In an era when information travels faster than ever, the responsibility of those who report it has never been more consequential. Recognizing the essential role of journalism in informing society, preserving collective memory, and upholding the public’s right to know, Antonine University (UA) brought together prominent figures from Lebanon’s media community for an evening of recognition and dialogue.

Held on October 28, 2026, at Our Lady of the Seeds Monastery on UA’s Hadat–Baabda Campus, the appreciation dinner took place under the theme “Humanity at the Heart of Our Mission… and Media as Its Voice.” It welcomed H.E. Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information; Mr. Joseph Qossaify, President of the Lebanese Press Editors’ Syndicate; Dr. Elissar Naddaf, Chairwoman and CEO of Télé Liban; Mr. Rafic Chlala, Head of the Media Office at the Presidency of the Republic; and Mr. Bassam Abou Zeid, President of the Press Club, alongside editors, journalists, media professionals, and University representatives.

More than a gesture of appreciation, the gathering highlighted what academia and the media share at the heart of their respective missions: the pursuit of knowledge, the development of critical thought, and a responsibility toward people and society.

A Shared Responsibility Toward Truth

Addressing the guests, UA Rector Fr. Michel Saghbiny emphasized that journalism goes beyond transmitting news. Its mission, he explained, extends to protecting the public’s right to knowledge, questioning reality, preserving collective memory, and enabling people to form their opinions freely and responsibly.

Drawing on the evening’s theme, Fr. Saghbiny placed the human person at the center of both educational and journalistic practice. He described the media not merely as a transmitter of events, but as a partner in building awareness, fostering a culture of accountability, and defending the human right to truth.

He also reflected on the responsibility carried by every word, image, and even silence. Between the speed of news and the depth of truth, and between freedom of expression and the duty to verify, he called for journalism that informs without misleading, engages without excluding, and remains faithful to truth.

Against Lebanon’s challenging context, Fr. Saghbiny further underscored the need for professional, independent, and responsible journalism, paying tribute to media professionals who continue to fulfill their mission despite risks and sacrifices.

He also drew a direct connection between academia and the media, noting that both contribute to freeing the mind from ignorance, resisting prejudice, opening windows onto the world, and forming people who are more aware, more capable of critical thinking, and more respectful of truth and others.

He concluded with a message that captured the spirit of the gathering: “May humanity remain our purpose, truth our compass, freedom our responsibility, and the media a voice for those who have none.”

Minister Morcos Highlights Key Priorities for the Media Sector

In his address, Minister Morcos acknowledged the difficult circumstances experienced by Lebanon’s media community, including journalists killed or injured during Israeli attacks and the continuing social and economic repercussions of the conflict.

He also outlined several legislative and institutional priorities being pursued by the Ministry of Information, including the implementation and continued development of the new Media Law, a regulatory framework for digital content creators and influencers, and a national plan aimed at protecting children and promoting more responsible Internet use.

Among the measures announced, Minister Morcos highlighted draft legislation aimed at compensating the families of journalists killed and media professionals injured during Israeli attacks, alongside broader efforts to strengthen retirement and social protections for workers in the sector, including work toward establishing a mutual support fund for media professionals.

He also referred to proposed legislation to abolish prior censorship of films and replace it with an age-classification system, as well as ongoing efforts to modernize Lebanon’s public media institutions, including Télé Liban, Radio Lebanon, and the National News Agency.

Throughout his remarks, the Minister emphasized the importance of continued consultation with media professionals as these reforms take shape.

Where Academia and Media Meet

The evening reflected UA’s commitment to maintaining meaningful ties with Lebanon’s media community and recognizing those whose work contributes to public awareness and the responsible circulation of knowledge.

This connection also resonates with the mission of UA’s Faculty of Information and Communication, which prepares future journalists and communication professionals to engage critically and responsibly with an increasingly complex media environment.

By bringing together journalists, media leaders, public officials, and members of the academic community, UA reaffirmed a conviction central to its educational mission: knowledge carries its greatest value when it is pursued with integrity, shared responsibly, and placed at the service of people and society.

Ultimately, the gathering honored not only the work of Lebanon’s media professionals, but also the principles that unite journalism and education: truth, critical thought, responsible freedom, and respect for human dignity.