NNA - LebTalks, a platform for Lebanese political and cultural affairs, held a reception at Le Gabriel Hotel in Ashrafieh to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Information, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, who was represented by the Chairperson and Director General of Tele Liban, Dr. Elissar Naddaf, with several deputies, ministers, and media, cultural, and economic figures attending.
In her word on behalf of the Information Minister, Naddaf commended the platform's contribution to the Lebanese media, adding, "The media is not merely a means of expression, but the primary guardian of Lebanese identity, reflecting its image and keeping its voice alive in the face of all change. There is no identity without media to tell its story, and no media without an identity from which it derives its legitimacy and spirit. The voice of Lebanese identity must remain loud, clear, and present on all platforms and in all media outlets. The louder the voice of identity, the better our media will be, and consequently, the better our country will be.”
She emphasized that "in a time when terms have multiplied between 'modern media' and 'traditional media', the media is one. Its message is one. Its ethics are one. What has changed is technological development, so the means of media have diversified and multiplied, but the content remains one. Hence, ethics, principles, and foundations remain constant and must be preserved."
Naddaf considered that the artificial intelligence revolution has impacted the world, and the media in particular. "Herein lies our shared responsibility: to use these tools for the benefit of the profession and to serve society," she added, noting that "Artificial intelligence must remain an aid to the media, to preserve credibility and the essence of the profession."
"Freedom of expression in the media, which we all cherish, is both awareness and responsibility. It is a value that must not be abused. When freedom devolves into chaos, it loses its meaning and purpose. In the age of digital speed, where words spread rapidly and in seconds, our responsibility is amplified, especially with the development of social media, media platforms, and websites, and their vital and significant role in influencing public opinion," she maintained.
Naddaf considered that, given the speed and volume of information dissemination, careful consideration of every word must remain fundamental, and respect for intellect must be an unwavering principle. "Thus, before we aim for the desired rating, we must arrive at the truth and ensure its dissemination within the bounds of the law and professional ethics. Under no circumstances should ratings supersede transparency and professional ethics. We must also remember that numbers can be manipulated at any moment, while the truth remains constant," she underlined.
Touching on the visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon, Naddaf called on the media to play its role in highlighting the true face of this nation: its civilization, its faith, and the values of coexistence that characterize its identity.
