The entrance of the Télé Liban premises in Hazmieh, February 3, 2024. Photo P.H.B.
BEIRUT — New Information Minister Paul Morcos outlined his priorities after taking office during an interview with the state-run National News Agency (NNA) this afternoon. Morcos, who succeeded Ziad Makari, emphasized that his first step would be to engage with his predecessors and seasoned media professionals, underscoring the importance of learning from past experiences "instead of starting from scratch."
Morcos described his top priorities as restructuring the ministry and revitalizing public television, Tele Liban, by modernizing its content and securing international funding. He also signaled plans to "review an existing media law project," aiming to regulate media freedoms in a way that supports professional journalists while combating online violence.
Morcos stressed the importance of building on the accomplishments of previous ministers while making necessary adjustments. "Some ministerial practices required each minister to spend several months familiarizing themselves with the ministry’s affairs, developing a plan, and implementing it. But as soon as the plan started to take shape, the government would change, and everyone would be back to square one," he told the al-Mashareq agency. "What is needed today is to build on previous experiences, make necessary corrections, and continue until we achieve a clear and realistic roadmap," he added.
A lawyer and law professor, Morcos is the founder and president of Justicia Beirut Consult, an organization focused on raising legal awareness through a wide network of governmental and non-governmental entities. He succeeds Makari, who is affiliated with the Marada movement.
After years of resource shortages, Tele Liban has revived a long-standing tradition with the return of French-language news. The broadcast, which will air Monday to Friday at 6:30 p.m. starting Feb. 23, will run for approximately 15 minutes — a welcome development for the Francophone community in Lebanon.
