After my name was floated for the Minister of Information role, a position I’m not inclined to consider, I put together this strategy and plan of action for whoever wishes to accept the role. This will give them insight into how the industry can be improved.
Vision:
- Short term: Increase Transparency & Access to Reliable Information
- Long-term: Transform the Ministry of Information into the Ministry of Cyber
Ministries of Information typically exist in authoritarian governments as a propaganda tool for the state. The plan is to eventually transform it into the Ministry of Cyber to enhance access to modernize Lebanon’s digital landscape.
With a regulated, free, and improved media sphere, achievable within the mandate, we will be ready to transform the Ministry of Information into the Ministry of Cyber.
Strategic Priorities
1. Promoting Transparency & Access to Information
- Media Transparency Requirements
- Ban foreign funding of local media to ensure Lebanese media independence.
- Clearly label state-owned media outlets.
- Remove foreign state-sponsored propaganda and politically controlled media – helping transition politically owned and funded outlets into independently funded media.
- Combat Fake News & Disinformation
- Require licenses (easily accessible) for media outlets and journalists.
- Implement a mandatory course on fake news, incitement, and propaganda for journalists in order to acquire the license.
- Require a license to report news-providing platform, whether as an outlet or a journalist/reported.
- Prohibit incitement and propaganda; promote fact-based reporting.
- Support Local Media Sustainability
- Mandate that companies spending over $100k annually on ads targeting Lebanese audiences allocate the majority of their ad spend to local media outlets, creators, and platforms instead of foreign corporations (Meta, Google, TikTok, etc.).
- A portion of these funds should go to National News Agency (NNA) and TeleLiban based on fair performance metrics to strengthen Lebanon’s public news ecosystem.
- Finalize and expand on the protection of journalists against physical violence and legal action aimed at silencing and censorship.
2. Strengthening Public News Infrastructure
- Upgrade NNA & TeleLiban
- Enhance journalistic standards and provide reliable news coverage to support local media outlets.
- Introduce cultural, tourism, and educational programming on TeleLiban to promote Lebanon’s identity, traditions, and tourism sector.
- Make TeleLiban freely accessible nationwide, removing dependency on cable subscriptions.
- Explore internationalizing state media to expand Lebanese influence and soft power
- Make the archives available for licensing to generate revenue.
- Expand Media Internship Programs
- Partner with universities to establish large-scale media internship programs, developing a skilled and well-prepared talent pool for Lebanese media outlets.
- Support media education programs in universities to better prepare the future generation of news and media workers.
- Increase Government Transparency
- Live stream all parliamentary sessions.
- Publish all MP voting records publicly for accountability.
3. Regulating Digital Advertising & Influencer Marketing
- Ensure Transparency in Sponsored Content
- Mandate all media outlets, influencers, and content creators to disclose paid/sponsored content.
- Enforce financial penalties on violators, directing fines toward improving media reforms and infrastructure.
- Align advertising regulations with international standards to enhance consumer trust.
4. Cross-Ministry Collaboration
- Multilingual Government Information
- Work with ministries to ensure public information is accessible in multiple languages (pricing, regulations, public decisions, etc.).
- Enforce clear and transparent labeling of food products and other consumer goods.
- Support National Leadership Communications
- Improve public information efforts from the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker to ensure accurate and direct communication with the public.
- Collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism to enhance Lebanon’s global media presence.
5. Transition to Ministry of Cyber (Post-2026 Potential Cabinet Reshuffle)
Once foundational reforms above are established, move forward with full digital transformation:
- Launch an All-in-One E-Government App
- Create a single digital portal (similar to UAE’s eGov platform) for all government services.
- Self-fund operations through small transaction fees on app-based payments.
- Establish a Unified E-Gov Login System
- Develop a single sign-on (SSO) system for citizens across all government platforms.
- Modernize Government Online Presence
- Redesign and standardize websites of government ministries and institutions.
- Digitize Small Businesses
- Launch initiatives to bring small businesses online, stimulating economic growth and digital commerce.
- Enhance Cybersecurity for State Assets
- Implement modern cybersecurity frameworks to protect government data and online infrastructure.
This plan sets a foundation for transforming Lebanon’s Ministry of Information from a legacy institution into a forward-thinking, digital-first entity that enhances transparency, strengthens local media, and advances the country’s digital ecosystem.
The transition into a Ministry of Cyber will position Lebanon competitively on a global scale, fostering innovation, economic growth, and a more informed society.
Anthony Kantara is a self-made entrepreneur in media, having launched and sold two media companies in Canada before founding 961 in 2016 as an independent, nonprofit media outlet.
961 has grown into Lebanon’s leading digital media platform, serving 3.6 million annual readers, with a monthly reach of 20 million – primarily among younger demographics – being the voice of the people during critical periods such as the revolution, economic crises, the Beirut Port explosion, and the war.
