Chouf TV, an Arabic language news website, is the only news network in Morocco. The site is branded as a web television and was founded by Driss Chahtane in 2013. It was seen as a risky bet by many in the Moroccan web landscape, but its editorial line has made it a popular choice for many viewers. Its coverage of sensational events and societal issues has made it a hit among viewers.
The report reveals that Lebanon's media landscape is controlled by political dynasties, and that the largest media owners are politically affiliated. According to the report, political affiliations account for ninety-five percent of all TV viewership and radio listening. Some online news platforms are owned by political parties. These factors further increase the risks of politicization in the media. Lebanese law does not include any specific requirements regarding the disclosure of political ownership, so dynastic threats are common in Lebanon's media landscape.
Lebanon's media market is highly politicized, with political parties accounting for 95% of chouf TV viewers. The government does not limit the political affiliations of media outlets, and many are closely aligned with dynasties. Furthermore, Lebanese law does not include provisions for conflict of interest. Government figures, members of parliament, and their families are allowed to own shares in media organizations. Because media ownership is not mandatory, these dynasties are not required to disclose their affiliations.
There is no legal requirement for media ownership in Lebanon. Nevertheless, the political affiliations of media outlets may be linked to dynastic interests. Most outlets in Lebanon are owned by dynastic families, and a few belong to political parties. In these circumstances, there is a great risk of politicization of the media. In addition, Lebanese law has no provisions for conflicts of interest, and political figures and members of parliament are free to own shares in media organizations.
The political landscape of Lebanon poses a high risk to media pluralism. The country's media market is dominated by politically-affiliated media outlets. Its lack of regulatory powers, and deeply polarized political culture, make it difficult for independent journalists to protect their sources. Therefore, the government needs to ensure that the media is free from the threat of politicizing the media. The MOM also exposes regulatory shortcomings in the country.
The Lebanon media market is characterized by political affiliation. The country has the highest rate of political affiliations of any Arab country, and its media landscape is tightly aligned with the country's political elite. Because of this, the media sector is often ruled by a few powerful family clans, whose interests are not necessarily in the best interest of the public. This is especially problematic when it comes to the news.