sustainability. **The discussion included insights on:** [**Strategies and business models to achieve sustainability** ](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#strategies-and-business-models-to-achieve-sustainability) * [Subscription-based models](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#subscription-based-models) * [Commercial activities](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#commercial-activities) * [Membership programmes](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#membership-programmes) * [Defining target audiences and engagement strategies](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#defining-target-audiences-and-engagement-strategies) * [Words of caution](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#words-of-caution) [**Suggestions for donors**](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#suggestion-for-donors) [**Challenges (and solutions)**](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#challenges) * [Burn out and brain drain](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#burn-out-and-brain-drain) * [Administrative](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#administrative-challenges) * [Operational](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#operational-challenges) * [Legal status](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability#legal-status) {% hint style="info" %} **Read the full report on the discussion on the** [**next page**](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability)**.** {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MYjr7JSHUJnjRqvSsWj" %} [Business models and sustainability (March 2021)](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021/business-models-sustainability) {% endcontent-ref %} # Business models and sustainability (March 2021) This is a summary of a discussion between business models and media sustainability in Lebanon that took place 16 March 2021. As part of the [March 2021](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/march-2021) meeting of the [Joint Coordination Mechanism for media assistance in Lebanon](/2020-22), 10 representatives from Lebanese media discussed the results of the [snapshot research on Media Sustainability in Lebanon](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) conducted by GFMD. They also discussed the strategies and business models they use to survive and achieve a level of sustainability. Participants represented a variety of media types: * Traditional media as well as new and recently established organisations * Television, print, and online media * Community, small and larger regional outlets * Arabic media and those that publish in French, and English * Those that target audiences in Lebanon and those that cater to the Lebanese diaspora {% hint style="warning" %} All speakers emphasised the difficulties of having to operate in an almost unbearably stressful economical, social and political environment. {% endhint %} Participants presented several models and reflected on important issues, echoing some of the main findings from the [snapshot report](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) and provided additional information and ideas. ## Strategies and business models to achieve sustainability ### Subscription-based models Several participants spoke about their experience in shifting to using paywalls and subscription-based business models as alternatives to advertising and print models that were collapsing in Lebanon and the wider region. This business model liberated some media outlets from depending on any political and external (often Saudi) funding. > **“Last year for the first time, our online subscriptions accounted for more than 50 percent of our revenue, coming from four or five percent in 2015.”** > **“We believe that the future of media in Lebanon cannot continue based on advertising. This is long gone.”** ### Commercial activities Funding journalism through commercial activities was also mentioned by several participants. These activities included: {% hint style="success" %} Selling services such as media consultancy services, editorial services for NGO and civil society groups. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Producing high-quality content, high-end journalism and investigative journalism, which can be sold to third parties (NGOs, and the private sector). *This constituted 30% of the total income for one of the media organisations.* {% endhint %} ### Membership programmes Membership programmes were also mentioned as an option being pursued by some more niche media outlets. {% hint style="info" %} **Related resources:** Membership Puzzle Project’s guide for membership models in media: [https://membershipguide.org/ ](https://membershipguide.org/) {% endhint %} **Other advice** included scaling operations and growing business to become a regional media outlet, become a competitive employer, retain talent and be less dependent on a political and economic situation in one country. ### Defining target audiences and engagement strategies Speakers emphasised the importance of {% hint style="success" %} Building a community that could at some point in the future pay for the content. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Focusing on developing products that could enable monetisation. *Newsletters were mentioned as a relatively inexpensive product that when used in the right way can build reader loyalty and be a vehicle to convert readers to subscribers.* {% endhint %} Many Lebanese media attending the meeting said they target the Lebanese diaspora and produce, or plan to produce, content in French and English languages. One media representative reported that half of their subscriptions are from the diaspora. > **“This is what Lebanese media should try to do, which is produce locally and export”.** ### Words of caution Speakers warned that: {% hint style="warning" %} While diversification is a good approach, it can create a risk of diverting focus from the core activities of the organisation. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Business models and approaches towards achieving sustainability can have ramifications for other aspects of the organisation. *The example was given of how paywalls can go against a media’s identity as an organisation that offers free news and their belief that news should be accessible to everyone.* {% endhint %} ## Suggestions for donors {% hint style="success" %} Participants suggested that donors could consider providing resources for media outlets to test and innovate by introducing commercial activities to support media operations. {% endhint %} ### Core funding The snapshot research findings pertaining to [core funding](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support#what-works) resonated strongly with many participants as **more opportunities for core funding** would: {% hint style="success" %} Allow organisations, especially those with small teams to focus on strategic planning and sustainability efforts. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Go some way to address the challenge of hiring and retaining good journalists and staff in Lebanon and discourage journalists from leaving to find better working conditions {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} Enable organisations to become good employers, pay staff regularly, and keep journalists focused on content production. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} It can also provide an opportunity to test various revenue streams and models. {% endhint %} ## Challenges (and solutions) ### Burn out and brain drain {% hint style="warning" %} Expecting individuals who are working in small independent media organisations to endure the pressure and burden of multiple roles they play within the organisation is not sustainable. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Several participants mentioned that one of the biggest challenges has been hiring and training good journalists, in addition to retaining talents especially when many people plan to leave the country in search of better working conditions. {% endhint %} ### Administrative challenges {% hint style="danger" %} **THE PROBLEM:** Complex and lengthy reporting requirements often for multiple donors. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} **A SOLUTION?** It was suggested that donors should be encouraged to adopt a unified reporting template and set up a basket of funding to ease the administrative burdens placed on media and media support groups. {% endhint %} ### Operational challenges {% hint style="danger" %} Online payments are either not available (like PayPal) or can be extremely complicated and time-consuming. {% endhint %} ### Legal status {% hint style="danger" %} **THE PROBLEM:** Lack of knowledge and understanding of which legal status and form of registration (non for profit, profit or other legal entity) would be most appropriate for the media and their business models. {% endhint %} > One participant advised against registering as a non-profit organisation as it brings administrative complications in dealing with banks. They also reported that choosing a for-profit model worked well for them as it focused their minds on generating income. {% hint style="success" %} **A SOLUTION?** Support for legal advice regarding which form of legal entity would best correspond with the goals, needs and business models of specific media organisations. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} **Resource:** *Media Startups in Lebanon* by Maharat Foundation includes advice on the legal environment for media start-ups: * [English](http://maharatfoundation.org/media/1515/final-study-start-up_en.pdf) * [عربى](http://maharatfoundation.org/media/1531/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%A6%D8%A9.pdf) {% endhint %} For more resources relevant to media development and media assistance in Lebanon see: {% content-ref url="/pages/-MYeH7OYlmMR8BllfznT" %} [LIT REVIEW - Lebanon media landscape](/resources/lit-review) {% endcontent-ref %} # Agenda - 16 March 2021 Lebanon Media Development Assistance Efforts Coordination Meeting - March 16, 2021 - Media Sustainability. ![](https://3489568568-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MNdNXh2sslttzRplLZG%2F-MUx5UAEbjMAwQ-2og9Y%2F-MUx5qUEJRSOq9pCj6Il%2FScreenshot%202021-03-04%20at%2012.55.31.png?alt=media\&token=4d4b31eb-f230-4e76-b04f-8ecd4a766885) ## Media Sustainability in Lebanon ### Media Development Assistance Coordination Meeting - #### March 16, 2021 ## AGENDA ### **Aim** To map and share information between journalism support and media development actors around their plans for media development and recovery activities and efforts in Lebanon. The focus of this, the second coordination meeting, is media sustainability and viability. ### **Previous activities** **Coordination meetings:** The first meeting was held on October 26th 2020 gathering over 35 media development actors with experience of working in Lebanon and implementing recovery assistance programs in the explosion aftermath. {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxRtkNg1d7eyaRSY8E" %} [October 2020](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/october-2020) {% endcontent-ref %} **Mapping:** To support ongoing coordination GFMD compiled [**a spreadsheet** ](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gKB3uxHaeyJLu27lgVDhrNwtfDt-2DX2sijVkV9GmTg/edit#gid=0)that lists the organisations invited to participate in the information-sharing initiative, which provides a background for each organisation, an overview of their projects in the MENA region, and outlines their Lebanon recovery efforts. {% hint style="info" %} To access the information sheet mapping media assistance in Lebanon click on the link below and request access. Please note that access will only be granted to donors and those working on media development in Lebanon. {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG) {% endcontent-ref %} ### Meeting details **Date:** 16th March 2021 **Time: 16:00** – **17:30** (Beirut, Lebanon time - UTC+3) | **15:00** – **16:30** (Brussels, Belgium time - UTC+2) **Moderator:** Preethi Nallu, Advocacy Specialist at [International Media Support (IMS)](https://www.mediasupport.org) ## **WELCOME (15:00-15:10 )** * Michael Irving Jensen, [International Media Support (IMS)](https://www.mediasupport.org/) * Mira Milosevic, [Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD)](https://gfmd.info) * Ayman Mhanna, [SKeyes Centre](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/Home) ## UPDATE ON MEDIA RECOVERY FUND (15:10-15:20) **Speakers:** * Ayman Mhanna, [SKeyes Centre](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/Home) ## RUNNING A MEDIA BUSINESS IN LEBANON - SNAPSHOT RESEARCH ON MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY (15:20-16:00) **Presenter and moderator:** * Ivana Bjelic Vucinic, [Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD)](https://gfmd.info) **Speakers/contributors:** * [17 Teshreen](https://17teshreen.com), [The961](https://www.the961.com), [Beirut Today](https://beirut-today.com), [Daraj](https://daraj.com/en/), [LBCI](https://www.lbcgroup.tv), [Maharat News](https://maharat-news.com), [Megaphone](https://megaphone.news/علم-حرية-عدالة-اجتماعية), [Nida Al-Watan](https://www.nidaalwatan.com), [NOW](http://now-lebanon.net), [L’Orient-Le Jour](https://www.lorientlejour.com), [Phœnix Daily](https://www.thephoenixdaily.net), [Political Pen](https://politicalpen.org), [The Public Source](https://thepublicsource.org), [Raseef22 ](https://raseef22.net)(TBC) **Recommended reading:** {% content-ref url="/pages/-MVud8ePBD9V2vSR\_9Sp" %} [REPORT - Sustainability & journalism support in Lebanon](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) {% endcontent-ref %} ## **NEXT STEPS FOR THE MEDIA RECOVERY FUND and SUPPORTING MEDIA IN LEBANON (16:00-16:20)** **Speakers:** * Ayman Mhanna, [SKeyes Centre](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/Home) * Yousef Ahmed, [CFI](https://cfi.fr/fr) * Edward Pittman, [The Open Society Foundations](https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org) ## **CONCLUSIONS (16:20-16:30)** ## **MEETING ENDS** **WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU** {% hint style="info" %} **Please help us improve future meetings by answering this short survey** [**https://forms.gle/disgrWTSrhAtxCaj9**](https://forms.gle/disgrWTSrhAtxCaj9) {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} ***If you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to send them to *** {% endhint %} # October 2020 Lebanon Media Recovery Fund and Media Development Assistance Efforts - Meeting Report ![](https://3489568568-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MNdNXh2sslttzRplLZG%2F-MUx5UAEbjMAwQ-2og9Y%2F-MUx5qUEJRSOq9pCj6Il%2FScreenshot%202021-03-04%20at%2012.55.31.png?alt=media\&token=4d4b31eb-f230-4e76-b04f-8ecd4a766885) ## Meeting Report ## Lebanon Media Recovery Fund & Media Development Assistance Efforts **Date:** 26 October 2020 ### Meeting background and organizers: In response to the Beirut massive explosion on the 4th of August, the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), in cooperation with SKeyes Centre for Media and Cultural Freedom, and supported by International Media Support (IMS), initiated an information-sharing effort inviting the international and local media development and journalism support organisations to coordinate recovery and assistance efforts in Lebanon. #### **Host and technical support** * Ivana Bjelic Vucinic**,** GFMD Programme and Project Manager #### **Moderator** * Preethi Nallu, Advocacy Specialist at International Media Support (IMS) based in Lebanon. ## **SPEAKERS** An overview of the Media Recovery Fund initiative and other recovery and media development initiatives in Lebanon was provided by: * Ayman Mhanna, Executive Director, SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom * Roula Mikhael, Founder and Executive Director, Maharat Foundation * Mohamad Najem, Executive Director, SMEX Eight international organisations were invited to briefly present their plans and expectations in regards to the coordination process. * Anne Ilcinkas, Project Manager for the Mediterranean region and Asia, Canal France International (CFI) * Michael Irving Jensen, regional director, MENA region, International Media Support IMS * Leon Willems, Executive Director, Free Press Unlimited * Aleksej Demjanski, Assistant Programme Officer, CIMA * Kristof Kleeman, Lebanon country director, Friedrich Naumann Foundation * Maha Abu Shama, Programme Manager for Human Rights, The Sigrid Rausing Trust * Edward Pittman, Senior Programme Officer, Open Society Foundations * Georges Awad, Media Program Manager, UNESCO ## MAPPING GFMD has developed a Google spreadsheet that lists the organisations invited to participate in the information-sharing initiative, provides a background of each organisation, and overview of their projects in the MENA region, and outlines their Lebanon recovery efforts. The sheet also lists those that attended the October 26th meeting. {% hint style="info" %} To access the spreadsheet mapping media assistance on Lebanon, click on the link below and request access. Please note that access will only be granted to donors and those working on media development in Lebanon. {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG) {% endcontent-ref %} ## Overview of the Situation in Lebanon The speakers provided an overview of the pre-existing challenges and contextual circumstances aggravating the impact of the explosion in Lebanon. They expressed concern over: * **A total absence of (public sector) authority and state assistance:** Civic initiatives and NGOs in Lebanon are stepping in and filling the failures of the state, which cannot be sustainable, NGOs cannot replace institutions. * **Political crisis:** Lebanon is a divided society characterized by a conflict of political interests. The Beirut blast has worsened the situation. It is a transition period and there is a huge lack of trust in public institutions and the current political elite. * **Deep financial and economic crisis:** Businesses are shutting down, with the closure of newspapers and mainstream media houses. ## Digital rights under threat * Self-censorship is being caused by a closing of the online space, detentions and court cases. * During the uprising, there were many incidents where security forces have been taking phones or forcing people to open them illegally. * Political fights between parties are common. ## Lebanon's media landscape - needs and challenges Some of the main challenges in the media landscape identified in the meeting were: 1. Challenge to find skilled journalists, eager to learn, do research and do another way of storytelling 2. Access to information 3. Outreach - for example, journalists would like to hear what kind of support they can receive from Facebook to increase outreach Mainstream media is not contributing to any change, because they are part of the system. ### Safety and security: * In emergencies, basic safety and security issues are often overlooked. Journalists need to be safe and their offices need to be safe. A range of courses offered by SKyes, UNESCO, Thomson and other meeting participants on physical and digital safety, however, there is a need for more resources and coordination. ### Economic viability: * There is a need to address the economic livelihood of individuals and the economic viability of organizations. The economic collapse in Lebanon, the effects of many transformative and unsettling events occurring within a short time period all contribute to the endangered livelihood of journalists and the viability of media organisations in Lebanon, whether they are traditional or new, emerging media. * The economic livelihood of journalists results in a brain drain, with journalists leaving Lebanese media to work for regional media with lower ethical standards. * There is a potential opportunity to work with traditional media not directly owned by politicians - since they are vulnerable to market conditions, there is a small chance they will be open to dialogue about better ways to organise business and practise better journalism. ### New startups: * There is a need to look at new startups, helping them to understand the viability and whole ecosystem, to surpass freedom of expression challenges, sustain themselves and be able to reach new and old audiences. ### Advocacy, transparency, freedom of expression: * Freedom of expression efforts need to continue, and more advocacy in regards to Access to Information law, to closely monitor public institutions, and press public administration to regularly communicate with citizens. * SMEX, SKeyes and Maharat and 12 other organisations launched in July 2020 a Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression. * Tech companies play a big role and have a responsibility in a region such as MENA where there are less and less democratic states. ### Institution building: * Many participants indicated the lack of involvement from institutions and noted the need to consider how the NGOs can contribute to institution building, which is difficult with the current political framework. ### Media literacy and education: * There are efforts to promote media literacy, increase journalists capacity through education and cooperation with Universities, working to promote fact-checking and fighting disinformation programmes. Maharat Foundation is dedicated to implementing such projects. ## Lebanon Media Recovery Fund Ayman Mhanna (SKeyes) spoke about what works for a recovery effort: * Needs assessments and mapping of the damages has been concluded very quickly * Considering how to respond to direct needs while trying to lay the foundation for a robust media sector. “Media has a role to play to prevent the next tragedy.” * “We are looking for a leap of faith from our partners.” - Not writing proposals, and looking from objectives, KPIs and project perspectives. We are ready to be totally transparent except for revealing the names of some specific recipient of psychosocial and medical equipment. * A demand-driven project, responds to clear needs expressed by journalists. We do want the flexibility to shift funding within six pillars, and we are ready to send the money back to partners if they are strict about money spending. Summary of what works for Lebanon recovery efforts and how MRF was designed: it is based on a robust understanding of the reality of the ground, where local partners developed lasting relations with the community in Lebanon, sound administrative and auditing practice, flexibility and thinking outside the project funding box because we need to be demand-driven. A total of $739,000 were pledged and funds have been directed to livelihood support, medical support, equipment, damage repair, office and personal equipment, investigative journalism and safety training and investigative journalism grants. For a more detailed breakdown please see the Lebanon Media Assistance information sheet. {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG) {% endcontent-ref %} {% hint style="info" %} Click on the link above to request access. Please note that access will only be granted to donors and those working on media development in Lebanon. {% endhint %} ## Media development initiatives Many projects and initiatives have been mentioned and presented during the meeting including Digital Media Viability Lab (created by Maharat supported by DW Akademie), The Bread\&Net2020 conference [www.breadandnet.org](http://www.breadandnet.org) (1st - 4th December, organised by SMEX), D-Jil project implemented by Canal France International (CFI), and others. For a more comprehensive list of projects please see the Lebanon Media Assistance. {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG) {% endcontent-ref %} {% hint style="info" %} Click on the link above to request access. Please note that access will only be granted to donors and those working on media development in Lebanon. {% endhint %} ## Journalism training and investigative journalism projects Due to the challenges mentioned (lack of skilled journalists, media literacy, issues with access to information, lack of public institutions transparency) investigative journalism efforts need support to become sustainable. Many of the participating organisations indicated they provide journalism training and investigative journalism support (via training, grants, logistic support). * IMS supports ARIJ and their work on a number of groundbreaking investigative stories about economic collapse, lack of transparency, legal failures, things related to rebuilding parts of Beirut demolished in the blast. * OCCRP also collaborates with ARIJ on investigations in the Arab region * Check Global - Meedan - providing training to journalism students from Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt on open-source investigations * Thomson's OPEN Media Hub's online courses, in Arabic and 3 other languages, free of charge, certified, including one on COVID related safety * Within the Media Recovery Fund, funds have been allocated to journalism and investigative journalism training as well as for investigative journalism grants. These will be designed to complement the existing investigative efforts and provide resources for further and deeper research (research assistant, software, logistics, production support). * In addition, SKeyes is working on creating an online database of all published Government and official documents on the blast (with translated documents and searchable) to assist journalists in their efforts and avoid filing duplicate requests. {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG) {% endcontent-ref %} {% hint style="info" %} Click on the link above to request access. Please note that access will only be granted to donors and those working on media development in Lebanon. {% endhint %} ## Follow Up At the end of the discussions, co-organisers outlined possible follow up activities: 1. Economic viability 2. Protection of journalists, safety and security 3. Freedom of expression. These efforts link up to Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression work that the national actors are undertaking, we need to see how international organisations can support these efforts. Investigative journalism and accountability efforts have been mentioned during the meeting, however, perhaps these have already been addressed by ongoing projects. There is a window of opportunity for a real change and joint actions are encouraging. It is important to respond to the emergency but also to look to medium and long term viability. # Funding (2020-22) # Lebanon Media Recovery Fund (2020-22) Summary of the Lebanon Media Recovery Fund launched by the Samir Kassir Foundation (Skeyes), as well as funds established by Facebook and IWMF. ## Lebanon media recovery fund **Launched by:** Samir Kassir Foundation (Skeyes) **Funding up to its closing on January 31, 2022:** USD 764,627 ### **Aims** The aim of the fund was to respond directly to immediate needs but with a focus on laying the foundations for a “stronger media sector tomorrow”. The fund is structured to support the following pillars: > 1. **Medical support** to wounded journalists, including longer-term needs, such as physiotherapy, prosthetics, medicine and medical equipment, especially those who may not have the right insurance. > 2. **Equipment**, in case of damaged laptops, cameras, transmitters. This support would primarily go to freelance journalists and, on a case by case basis, to media organizations. > 3. **Work environment**, in case of damaged offices. > 4. **Trauma and psycho-social support.** > 5. **Investigative work**. We believe that we cannot go back to the pre-August 4 media landscape, which was mostly complacent towards those in power, avoiding verifying key information, to look into data and evidence. Today, we have the moral obligation to push the media towards a more robust role in standing up to corruption. Our entire work will be driven by the belief that FREE PRESS SAVES LIVES. > 6. **Economic livelihood** and resilience of journalists, to provide those in need with the support required to continue their work with dignity and encourage journalists to investigate, question, report and organize for better professional standards. ### Design and structure of the fund Speaking at the [26th October coordination meeting](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/october-2020) Ayman Mhanna of SKeyes said that the Lebanon Media Recovery Fund is *"looking for a leap of faith from our partners”*, adding that they are willing to send the money back to partners if they require the fund to operate programmatically with strict objectives. The fund is *“a demand-driven project, responds to clear needs expressed by journalists” adding that he wants to have “the flexibility to shift funding within six pillars."* The fund will operate with total transparency, according to Mhanna. The only exception will be the names of recipients of psychosocial support and medical equipment, whose identities will be withheld for privacy reasons. > “The fund is based on a robust understanding of the reality of the ground, where local partners have developed lasting relations with the community in Lebanon, sound administrative and auditing practice, flexibility and thinking outside the project outside the project funding box because we need to be demand-driven.” > “The support should not only be focused on the short term. It should contribute to a stronger, more accountable media industry, that can contribute to the vital change that Lebanon needs. It doesn’t mean a media sector that is involved in politics, but a media environment that is better equipped to hold those in power to account, that can ask the right questions, develop its capacities to investigate and reflect citizens’ needs, and journalists who are better equipped to stand up to political bullying through better and more effective organizing.” Through the Media Recovery Fund, support was provided to a total of **98 journalists**, media professionals and direct family members, in addition to equipment and/or financial support for **17 independent, online media and two television stations**, as well as a capacity building session for **16 investigative journalists**. With its closing on **January 31, 2022**, SKF received and disbursed an amount of **USD 764,627** for the purposes of helping journalists and media face the multi-pronged crises and develop a stronger culture of accountability. ### The Media Recovery Fund’s Success Factors 1. **Local Leadership:** A Lebanese organisation at the center of program design, outreach to partners, and contact with stakeholders. The project was built on years of engagement with journalists and the media sector, showing that support can be garnered without responding to traditional calls for proposals, relying instead on credibility, transparency, and years of credible records. 2. **Context-Based Emergency Response:** The program was based on a detailed mapping of damages following the August 4, 2020 Beirut Port blast, responding directly to emergency medical, psycho-social, and damage-related needs. The program leveraged international support to drive medium- to long-term impact in the Lebanese media sector amid Lebanon’s severe economic crisis. 3. **Wide, Coordinated International Interest:** International financial partners and 10 capacity-building partners responded to SKF’s call within three weeks. Trust in SKF’s response placed it at the center of initiatives and facilitated the first organic coordination among all MRF donors, paving the way for broader media development and press freedom interventions in Lebanon. 4. **Solid Foundations for Independent Media:** Nascent, independent media received emergency support to rebuild offices and replace damaged equipment, promoting accountability-oriented journalism. The fund’s equipment support initiative enabled 17 independent media outlets to secure most filming, sound, and editing equipment needs, allowing upcoming grants to focus on content production and journalist remuneration. 5. **Cultural Shift in Traditional Media:** Traditional media outlets faced a “positive dilemma” of being financially rewarded for producing high-quality, investigative, and accountability-oriented content, increasing the consistency of such reporting on LBCI, Al Jadeed, and MTV. 6. **Strongest Support Signal to Individual Journalists:** Individual journalists working for traditional, non-internationally funded media, impacted by the financial crisis and currency devaluation, saw support in the form of tuition fees, private health insurance, housing loan repayment, and reconstruction assistance. This eased financial pressure, reducing risks of co-optation and emigration. ### MRF funds breakdown {% hint style="success" %} With the closing of MRF on January 31, 2022, SKF has received and disbursed an amount of **USD 764,627** for the purposes of helping journalists and media face the multi-pronged crises and develop a stronger culture of accountability. {% endhint %} In the SKF 2021 annual report, it was reported that the funds had been spent in the following ways: * **Human resources:** USD 105,122 (13.7%) * **Translation and admin costs:** USD 24,353 (3.2%) * **Web development services:** USD 11,500 (1.5%) * **Pillar 1 (Medical Support):** USD 4,196 (0.5%) * **Pillar 2 (Equipment):** USD 150,478 (19.7%)\ \- Equipment for individual journalists: USD 31,689\ \- Equipment for independent media: USD 118,788 * **Pillar 3 (Damage Repair):** USD 43,327 (5.7%) * **Pillar 4 (Psycho-social Support):** USD 3,075 (0.4%) * **Pillar 5 (Investigative Journalism):** USD 302,240 (39.5%)\ \- Investigative journalism grants: USD 288,585\ \- Capacity building for investigative journalism: USD 13,655 * **Pillar 6 (Livelihood Support):** USD 95,336 (12.5%)\ \- Health insurance: USD 30,489\ \- Tuition fees: USD 54,561\ \- Housing loans: USD 10,28 {% hint style="info" %} For more details please see [the Sammir Kassir Foundation 2021 Annual report. ](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/documents/bo_filemanager/SKF-Annual-Report-2021-EN.pdf) {% endhint %} # Other funds supporting Lebanon (2020-22) ## [Supporting Beirut: response and recovery fund](https://www.icfj.org/news/facebook-journalism-project-icfj-launch-fund-support-lebanons-news-industry) **Launched by:** Facebook and ICFJ **Funding to date:** USD 300,000 {% embed url="" %} ### **Aim** To assist in supporting local news outlets that have suffered damage to infrastructure and resources. > “The first phase of this[ program](https://www.icfj.org/our-work/supporting-beirut-response-and-recovery-fund) will involve identifying Lebanese news organizations and journalists in need of urgent financial support. Impacted journalists and news organizations will then be able to apply for immediate emergency relief grants. ICFJ will award grants to select Beirut-based news organizations and journalists that fulfill a set[ criteria](https://www.icfj.org/our-work/supporting-beirut-response-and-recovery-fund).” {% hint style="info" %} Speaking at [a meeting of the Joint Coordination Mechanism](/2020-22/lebanon-meeting-reports-2020-22/october-2020), Ayman Mhanna, director of SKeyes, said that he believes that the two funds -- [“Supporting Beirut: Response and Recovery Fund”](https://www.icfj.org/news/facebook-journalism-project-icfj-launch-fund-support-lebanons-news-industry) launched by Facebook and ICFJ and the “[Lebanon Media Recovery Fund](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/Media-Recovery-Fund)” launched by SKeyes -- will be able to coordinate to avoid duplication. {% endhint %} ## [IWMF: Supporting Beirut](https://www.iwmf.org/2020/09/the-iwmf-announces-contribution-to-lebanon-media-recovery-fund-on-behalf-of-raghida-dergham/) **Launched by: International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF)** **Funding to date:** $10,000 ### **Aims** IWMF [announced](https://www.iwmf.org/2020/09/the-iwmf-announces-contribution-to-lebanon-media-recovery-fund-on-behalf-of-raghida-dergham/) a contribution of $10,000 to assist Lebanon-based journalists who are in need, after the August 4 explosion in Beirut, and opened the possibility for individuals to donate to the Media Recovery Fund in honor of Lebanese journalist and IWMF board member Raghida Dergham. > " In honor of Advisory Council member Raghida Dergham, the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is pleased to announce a contribution of $10,000 to the Samir Kassir Foundation’s [Lebanon Media Recovery Fund](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/Media-Recovery-Fund). As Lebanon rebuilds after an August 4 explosion in Beirut, these funds will provide emergency assistance to journalists in dire need of support". ## WHAT HAVE WE MISSED? {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} ## FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES The GFMD Funding Opportunities page highlights a range of opportunities for individuals and organisations in the media, journalism, media development, and journalism support sectors. {% embed url="" %} We regularly update the page to best reflect the range of support prospects for journalists and media organisations in Lebanon and around the world. {% hint style="info" %} If you know of other opportunities that could help sustain news media, please get in touch at ****. {% endhint %} # REPORT: Coordinating Media Assistance and Journalism Support Efforts As part of the final project activities, the team produced a report and policy paper titled ["Coordinating Media Assistance and Journalism Support Efforts." ](https://gfmd.info/briefings/coordinating-media-assistance-journalism-support/)This document examines the scope and focus of media assistance coordination efforts in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Ukraine, among others, identifying both common challenges and successful practices. The report played a key role in shaping [the OECD Development Co-operation Principles for Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment ](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info)and now serves as a reference for planning coordination initiatives. # REPORT - Sustainability & journalism support in Lebanon Published: 16 March 2021 {% hint style="danger" %} **The views expressed in this research do not necessarily represent those of GFMD, our members or our partners.** This snapshot report was conducted solely for the facilitation of discussions as part of ongoing efforts to coordinate effective media assistance in Lebanon and is not to be treated as representative and therefore it should not be shared or republished outside of this context. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} See [Appendix 1 - Methodology](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support/appendix-1) for more information about the aims and the scope of the research {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MVuptMFUIVDXpok2mii" %} [Appendix 1 - Methodology](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support/appendix-1) {% endcontent-ref %} ## Sustainability – a vision of many, a reality for a few The traditional concept of commercial sustainability was challenged by many interviewees who do not believe that independent journalism could be sustainable in the current circumstances, regardless of their current business model. > **“No media that is flourishing or surviving now is able to say they are going to be flourishing or existing in five years, unless they are state funded or run through a foundation with endless funds. It is a vision, but not a reality.”** *Representative of an international media development organisation.* One of the main dilemmas among the interviewees was whether donor funding could also be considered an integral part of a long-term, sustainable business model. Furthermore, making the connection between media freedom and media sustainability was seen as necessary and welcomed. > **“The most important thing is that sustainability is on the agenda. There cannot be a conversation about media freedom without including media sustainability.”** *Representative of an international media development organisation.* So what is considered to be a success in achieving media sustainability and implementing projects with sustainability components from the perspective of Lebanese and regional media development practitioners and news media organisations? Some of the most frequently mentioned examples included: * **Building commercial arms of media organisations** to secure revenue diversification (for example translation of editorial content is a commercial arm of one media). * **Engaging experts and trainers from the region for the region** – those that know the language, the context, and the specific challenges facing media. * **Producing high-quality, investigative journalism:** According to one participant over the last two years, 7 of the 10 most-read stories on their website are long-form, investigative journalism. * **Journalism skills development that is implemented over the long-term** has contributed to some of the trainees achieving significant success (winning awards, being employed by large media outlets etc.) * **Regional cooperation, networking, and knowledge exchange:** In one case, a regional network also serves to exchange information about funding opportunities. * **Selling content in order to generate revenue** is considered a successful strategy by some. Representatives of international media development organisations mentioned similar models: * **Supporting diversification and development of commercial services** and products that in turn fund the work of journalists: * Event management, translation, professional technical & design services, web development, video production training * **Building relationships and trust** with long term partners * **Bringing in the right people** (trainers, coaches, consultants) when implementing programmes. * Providing **long-term funding** for strategic partners. * Supporting **long-term skills development** of media professionals so they can find work and produce good content. * Supporting the **exchange of knowledge and experiences** between media organisations from similar markets. > **“We try to create opportunities for the media to learn from each other and connect over similar issues they are facing. Participants often continue their cooperation even long after the project has ended.”** *Representative of an international media development organisation.* ## SUCCESS - What are the elements of successful sustainability support? > **“Sustainability is ensured through targeting the right partners that can incubate, grow, and take their work and impact to the next level”.** *Lebanese media development practitioner.* #### Project design {% hint style="success" %} Interviewed organisations said that the whole sector needs to look at the sustainability and longevity of partners, initiatives, programmes, and platforms while taking into consideration building skills and knowledge to improve the competitiveness of journalism and media organisations in the market as well as to encourage the exchange of these skills within the community. {% endhint %} #### Fitting donor support into a business plan {% hint style="success" %} For one organisation, developing a sustainable business plan was the key to successfully growing their organisation. In addition, they argue that journalism organisations should only apply for grants that match their strategy and business plan. {% endhint %} #### Embedding a sustainability component in each project {% hint style="success" %} For example: * Organising training of journalism trainers can be designed so it evolves into a regional knowledge hub. * Journalism university curricula should be enhanced to include references to emerging market trends and the ability to transfer knowledge, which is one of the most important elements in achieving sustainability. {% endhint %} #### Other dimensions of sustainability and viability In addition to looking at sustainability from a business model, innovation, and technological standpoint, participants specified other dimensions of sustainability and viability: * **The legal context:** legal frameworks in which media operate including laws limiting free speech and civic space. * The importance of **networks and knowledge sharing** in the context of sustainability. * **External environmental aspects** that affect sustainability: political situations, the market, the safety of journalists etc. One donor suggested that ultimately success will be achieved when their partners no longer need donors and can stand on their own feet while producing good content for their audiences. ## **CHALLENGES -** What are the challenges in successfully implementing projects that support sustainability? ### Journalism and media organisations and media support organisations - Lebanese (and regional) Representatives of Lebanese (and regional) journalism and media organisations and media support organisations identified numerous challenges to achieving media sustainability and implementing projects with sustainability components, such as: {% hint style="warning" %} Difficulties in collecting and interpreting audience data and analytics and deciding on audience targeting; for example, who is the current audience, how wide should it be, should the organisation serve well defined, specific geographic segments and age groups, or the public more generally? {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} The tendency to apply for and implement projects that are not in line with the organisation’s own plans and strategy because of financial necessity. This leads to distraction from strategic and business plans and orientation towards donor and international media assistance agendas or implementing projects while not having sufficient capacity to work on them. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Insufficient core funding to alleviate the lack of commercial revenue and availability of mostly short-term funding that does not allow for capacity-building, combined with the stress, time, and resources spent on constant fundraising. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Limitations in accessing and acquiring knowledge and skills related to innovation and business, leading to an inability to develop new, innovative, and alternative business models. Additionally, a lack of access to experience and knowledge exchange between media operating in similar markets and circumstances. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Lack of subsidies from local and national governments, and a lack of support from the private sector. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Training or consultancy programmes based on inappropriate attempts of North-to-South transfer of knowledge that do not correspond to the reality on the ground and country-specific contexts. {% endhint %} ### Donors and organisations providing international media assistance From the perspective of donors and organisations providing international media assistance, the challenges to successfully implementing sustainability support projects include: #### The requirement to produce content on specific topics {% hint style="warning" %} This can be an unrealistic expectation and can also prevent the journalist(s) from pivoting to reporting on other stories that would be more valuable to their employer. One interviewed representative of an international development organisation advised that organisations no longer set these kinds of requirements. {% endhint %} #### Planning for donors’ exit {% hint style="warning" %} Some recipients of support have their finances secured for the time being and, therefore, are not prioritising sustainability or planning for the donors’ exit from the country/region. {% endhint %} #### Audience habits {% hint style="warning" %} Audiences are not used to paying for news content. Efforts need to be made to influence these habits. There have been some successful examples of introducing paywalls. {% endhint %} #### **Financial infrastructure** {% hint style="warning" %} User-friendly solutions that help revenue generation and monetisation of content are not always available in certain regions. For example, credit card payments are not feasible in some countries and other payment mechanisms may be complicated. {% endhint %} #### **Top management motivation** {% hint style="warning" %} Lack of motivation or willingness from the top management to work on specific projects and/or implement change. {% endhint %} #### **Business and managerial skills** {% hint style="warning" %} A lack of managerial and business skills in leadership positions in news media. {% endhint %} #### Legal environment {% hint style="warning" %} Laws in the region can be restrictive and used against the media, hampering their development and efforts towards achieving sustainability. {% endhint %} #### Unfair competition {% hint style="warning" %} It is particularly difficult for independent media to function in countries where state media have priority as recipients of state advertising and where the market is not a level playing field. {% endhint %} ## SUGGESTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS > **“Keep the lights on!”** ## What works? {% hint style="success" %} **Support core funding** – Several participants (both international and local representatives) suggested that donors should consider core funding more often, including short-term emergency funding, especially during such a fragile period. One practitioner that has secured core funding stresses that this meant their organisation was able to focus on being effective and impactful rather than worrying about being able to pay the salaries of their staff. Others said, “a kind of stability related to the core support helps liberate the institution from doing projects for only the sake of money”. In addition, there is a need for donors to also support organisations in navigating and addressing financial, administrative, and legal operational issues. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} **Support investigative and long-form journalism** – Local journalism organisations suggested that support for investigative and long-form journalism, including series of articles dedicated to themes that provoke high audience engagement, is a good way of supporting sustainability. {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} **Success could be about quality, not quantity** – One donor noted that some media organisations are not attempting to chase large audience numbers, but prefer to have smaller but loyal, engaged, and well-defined audiences. According to this particular donor, this is often a valid business strategy provided that they have a defined business plan, a setlist of goals, and focus on progress (that can be on a smaller scale). {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} **Collaborate to survive** – Donors are advising actors in media development and journalism support in Lebanon to look within the industry for solutions, to support each other, and to share ideas and practices. *“The days of working in isolation and extreme competition are gone.”* {% endhint %} {% hint style="success" %} **Support innovation** – There are still gaps in providing assistance for new media startups and effective digital platforms which focus on engagement and user experience. {% endhint %} ## What doesn’t work? {% hint style="danger" %} **Being led by fashionable reporting trends:** Another donor representative warned donors to avoid “trendy” reporting topics. As an example, they noted how many organisations wanted to support reporting on ISIS a few years ago. {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} **A short-term approach to training:** The same donor noted that nurturing investigative journalism takes years but too often training is short-term. {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} **Donor/programme driven creation of media:** One donor representative also warned against donor/programme-driven creation of media outlets from scratch, rather than relying on existing locally-driven initiatives. It may be seen as political funding from Western countries and it may not be sustainable. {% endhint %} # Appendix 1 - Methodology Published 16 March 2021. {% content-ref url="/pages/-MVud8ePBD9V2vSR\_9Sp" %} [REPORT - Sustainability & journalism support in Lebanon](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) {% endcontent-ref %} ## Aims * To better understand what sustainability (or viability) means in the Lebanese context. * Which business models (if any) are working for which kinds of media organisations targeting which audiences? * Gain insight into what effective media development interventions aiming to improve the sustainability or viability of news media might look like. ## Scope * Seven interviews took place with ten participants (in three interviews, two representatives of one organisation participated). ## Who was interviewed? GFMD interviewed: * Five representatives from three international media development organisations that work with and provide funding to Lebanese media and Lebanese media development actors. * Two representatives from a Lebanese media and media support organisation. * One representative of a media from the MENA region. * One Lebanese media business consultant. * One representative of a regional (MENA) media organisation. ## When were the interviews conducted? * Between 5th and 19th February 2021. How are the responses presented? * For the purpose of this report, the responses are anonymised and organised under the key themes that emerged. ## Researchers notes: The initial aim of this research was to focus on specific projects from practitioner and donor perspectives on media assistance and sustainability. However, participants tended to speak more generally about their overall experiences in regards to media assistance. ## Reluctance to provide templates and reports In the invitation for the interview, GFMD indicated that we would appreciate it if the organisations would share evaluation reports. In the questions sent ahead of the interviews, we also asked if project application, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting forms could be shared. One donor organisation has sent public links to information, tools, models, indicators, and assessment tools used. Other organisations have not provided these templates, perhaps because they do not exist or because they are not willing to share them. {% hint style="info" %} GFMD will consider what incentives could be put in place to encourage knowledge-sharing, including whether this information could be shared on the condition that the participants’ insights would be anonymised but the learning and insights would still be shared. {% endhint %} # Appendix 2 - Media sustainability component in project design, reporting & evaluation Published 16 March 2021. {% hint style="danger" %} **The views expressed in this research do not necessarily represent those of GFMD, our members or our partners.** This [snapshot report](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) was conducted solely for the facilitation of discussions as part of ongoing efforts to coordinate effective media assistance in Lebanon and is not to be treated as representative and therefore it should not be shared or republished outside of this context. {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MVud8ePBD9V2vSR\_9Sp" %} [REPORT - Sustainability & journalism support in Lebanon](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) {% endcontent-ref %} ## How much do projects focus on sustainability? Most of the donors and media development organisations working in Lebanon reported that they have extensive conversations with partners to determine what effective interventions and assistance could look like. International media development organisations interviewed reported that the final choice of projects with strong sustainability components depends on the results of elaborate needs assessments that provide relevant information and available data. ### Which elements do international media development organisations consider when providing support for projects related to sustainability? * Editorial freedom * Quality content * Ownership (transparency) * Governance structure (Board) * Externally audited finances and financial information * Strategic plan * Business plan * Audience data ### Business and audience data Two out of the three international media development organisations interviewed said they experience difficulty obtaining business and financial information or even audience data from partners and that partner organisations are often unable to share this information deeming it to be sensitive and confidential. ### Known versus new partners One representative reported adopting a two-pronged approach in choosing local partners: 1. Continuing to work with organisations that they know well 2. And launching calls for proposals for those that they have not worked with before In some situations, donors and international media development organisations reported that existing partnerships and funding from other donors played a role in their decision making: > “If the organisation has partnered for example with OSF or MDIF, that means they already completed due diligence and have gone through certain hoops”. However, as one implementor representative indicated, when a project is focused on a specific issue (for example on gender) and is not focusing primarily on sustainability, the selection requirements are not as strict, there can be a more flexible approach. ## Local organisations’ access to donors and funding for projects that support sustainability ### Building relationships with donors Several Lebanese media development practitioners interviewed indicated that they have a long-term relationship with donors and sustainability is a continuous part of their conversations. They also noted the use of networking and introductions to donors through contacts and peer/colleague recommendations. These long-term partnerships were built gradually – evolving from small grants to larger and longer-term support. ### Fundraising challenges In many cases, even those local media organisations that have long-term partnerships with donors do not have sufficient resources to allow them to achieve financial stability or to implement the projects they would like to pursue. Identifying potential new funders has been a challenge for many. One participant indicated that fundraising is one of > “the most draining parts of the work, a hard task that is sometimes harder than the journalism itself. It is not always easy to find the way and a centralized place for information, so reaching donors depends on the network, and access to information is not an easy part too.” ## Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on projects that support sustainability Information that recipients of international media assistance provide to donors to report on sustainability projects include: * Audience/circulation data * Revenue data * Participant feedback * Qualitative data gathered via formal and informal focus groups * Assessment of the quality of produced content * Numbers of articles produced * Information about new initiatives and products Several practitioners indicated they do the reporting and monitoring not only because it is a requirement from donors, but also because it is good for the organisation to assess the impact of the projects and for their own planning. For example, one organisation made changes to its social media strategy when the targets for Facebook traffic fell from 80% to 50%. ### Traditional media One of the donors noted that it can be difficult to get information and reports, especially from traditional media. However, it is important for them to see the evolution of the revenues and the audience. They also added that they do not look for long narrative reports, they instead ask for simple narrative reports with data and information about content that was produced and topics that were covered. ### Strategic partnerships For strategic partnerships, donors indicated that they practice regular and continuous communication to make sure their partners are performing well. ### External evaluations One donor indicated that external evaluations are also an available option. ### Capacity Another donor indicated that they do not necessarily focus on audience figures, and are instead looking for a change towards the increased capacity of the organisation to confront challenges. They want to see a strategic approach towards revenue-generating, increased number of new members, new initiatives, new products, outputs, and productivity audits. ### Standardisation One donor representative also mentioned that they plan to automate and standardise the collection of data for one of their upcoming projects as they expect a lot of data that will need to be analysed. ## TYPES OF SUPPORT: Lebanese (& regional) perspectives ### Training All of the (four) interviewed local Lebanese media support organisations indicated that training is one of the activities they implement to achieve sustainability within their own organisation or when designing initiatives to help other media organisations. The training activities that the participants spoke about are usually long-term efforts. One organisation indicated they organise training, mentorships, and try to link training participants with the jobs market by offering them opportunities for internships and work. One practitioner warned that trainers’ skills may not be enough and that knowing the context is crucial to avoid the gap between the theoretical and the practical. Some trainers have amazing qualifications and skills, however, they do not always know the local or regional context. After the research was completed a representative of one organisation share this insight with us: > From my experience, the best trainers are those that have been trained and worked for international media such as BBC, Reuters, AFP, AP, France 24, and CNN. They bring with them the discipline, high standards and commitment in general. There are amazing Lebanese journalists and trainers around the world and it would be great to collect names and start a data base to have access to good talent. Unfortunately, those working for Gulf media are often part of the political agendas of the governments funding them and are often not able to walk their talk in front of their mentees. ### Capacity building Three out of four organisations spoke about capacity building as activities that they implement to achieve sustainability. When speaking about capacity building, two organisations identified that this activity was focused on developing strategic and business plans, which consultants and donors facilitated. ### Content production Content production was also identified as a means to achieve sustainability by two participants. Content can be produced and monetised through, for example, cooperation and contracts with private companies. One participant indicated that 40% of their income is from selling their content. ### Strategic plans For one practitioner development of a strategic plan was helpful. Consultants asked questions and provided points to contribute to the development of a plan; however, the internal team had to do all the work. ### Networking and knowledge exchange Two practitioners spoke about the importance of networking and the exchange of knowledge for achieving sustainability. ## TYPES OF SUPPORT: International media development organisations ### Training Donors also identified training as a dominant activity. All three interviewed organisations, however, said networking was equally important. One respondent indicated that in the case of long-term partnerships, training activities are comprehensive – they would support any training based on their partner’s needs assessment and would include training in strategic planning, budget developments, etc. This donor also plans activities that support pre-existing activities and tries to build a pool of trainers in the region. > “Active media professionals giving back to their peers in emerging markets – who better to do this then someone who has been in the trenches.” Capacity building and content production were mentioned by two out of three donors while one donor also spoke about equipment procurement (e.g. providing laptops). ### Networking and knowledge exchange Donors also saw the value in networking and knowledge exchange, especially on a regional level: “it is very natural to promote networking, to share experience, to overcome problems and challenges, but without imposing it from our side”. ### Other activities Other types of support mentioned included different services media need to consolidate, such as market research and supporting marketing campaigns. ### Length and type of support 1. Donors are moving away from short-term projects and are more likely to plan for longer-term support when they are working to establish strategic partnerships. 2. Programmatic support is the only type of support provided (core support is not provided by donors participating in the interviews). ### Short, mid, or long-term support? * Two donor organisations provide a combination of (short, mid, and long-term) support. * One only provides long-term support. * No participants selected solely mid-term or short-term support. * All three provide programmatic support to their partners. ### A two-fold approach One donor reported providing two kinds of support: 1. With independent online media, they plan for mid-term or long-term support because these organisations need time to consolidate. 2. With traditional media, they prefer to engage in short-term projects of around 6-months. They reported that this fits better as longer-term projects can be undermined by changes in management or strategic direction. # LIT REVIEW - Lebanon media landscape A literature review of resources relevant to media development, media assistance and support to journalism in Lebanon. {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} GFMD is curating a [literature review](/resources/lit-review) of resources relevant to media assistance in Lebanon. You can browse the resources by the topics below: {% content-ref url="/pages/-MO23fu6as\_k7aEGpRX-" %} [Digital distribution of news](/resources/lit-review/digital-distribution) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MO24c9HCVI4-X1AvP-O" %} [Digital rights and free expression](/resources/lit-review/digital-rights-free-expression) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MO26WdSTuCFawxjRQHy" %} [Start-ups, new & alternative media](/resources/lit-review/start-ups-new-alternative-media) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MO291qGxVxF30QGdV44" %} [Trust in news media](/resources/lit-review/trust) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MVvXCTZcLEw1DLyFdte" %} [Sustainability case studies](/resources/lit-review/case-studies) {% endcontent-ref %} ## OVERVIEW {% embed url="" %} ## **Humanitarian** {% hint style="danger" %} At least 191 people were killed, over 6,500 were injured. Around 40,000 buildings were damaged, leaving more than 300,000 without shelter and at least 70,000 left jobless. Those with the most urgent needs before and after the explosion are poor Lebanese, migrant workers, and refugee communities. The explosion aggravated an already dire situation with more than 3.2 million people who are considered in need of humanitarian protection assistance in 2020. [(ACAPS](https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/20200921_acaps_situation_analysis_beirut_explosion.pdf)) {% endhint %} For background on the governance issues that led to the explosion see: * [A Hidden Tycoon, African Explosives, and a Loan from a Notorious Bank: Questionable Connections Surround Beirut Explosion Shipment (OCCRP)](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/a-hidden-tycoon-african-explosives-and-a-loan-from-a-notorious-bank-questionable-connections-surround-beirut-explosion-shipment) * [Lebanon’s Offshore Governor (OCCRP)](https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/lebanons-offshore-governor) ## **Political crisis** {% hint style="warning" %} Lebanon is a divided society characterized by a conflict of political interests. The Beirut blast has worsened the situation. It is a transition period and there is a huge lack of trust in public institutions and the current political elite. {% endhint %} ## **The financial and economic crisis** {% hint style="warning" %} Businesses are shutting down, with the closure of [newspapers](/resources/lit-review/digital-distribution) and mainstream media houses. {% endhint %} ## **Absence of (public sector) authority and state assistance** {% hint style="info" %} GFMD’s partners in Lebanon report that civic initiatives and NGOs are stepping in and filling the failures of the state. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} In the long-term, this is not sustainable. However, many civic groups believe that NGOs could contribute to institution building in the right political circumstances. {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} # Digital distribution of news This is a summary of the research and analysis of the digital distribution of news in Lebanon. At the bottom of the page, you will find links to key resources. {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} ## Trends According to Media Use in the Middle East, 2019 - A seven-nation survey by Northwestern University in Qatar, in Lebanon: * While 90% of Lebanese get their news on the internet [only 43% use news applications or websites](http://www.mideastmedia.org/survey/2019/interactive/news/who-use-the-following-platforms-to-get-news-and-information.html). 85% use social media, while 91% use instant messaging. * [Facebook (78%) and WhatsApp (92%) are the most popular platforms](http://www.mideastmedia.org/survey/2019/interactive/social-media/who-use-the-following-platforms.html) with users number increasing for most social media. * Facebook is used to get news about current events (73%) and share news about current events (58%) by a significant majority of users. * Over half of Whatsapp users use the messaging service to get or share news about current events. This is higher on Twitter but it has very few users by comparison. * Youtube is increasingly used as a news source by 53% of users in 2019 up from 33% in 2017. These trends mean that some media development organisations in Lebanon are calling for media to work with tech and social media companies to identify quality trusted sources of information and increase their reach. ## Opportunities The [Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI)](https://jti-rsf.org/en/) convened by Reporters Without Borders but with backing from around 200 media organisations is conducting a pilot in Lebanon. Support for this kind of initiative would be welcome but in large part depends on the engagement and willingness of the tech platforms to recognise JTI and/or other programmes, such as [United for News](https://www.unitedfornews.org/) that attempt to help advertisers and advertising exchanges make more informed decisions about where their adverts appear. ## Media viability and sustainability Economic pressures are endangering the livelihoods of journalists and the viability of media organisations in Lebanon, whether they are traditional or new, emerging media. As a [report by Maharat Foundation](http://www.maharatfoundation.org/media/1515/final-study-start-up_en.pdf) notes: > “The institutional crisis in the Lebanese media is not new. It is an economic model that was established decades ago and was designed to be compatible with the political, economic, social and technical conditions that prevailed at the time. This model should have been reformed after the 1970s and 1980s, but all attempts leading up to the digital revolution failed. There were also the financial crises that did not spare the audiovisual media. These companies were not prepared to take the blow when the crisis hit. As a result, many media companies closed down and many media professionals were made redundant to cut costs.” *(Source: Media Startups in Lebanon, 2018)* ## **Paying for journalism** * Willingness to pay for digital news subscriptions of news apps doubled between 2017 and 2019 but from a very low base ([Digital news subscription 11% up from 5% and News apps 9% up from 4%) ](http://www.mideastmedia.org/survey/2019/interactive/news/who-are-willing-to-pay-for-news-in-the-following-formats.html) * Willingness to pay for newspapers or magazine is 2% of below but 11% are willing to pay for podcast subscriptions. *(Source: Media Use in the Middle East, 2019)* ## WE WANT TO HERE FROM YOU! {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} # Digital rights and free expression This is a summary of the research and analysis on digital rights and free expression in Lebanon. At the bottom of the page, you will find links to key resources. {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} ## Threats {% hint style="danger" %} Digital rights groups report that the online space in Lebanon is closing. Since the protests that began in October 2019 of security forces confiscating mobile phones from protestors or forcing people to open them illegally. Detentions have increased, as have court cases against journalists and members of the public. {% endhint %} These trends have combined to create worrying levels of self-censorship, according to human rights and press freedom groups. ## Needs {% hint style="success" %} Support for organisations that closely monitor public institutions, and advocate for press public bodies to regularly communicate with citizens and abide by Access to Information laws. {% endhint %} ## Opportunities Tech companies must be encouraged to take more responsibility in a region such as MENA where there are less and less democratic states. Some have called for more lawyers and technologists in these discussions. ## What is already happening? {% hint style="success" %} SMEX, SKeyes and Maharat and 12 other organisations launched a Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression in July 2020. {% endhint %} ## KEY RESOURCES ## Collaboration within Lebanese civil society - Media Censorship, 2016 **Author:** Leena Saidi **Publisher:** Sharq for Citizen Development in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung **Available at:** This paper is written within the context of a project that aims to promote and enhance collaboration within social society in Lebanon. To that end, civil society organizations (CSOs) or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in the domains of media freedom and the elimination of censorship (Sharq, KAS, Samir Kassir Eyes (SKeyes) Center for Media and Cultural Freedom, Social Media Exchange (SMEX), Media Association for Peace (MAP), May Chidiac Foundation and MARCH) were brought together for a roundtable to discuss the opportunities and challenges they face, both in general and in terms of collaboration with other organizations. The report provides a summary of the key findings of the roundtable with regard to the strengths and weaknesses of civil society actions and the opportunities for and challenges to collaboration among CSOs. This article also gives an overview of the freedom of expression in Lebanon, stating that the State has repeatedly detained and silenced journalists, bloggers, activists, and artists in the name of legal justice using obsolete laws that fail to clearly define freedom of expression. It outlines that Lebanese journalists often find it hard to reveal any form of corruption without worrying about legal penalties. Thus, there is increased demand for regulating media censorship and enhancing freedom of expression in Lebanon. In addition, the article provides examples of initiatives launched by civil society organizations towards eliminating censorship of the media and promoting freedom of speech. ## WE WANT TO HERE FROM YOU! {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} # Start-ups, new & alternative media This is a summary of the research and analysis of new and alternative media in Lebanon. At the bottom of the page, you will find links to key resources. {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} ## **Background** Lebanon is one of the digital innovation capitals in the Middle East, according to a study by [Arabnet](https://www.arabnet.me/english/business-intelligence/lebanese-innovation-economy-tech-startups-2018-report). ## **Challenges** According to a study by the [Maharat Foundation](http://www.maharatfoundation.org/media/1515/final-study-start-up_en.pdf) half of start-up entrepreneurs, including new media, “do not have consultants to help them develop their business plan and connect them to multiple networks (investors, experts, links with support companies and incubators).” ## **Opportunities** Work with startups and nascent news organisations to help them to understand the viability and whole ecosystem, to surpass freedom of expression challenges, sustain themselves and be able to reach new and old audiences. ## **What is being done?** {% hint style="success" %} As part of media development coordination efforts, GFMD is * Coordinating an ongoing mapping exercise of media assistance in Lebanon * A short research project to better understand sustainability and journalism support in Lebanon. {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/-MUxT9s0R9SLAakjVxvG) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/-MVud8ePBD9V2vSR\_9Sp" %} [REPORT - Sustainability & journalism support in Lebanon](/resources/research-sustainability-journalism-support) {% endcontent-ref %} Collating this resource and coordinating future programmes on media viability so that they are not siloed and expertise and knowledge are more widely available is essential. ## KEY RESOURCES ## [Podcast Initiatives in the Arab World (March, 2022)](https://maharatfoundation.org/en/podcast_initiatives_arabworld) **Prepared by:** Maharat Foundation {% hint style="info" %} **Available in English here:** {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} The Podcast Initiatives in the Arab World study *"sheds light on a number of topics that revolve around podcasts: founders of podcast initiatives, the type of journalism presented, the audience of Arab podcasts, business models (funding) adopted in the initiatives, issues covered, success stories, challenges they face, and recognition of the extent of interest in podcasts, in media faculties in the Arab world as a new form of digital media."* It also explains how podcasts are growing rapidly worldwide, and they are being used as a way to provide diverse media material that meets the specific needs and interests of their audiences. In the Arab world, their importance has been increasing and their content varies between social, cultural, historical and entertainment content. The political content in podcasts, however, is less because of the limited freedom of expression that journalists and citizens suffer from in the Arab region. This study included 18 podcast networks and programs, with the end goal of analyzing the models of podcast platforms in the Arab world that provide reliable and quality content. It presents the conditions for their inception, the structure hardships they face, as well as the economic models these podcasts have adopted. ## [Media Viability in Lebanon: Applying DW Akademie's Media Viability Indicators (MVIs) (2021)](https://www.dw.com/en/foreign-fundinghypercompetition-new-insights-into-challenges-for-media-viability-in-lebanon/a-58165420) **Prepared by:** DW Akademie **Authored by:** Ann Hollifield {% hint style="info" %} Available in Engish here: {% endhint %} This report aims to answer the extent to which the production of high-quality and independent journalism is able to be produced by the media sector while considering financial stability. In order to do this, however, the Media Viability Indicators were applied. This model is centered around the media users having access to quality and reliable information and considers the areas of politics, economics, community, technology, and content. Thus, financial stability is assessed as a pillar of quality journalism. However, the data considered was gathered in 2019 and doesn't take into account more recent developments in the Lebanon media sector, specifically COVID-19's impacts. ## [Media and information landscape in Lebanon (2021) ](https://internews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Media-and-Information-Landscape-in-Lebanon.pdf) **Prepared by:** Maharat Foundation research team, Internews support team, and URIKA Agency research team for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. {% hint style="info" %} **Available in English here:** {% endhint %} The Media and Information Landscape in Lebanon (MILA) report, presented by Internews in collaboration with the Maharat Foundation and the URIKA Agency is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands' Advancing Diverse Voices in Lebanon project, and responds to the situation of lack of information in Lebanon. It examines the media habits and preferences of the Lebanese people through data collection from audiences and media outlets. These data sets were then reviewed and analysed, thus developing a series of implementable recommendations to enhance the public’s ability to make informed decisions through media literacy. This work is especially relevant today, as the centralization and politicization of media in Lebanon have resulted in the distancing of the general population, particularly women and the youth from traditional media outlets. However, this has also resulted in a newfound interest in alternative media outlets, which have emerged as an alternative over the last few years, especially during the recent protests. Thus, the report focuses on three main respondent groups: information producers (alternative media outlets), information consumers (women and youth in Akkar, North, Beirut. Mount Lebanon, Beqaa, Nabatiyeh, and Baalbek el Hermel), and civil society actors (opinion leaders who enact change in their communities.” **Full summary available in English here:** ## [A study on the alternative media platforms in Lebanon (2020)](http://maharatfoundation.org/media/1883/study-on-alternative-media-in-lebanon.pdf) **Lead Researcher:** Ghinwa Mikdashi **Field researchers:** Hassane Chaaban & Hussein El-Sherif **On behalf of:** Arab Resource Center for Popular Arts (Al-JANA), Maharat Foundation and DW Akademie **Author:** Dr Ali Rammal **Available at:** ## [**Media Startups in Lebanon (2018)**]() **Prepared by:** Maharat Foundation and DW Akademie **Author:** Dr Ali Rammal **Available in English here:** **Available in Arabic here:** [الشركات االعالمية الناشئة في لبنان](http://maharatfoundation.org/media/1531/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%A6%D8%A9.pdf) Since many Lebanese media companies stopped operating due to shortages of funding sources, new business models were being created and media companies started to shift to online platforms. This report explains the necessity of establishing media entrepreneurship and media startups in Lebanon that depend on innovative content to create a successful and independent business model. The report discusses the challenges faced by the existing media startups (372 online media websites registered with the National Media Council), such as the inability to generate revenue, difficulties in building a team, expanding, finding partners and costs of setting up. Many startups also struggle to create a qualitative difference between their content and that of existing media companies. The report also identifies content issues as being closely related to language as Arab internet users represent the fastest growing language sector in the world, but there is a large gap between the number of Arabic sites and the number of Arabic-speaking users. The study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of media startups and the Lebanese environment in which they operate. The report calls upon media startups to offer quality content and provide people with the information they need to act not simply as consumers but also as citizens, to implement strategic innovation and rethink trends and opportunities, and invites academic institutions to stimulate the role of innovation in the educational process to encourage startups in various fields. ## WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} # Media and information landscape in Lebanon (2021) Report Summary This is a brief summary of the key research findings and recommendations proposed by the Media and information landscape in Lebanon (2021) report in 2021. {% hint style="info" %} Full report available at: {% endhint %} ### Research findings: The research found that the organizational structure of alternative media outlets lacked documented statements about their mission and vision. Additionally, these outlets find that the development of an organizational vision is challenging, which can result in the current gap between the organizations’ objectives and their structure. The fact that these outlets often rely on unpaid staff members because of transient grants also leads to a lack of human resources, which limits the outlet’s growth. Additionally, the legal and regulatory framework in Lebanon often stalls organizations’ access to information, which ends up impacting the communications and information ecosystem of the country as a whole. This interference from the public sector is also evidenced in the ambiguity of media-governing laws. Further on, the failing and unstable banking system of Lebanon acts as an additional burden to alternative media outlets. This hinders these outlets’ capacities to rely on banks to both manage their finances and give financial assistance. Moreover, media outlets have struggled to build clear editorial policies that adapt to the changing circumstances of the social environment. Many have prioritized addressing fake news and verifying information presented by the traditional media, thus putting alternative outlets at a disadvantage particularly with audiences interested solely in breaking news. Also, because freedom of expression is threatened in Lebanon, alternative media outlets have sought to target audiences abroad. However, the fact that governments are incurring in media censorship forces outlets to find different ways of publishing their content. On the other hand, research points to media consumption still being television-centered for people over 40 years old, although younger audiences prefer viewing news content through social media platforms. Nonetheless, it is important to highlight the true prevalence of fake news, which makes alternative media outlets all the more important. As such, it is important to understand the information needs of Lebanese audiences. However, it is also important to note that the majority of the respondents view traditional media sources as untrustworthy and biased, but are unaware of the existence of alternative outlets. Those that are aware, however, perceive alternative media stories as “recycled” from traditional media stories. Thus, women and youth, particularly, rely on Facebook and Whatsapp more than they do media outlets as a whole**.** ### Recommendations Based on these findings, the report suggested key recommendations to three main groups: donor agencies, alternative media outlets, and media development organizations. **Donor agencies:** ![](https://3489568568-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvUk2bAgWClatWsb5WGlC%2Fuploads%2FvNVV7yXHIesY0htH0KWu%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-26%20at%204.34.34%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=ba29ec37-921c-4a88-bace-eb9da611bff8) * Long-term, core, and flexible monetary support for alternative media outlets. * Support alternative media outlets with innovation funds. * Encourage knowledge exchange and learning through supporting the outlets’ capacity-building and development. * More diverse funding models. Improve organizational strategy. * Improve legal status and funding opportunities through seeking legal support. * Strengthen and build relationships with the current audience. * Improve understanding of audience’s engagement online, and build better marketing strategies. * Improve content by implementing formats that appeal to the audience’s concerns, interests, and preferences. Enhance understanding of audience demography and geography, and thus, audience targeting. * Expand geographical reach. **Media development organizations:** * Support media outlets in their developing of organizational, financial, and thematic audience reach plans. * Encourage and facilitate cooperation among media outlets. Full report available at: # Trust in news media This is a summary of the research and analysis of the levels of trust in news media in Lebanon. At the bottom of the page, you will find links to key resources. {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} ## Trends {% hint style="info" %} 39% think that news media are credible and only 35% think that media can report the news independently without interference from officials. *(Source: Media Use in the Middle East, 2019)* {% endhint %} * In 2019 66% of Lebanese say they prefer to consume news from organisations based in the country but this has declined from 93% in 2017. * Preference for news from organisation from outside Lebanon is small but increased: 2% in 2017 to 10% in 2019. *(Source: Media Use in the Middle East, 2019)* ## **Challenges** {% hint style="info" %} There is a “brain drain” of journalists leaving to other professions or to work in media which many believe have lower ethical standards. {% endhint %} This perception appears to be backed up by: * The decline in people believing that “people benefit from consuming news from foreign organizations”: [45% in 2019 down from 54% in 2017](http://www.mideastmedia.org/survey/2019/interactive/bias-and-credibility/who-agree-with-the-following-statements-on-news-media-credibility-and-independence.html). * **Trust and confidence to report the news fully, accurately and fairly are higher among Lebanese media (59%) than Arab media outside the country (37%).** ## **Opportunities** {% hint style="success" %} An increasing number of Lebanese ([73% in 2019 up from 68% in 2017](http://www.mideastmedia.org/survey/2019/interactive/bias-and-credibility/who-agree-with-the-following-statements-on-news-media-credibility-and-independence.html)) think that “it is okay for the news to report about problems in my community”. {% endhint %} According to [Maharat Foundation](http://www.maharatfoundation.org/media/1515/final-study-start-up_en.pdf): > “As in the rest of the world, the old business model was faltering and facing survival challenges. Meanwhile, new business models were being created and media companies started to appear online, quickly reaching a wide segment of audiences. However, the economic weight of this process still falls short of expectations, at times being even disappointing.This reality paves the way for media entrepreneurship and for setting up media startups that rely on innovation and creativity in delivering content, offering a successful business model that ensures their survival and financial independence while keeping a distance from politics money that controls most of the traditional media in Lebanon.? ## State v private media? * 72% of Lebanese say their favourite news outlet is privately owned * 7% preferred news outlets that are state-owned. ## Mainstream media? ### **Needs** {% hint style="warning" %} Journalists from legacy media not being paid and they are losing their jobs creating a danger that they may go to work for media that are based outside Lebanon or leave the profession altogether. Lebanon’s media ecosystem will suffer and will become poorer. {% endhint %} ### **Challenges** {% hint style="warning" %} There is a perception among some in Lebanese civil society and media support organisations that mainstream media will struggle to embrace the changes needed to survive and produce quality journalism. {% endhint %} ### **Opportunities** {% hint style="success" %} There is still an opportunity to work with traditional media that is not directly owned by politicians as they are more vulnerable to market conditions than organisations and maybe more open exploring new business models and producing journalism that audiences value and trust. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Interventions to support journalism should not ignore television and radio as large parts of the population, especially older people, still rely on them. But this support should be put in place with strict criteria. {% endhint %} ### **What is being done?** * By November 2020, 30 journalists supported by the [Lebanon Media Recovery Fund](/2020-22). ## KEY RESOURCES ### ***Lebanese Media Crisis and the Future*** **Authors:** Sharif Abdunnur and Krystle Houiess (2018) {% hint style="warning" %} This [peer-reviewed journal](http://corepaedia.pub/index.php/hawliyat/article/view/80) discusses the Lebanese media crisis, portraying the shift that occurred in the country from being one of the leaders in media in the region to a place that is undergoing a severe media crisis. {% endhint %} Lebanon enjoyed exceptional freedom of expression among its neighbouring countries, characterized by the diversity of voices and platforms. Thus, the country as the article indicates was “a unique theatre for different political regimes in the Arab world to flex their muscles” (102). From 1970 to 2000, Lebanon witnessed the flow of regional funding. However, once the funding has stopped, the country's media crisis emerged. The study shows how the Lebanese media outlets that have survived the crises are today “dependent on political investors, while the news business is in the service of “the sectarian elites’. The few surviving media outlets in Lebanon are still fully reliant on local, regional and international “political donors”. As for the future of the media, this study suggests the necessity for the new media in Lebanon to be honest and to avoid the serving of “the war propaganda” with the suggestion of establishing the low-cost media outlets. The digital media allow for the creation of content that does not depend on “investors” and offers innovative content that cannot be censored. ## WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} # Sustainability case studies This page is a work in progress. ## L’Orient-Le Jour ### At the end of a grim year, the L’Orient-Le Jour Group looks to a promising future (2020) {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} {% embed url="" %} ## WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! {% hint style="warning" %} This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing [using this form](https://forms.gle/ZAjDBxAk2D3V5Bes8). {% endhint %} # GFMD members - Lebanon ## Daraj {% embed url="" %} Daraj is an independent media owned by journalists and focused on the creation and promotion of impact driven journalism holding power into account and covering underreported and marginalised demographics. Their goal is to offer Arabic speakers an alternative kind of journalism, free from political funding and influence, which controls other mainstream Arab media institutions. They are committed to making the access to truth a priority, through professional and ethical journalism. Daraj covers important issues with a focus on under-reported topics like women and minorities’ rights, environmental and climate changes, freedom of thought, belief and expression, and gender identity. They firmly believe in partnerships and collaborations and republish content from other platforms that share their values. ## Gulf Centre for Human Rights {% embed url="" %} The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) is an independent, non-profit NGO that provides support and protection to human rights defenders (HRDs) in order to promote human rights, including but not limited to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. We do this through documenting cases and publishing appeals and reports, organising training, carrying out UN and international advocacy, facilitating emergency support and convening networking meetings. GCHR is based in Lebanon and documents the environment for HRDs in the Gulf region and neighbouring countries, specifically Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. GCHR was founded in 2011. ## Maharat Foundation {% embed url="" %} Maharat is women-led, Beirut based organisation, working as a catalyst, defending and advancing the development of democratic societies governed by the values of freedom of expression and respect for human rights. Maharat advances the societal and political conditions that enhance freedom of expression and access to information, both online and offline. Maharat engages and equips a progressive community in Lebanon and the MENA region with the skills and knowledge necessary to create change. ## Media Association for Peace - MAP Lebanon {% embed url="" %} MAP seeks to get media involved in the peacebuilding process, knowing that they are key actors towards reaching a world where sustainable peace prevails. In this regard, MAP aspires to get media to shed light on Human Rights, the need for Dialogue and Reconciliation, and the necessity and benefits of gender equality on the society. MAP also aspires to raise environmental awareness, to upkeep sustainable development and to encourage social justice. The organization works on achieving this mission and reaching this vision by advocating, training, practicing, and developing the model of Peace Journalism by both holding and attending trainings, workshops, conferences, public discussions and seminars. Additionally, MAP publishes journalistic articles and audiovisual reports applying Peace Journalism, as well as forms partnerships with other institutions in Lebanon, the MENA region, and the world. ## Megaphone {% embed url="" %} Megaphone is an online independent media platform. They produce explainer multimedia content that covers current affairs and social and cultural commentaries, in formats adapted for the digital media. Their aim is to bring Lebanese politics closer to audiences that feel alienated by traditional media. They started producing a few videos a month, covering stories that were ignored by the mainstream news cycle or providing a fresh and critical angle to major news, and then grew to produce daily news coverage features and investigative stories that mattered, as a way to create alternative narratives. ## Raseef22 {% embed url="" %} Raseef22 is an independent media platform that addresses millions of readers in the Arabic language through an innovative approach to daily life in our world, keen to respect the local customs and traditions of the peoples of the region. Raseef22 is a media outlet that aims to create a sense of a future shared by the citizens of the Arab world but far from the discourse of Arab nationalism. Raseef22 is focused on a new awareness of citizenship and on promoting new values in line with human rights to build a better future. We are connected to the pulse of the street and raise issues of concern in the 22 Arab countries. The principles of democracy form the core of its editorial line, which is overseen by an independent team that’s critical but in a constructive manner; a team that has its own positions regarding the affairs of the region, but far from the existing political disputes. ## SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom {% embed url="" %} The SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom was established in Beirut, Lebanon, in November 2007. Housed within the Samir Kassir Foundation, which was founded following the assassination of Lebanese journalist and historian Samir Kassir on 2 June 2005, SKeyes’ principal goals are twofold: to monitor violations of freedom of the press and culture on the one hand, and defend the rights and freedom of expression of journalists and intellectuals on the other. The SKeyes Center aims to defend press and cultural freedom in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and promote the establishment of an Arab public opinion that is able to protect freedom of expression. SKeyes monitors and denounces violations targeting free speech in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, and conducts regular high-level training activities for Lebanese journalists to improve their coverage of sensitive issues. SKeyes also provides financial and legal support to persecuted journalists and advocates for the reform of legislations that curtail freedom of expression. SKeyes has also provided assistance to foreign journalists covering the conflict in Syria and to the families of kidnapped journalists. ## The Public Source {% embed url="" %} The Public Source is dedicated to reporting critically and comprehensively on crucial issues from local perspectives, with a particular focus on chronicling the material consequences of structural injustices and exposing the benefactors who sustain them. Embracing collaboration and rooted in social movements, The Public Source is aimed to be positioned as a trusted outlet for journalism produced in the public interest. Founded on principles of non-hierarchy, voluntary and temporary association, solidarity, and mutual aid, The Public Source upholds a commitment to ethical journalism and community engagement. # Sudan (2020) A summary of GFMD's role in facilitating coordination meeting for those involved in international media to Sudan in 2020. In early 2020, a group of media development donors requested that GFMD organise a meeting to discuss the coordination of media development in Sudan. A meeting was held on **2 April 2020 and** a report shared with all participants after the meeting. The meeting covered the following subjects: * Political situation * Political economy and the media sector * Legislative agenda * Media landscape * Needs assessments * Media development coordination and mechanisms * Mechanisms to bring in local actors * Follow-up actions {% hint style="info" %} If you would like to request access to the meeting report, participant lists and background reading, please do so by emailing **** {% endhint %} # Syria (2013-16) An overview of GFMD's role in facilitating coordination of media assistance to Syrian media between 2013 and 2016. In 2013, GFMD launched an international coordination meeting on media development efforts in Syria in collaboration with three of our members: * International Media Support (IMS) * Free Press Unlimited (FPU) * International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) The first working conference identified gaps and needs in support of media in Syria. The efforts around Syria led to the production of a GFMD White Paper for Syrian Media Assistance in June 2016. {% file src="/files/-MYe\_3S1y7Av7bnxHJGC" %} ## Syria media landscape survey Several international organisations combined efforts around audience research that led to a [media landscape survey in 2016](https://www.mei.edu/publications/syrias-new-media-landscape). {% embed url="" %} ### **Summary** > The Syrian Civil War has shaken the country’s media landscape and provided space for the nascent emergence of an independent Syrian media. Syria’s media culture is undergoing significant transformation from a top-down, state-run industry, to a diverse arena populated by competing viewpoints and driven by communities. > > This paper maps the changes in Syrian media since the beginning of the uprising in 2011, and explores the constraints facing independent media moving forward. Stronger mechanisms to support independent media in Syria are needed—such as additional and consistent funding, industry associations, and ease of travel—to develop a more open media culture in Syria, and foster a democratic and pluralistic post-conflict society. > > **Key Findings** > > * Since 2011, the Syrian conflict has led to the creation of a robust and diverse independent media culture within the country, with at least 196 outlets currently operating across political lines > * Lack of access to Internet and electricity in rebel-held areas has seen a focus on traditional forms of media, such as radio and newspapers > * Foreign governments and NGOs have provided funding and trained Syrian journalists to increase the quality of reporting > * Independent media remains heavily dependent on foreign aid as the war has prevented new outlets from establishing business models and revenue streams > * Guarantees for press freedom should be included in any political negotiations to ensure independent media survives in a post-war Syria {% hint style="info" %} [**Read the full Policy Paper here.**](http://www.mei.edu/sites/default/files/publications/PP9_Issa_Syrianmedia_web_0.pdf) {% endhint %} ## **Cooperation** Cooperation at the level of individual members of the group resulted in the coordinated emergency support efforts of the Syria Response Group and several joint media development initiatives. ## Other resources {% embed url="" %} # Yemen (2016) The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and GFMD co-organised a public solidarity meeting for Yemeni media in Brussels that was attended by various members, partners, and government officials. Furthermore, a consultation co-organised by UNESCO, IFJ, and GFMD in collaboration with international organisations and Yemeni stakeholders took place in 2016 in Jordan, which produced an [action plan](http://www.unesco.org/new/en/member-states/single-view/news/supporting_yemeni_media_in_promoting_peace_and_dialogue/) for journalists in Yemen. {% embed url="" %}