NNA - Under the patronage of Information Minister Ziad Makary, the Ministry of Information, in cooperation with UNICEF, launched the official website of the French-language "Radio Lebanon" channel and its revamped Arabic-language website, within the framework of a cooperation project between the Ministry and UNICEF aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the public media to deliver accurate news and raise awareness about protecting children’s rights in the media.

Attending the launching ceremony held at the Ministry's premises in Sanayeh were: Director General of the Ministry, Dr. Hassan Falha, Director of Radio Lebanon, Mohamed Gharib, Director of Lebanese Studies and Publications in the Ministry, Khodor Majed, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Akil Ayar, Director of the Media and Communication Program at UNICEF - Beirut, Christophe Boulerac, Director of Radio Lebanon Programs, Rita Njeim, Assistant Director General of Tele-Liban, Wafa Haidar, Advisor to the Minister of Information for Francophone Affairs, Elissar Naddaf, alongside media professionals.

In his word on the occasion, Minister Makary announced that the upcoming week will witness the launch of a similar “Lebanon TV” website. He said: “We hope that there will be continuity in governance, as well as in management and projects, and the launch of this website is the result of long and hard work, as UNICEF, through its team in Lebanon, has graciously provided us with constant coordination with the Radio Lebanon team so that we can reach electronic sites that meet the aspirations of the Lebanese youth, who must take over the leadership of this country with its institutions, administrations, and political class.”

Makary praised the launch of the new websites, commending “the hard work that is taking place under the caretaker government due to constraining adherence to principles that must be respected," adding, "Despite the war and the tragedy that Lebanon went through, we were able to accomplish, and this is due to the management of the Ministry of Information and its partners in the country and the international partners.” 

He continued: “We have a Lebanese and Arab heritage related to the beginnings of media in the Arab world, represented by Radio Lebanon, which began operating in the year 1938, in addition to its older brother, Lebanon Television, which began broadcasting in the year 1959. We are proud of this heritage, which is an entrustment that we must protect."

Makary pointed to a decision by the Council of Ministers stipulating cooperation between Lebanon TV and the institutions of the Ministry of Information, especially Radio Lebanon, in the technical and artistic fields and programs, calling for “putting this cooperation on track and seeing common programs between television and radio with the aim of opening new horizons for young men and women who must engage in building the state and the new administration following the election of a president of the republic.” 

He also hoped that "a new government would be formed quickly to take over the country and rebuild it."

The Minister thanked the Director of UNICEF and his team, "who have never neglected the Ministry of Information, contributing to its restoration, providing technical assistance, and standing by its side."

For his part, Ayar considered that “today’s ceremony confirms the importance of the role played by the public media as a reliable source for transmitting information," and that "UNICEF’s support for Radio Lebanon shows the extent of its commitment to supporting the role of the media in spreading awareness, especially with regard to children’s rights.”

He added that the role of the media represents a challenge around the world, including Lebanon, in terms of improving the image of children and encouraging them to participate in media activities, in addition to protecting them from harmful influences.

The UNICEF representative stressed "the importance of delivering accurate and correct information to the public and the significant role that Radio Lebanon plays, not only towards the Lebanese inside Lebanon, but also towards the Lebanese community abroad."

He pointed out that "the radio's electronic platform will be a reliable source of news, culture and dialogue that will be easily accessible around the world through the new website."

===========R.Sh.