National Council for Audiovisual Media suggests Cabinet grant Emirati TV channel a license in Lebanon

BEIRUT — Following the Cabinet's request to the National Council for Audiovisual and Visual Media to submit a formal opinion on Al Habtoor Group's application for a license to broadcast in Lebanon, the council has responded favorably, recommending the Cabinet goes forward with the process.

The state-run National News Agency reported on Thursday that Abdel Hadi Mahfouz, the council's president, has said the Cabinet can go ahead and grant a satellite broadcasting license to Habtoor TV under Satellite Broadcasting Law 531/96, which requires the proposed channel to agree to objectivity, transparency, accuracy of information and "the absence of political and sectarian agitation or calling for violence in society."

In April, Al Habtoor Group's founding chairman, Emirati businessman Khalaf Ahmad al-Habtoor, announced the launch of a new TV channel, set to be based in Beirut, which has "the potential to generate approximately 300 jobs initially, with prospects for additional employment opportunities as the venture expands. "

Mahfouz said in a statement that the granting of the license now hinges on the Cabinet determining the annual rental fee, given that Al Habtoor Group respects the ethics and standards laid out by the law.

Habtoor emphasized the channel's mission is "to inject positivity into the daily lives of its audience, with a focus on uplifting content ranging from cultural showcases and social discussions to sports, entertainment, and health awareness."

According to Habtoor, the channel's programming would be crafted to "inspire and motivate not only the youth in Lebanon but also people around the world, encouraging them to embrace positivity and pursue their dreams."

Al Habtoor Group stated that development is underway for a studio spanning 100,000 square meters, aimed at bolstering the country's appeal as a hub for international filmmakers in Lebanon.

Delay in license made Habtoor question if they should 'retreat from investment' 

On Monday, Habtoor had expressed his dismay over the delayed process of obtaining the license. "Are we meant to retreat from our investment intentions in Lebanon?" he queried, expressing a desire to overcome challenges and strengthen ties with the Lebanese people.

منذ ما يقارب الشهر، أعلنا رسمياً عن نيتنا إطلاق قناة تلفزيونية تبثّ من بيروت، هدفها نشر الإيجابية والتفاؤل بين الشعوب. وقد قمنا بإعلاننا هذا بعد أن قمنا بالدراسات الأولية للمشروع وتواصلنا مع الجهات الرسمية المسؤولة التي رحّبت ظاهريا بهذا الإعلان ووعدت أن تتمم الإجراءات اللازمة… https://t.co/Bmlbr9hRbV

— Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor (@KhalafAlHabtoor) June 3, 2024

Caretaker Information Minister Ziad Makary had replied to him: "We are committed to fulfilling our promise regarding granting you the required licenses," Makary stated, referencing a correspondence from the government palace dated May 15.

He affirmed plans to present the matter to the Cabinet, underscoring Lebanon's attractiveness for investment, "particularly when supported by cherished stakeholders like Al Habtoor Group."