PRESS, AUDIOVISUAL AND ADVERTIZING
Q- HOW IMPORTANT IS THE PUBLISHING SECTOR IN LEBANON ?
A- The Lebanese Publishing Sector is one of the most active in the Middle East. It includes more than 10 Daily Newspapers and over 1500 weekly and monthly magazines. More than 50% of the periodicals read in the region come from Lebanon.
Q- IS THE PUBLICATION OF A NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE CONTROLLED BY LAW ?
A- All Publications, whether Local or Foreign are subject to some kind of prior licensing:
a- LOCAL PUBLICATIONS : Before 1963, there were more than 400 newspapers. The 1963 press law limited the number to 105, 53 of which are dailies.
b- FOREIGN PUBLICATIONS : The legislation for these publications is archaic. Thus while certain publications can be imported and sold in Lebanon, they cannot be printed and sold in Lebanon. However, as the Law is not precise, there are ways to bypass it, thus an International Publishing Company can form a Lebanese subsidiary, which , in turn, can apply for a licence to print and sell its publication in Lebanon. Another way for the foreign publisher is to print under the license of a local publication.
Q- WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF AUDIOVISUAL BROADCASTING STATIONS IN LEBANON ?
A- During the war in Lebanon, it was, understandably, impossible to control the number of Broadcasting and TV Stations, which was over 250. However, after the war, the Audiovisual Law reduced this number to a reasonable 7 TV Stations, 5 AM Broadcasting stations and 22 FM Broadcasting stations.
Q- ARE AUDIOVISUAL STATIONS REGULATED BY LAW ?
A- Yes, Broadcasting Stations are subject to a number of restrictions, most important of which are :
a- A Broadcasting Station is not allowed to broadcast anything that defames Lebanon, its Independence or National Interests.
b- A Broadcasting Station is not allowed to broadcast any news or report that tends to belittle or discredit the Presidents or Heads of State of friendly countries.
c- A Broadcasting Station is not allowed to broadcast any news or reports damaging to Lebanon’s relations with neighboring or other countries.
d- A Broadcasting Station is not allowed to broadcast any news or reports that could destabilize the national currency.
Q- HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ADVERTIZING ACTIVITY IN LEBANON ?
A- In the 90’s the Advertizing business had grown to an impressive estimated annual figure of $100 million and was among the most active in the Middle East. However, it started slowing down as from 1999. By 2001, it had dropped to $90 million.
Q- ARE ADVERTIZING AGENCIES REGULATED BY LAW ?
A- There are very few laws that address this sector directly. Indirectly advertising is controlled by Press and Audiovisual laws.
Q- HOW IS THE ADVERTIZING SECTOR CONSTITUTED ?
A- The Advertizing sector in Lebanon comprises the following:
a- Lebanese Syndicate of Advertizing Agencies.
b- Advertizing Agencies.
c- Media Agencies.
d- Regies.
e- Media.