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Al Jadeed (Arabic: الجديد, romanized: al-Jadīd, lit. 'the new', English: New TV) is an independent Lebanese TV station. Headquartered in Beirut, it was launched in 1992 and paused its broadcasts in 1997 due to Syrian intervention, before resuming broadcasting in 2001.

Key Information

On 9 May 2005, Al Jadeed was also launched in America and the Pacific, reaching Arabic-speaking immigrants in the United States, Canada, South America and Australia.[1] As of 2012, it has become available for viewers in South America through over-the-top technology on myTV.

In 2007, a copyright issue arose with the name "New TV" and the channel Arabized its name, to which it became Al Jadeed TV. The station is owned by Tahsin Khayat.[2]

History

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From 1991 to 1996: New TV

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Up to 1996, New TV was regularly in conflict with the ruling leaders.[citation needed] At the end of 1996, the Lebanese Ministry of Information decided to shut many TV stations, including New TV, the only secular broadcaster in Lebanese. Only five channels then got the right to broadcast, chosen according to match religious communities’ demands.[citation needed]

Since 2001: Al Jadeed TV

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From 2000, New TV received a licence again and it became Al Jadeed TV in 2001.

Attacks, threats and intimidation attempts against Al Jadeed TV

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Broadcasting suspended in 2003

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In January 2003, Information Ministry Michel Samaha ordered to hold the broadcasting of Al Jadeed TV's programs. This decision involved the Bila Rakeeb weekly program that had been advertising on revelations about Saudi Arabia.[3]

Chairman arrested in 2003

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On December 7, 2003, Tahseen Khayat, Al Jadeed TV's Chairman was arrested at home and held in custody for two days.[4] The channel's offices and Tahseen Khayat's home were searched.

Threats against a female anchor in 2003

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In July 2003, Al Jadeed TV broadcast a new documentary involving the Lebanese General Jamil El Sayed in a corruption case with Syria. Most of the channel's managers were summoned to the Tribunal of Beirut. Among them was Dalia Ahmad, a famous anchor. As a non-Lebanese, her work permit was withdrawn and she was then told she could work for any other Lebanese TV station but not Al Jadeed. She finally resigned in December 2003. She then worked in the United States for Al Hurra and eventually came back to Al Jadeed TV after Jamil Al Sayed's arrest in October 2005.[5][6] Independently from this case, she resigned again in 2018 and came back to the station in 2019.

El Suddik case in 2006

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In December 2006, three Al Jadeed reporters were arrested following their investigation into the former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri’s assassination and their lead on Muhammad Zuhair El Suddik, one of the false witnesses. They were jailed for 45 days and released after their report was broadcast.[7]

Attack against the Chairman's house

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In March 2010, a hundred members of the Druze community surrounded Tahseen Khayat's house and threatened to set fire to it. Although they did some damage to the house, they eventually withdrew after the Druze leader Walid Jumblat intervened.

Murder of an Al Jadeed cameraman

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On April 9, 2012, an Al Jadeed crew went to northern Lebanon along the Syrian border. They were then fired at by the Syrian forces. Ali Shaaban was killed while Hussein Khreiss and Abed Khayat were seriously injured.[8][9][10]

Assault against Al Jadeed headquarters in 2012

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In June 2012, masked men set fire to tires in front of Al Jadeed’s office’s main door after the channel had released an interview with Ahmed al-Assir, a Sunni Sheikh. Al Jadeed’s security team arrested one of the men.[11][12][13]

Grenade attack against Al Jadeed headquarters in 2019

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In February 2019, the TV station was attacked with a hand grenade thrown out of a car. The suspects were affiliated with the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party, to which the party’s leader Walid Jumblatt later allowed authorities to arrest them and had a dinner with the channel's owner Tahsin Khayyat.[14][15]

Legal: Prosecution by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon

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In January 2014, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (a UN mandated tribunal set to judge Rafic Hariri's murderers) issued an order in lieu of indictment against the journalist Karma Khayat and Al Jadeed TV for whom she was the information programs director at the time of the incriminated facts. The Lebanese journalist and the channel are accused of contempt charges and justice obstruction after they released compromising information regarding the witnesses’ protection system of the tribunal.[16]

In August 2012, Al Jadeed TV had broadcast a 5 episodes documentary showing serious failures inside the tribunal related to the anonymity of the witnesses and their protection. Beside, the channel's teams had taken all the necessary measures to keep the interrogated persons anonymous (blurred faces, no name given).[17]

A year and a half later, Karma Khayat and Al Jadeed TV were indicted and prosecuted for "undermining the confidence of the public in the ability of the tribunal to protect confidential information related to the witnesses or alleged witnesses" and to have disobeyed the order given by the Judge to stop broadcasting the reportage. They appeared in the court first in May 2014 for the pre-trial. The trial began on April 16, 2015, in The Hague.[18] Karma Khayat could have been sentenced up to 7 years in jail and fined €100,000 if found guilty. Moreover, despite the tribunal's contradictions, this is the first time an organisation is prosecuted by an international tribunal which could make a precedent.[19]

Special Tribunal for Lebanon acquitted the station and Khayat of all charges on 18 September 2015.[20][21]

Programming

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Talk shows

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  • Kawālīs al-Madīna
  • ’Ūl Nshālla

Soap operas

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Political Satire

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  • Douma Qrattiyeh (دمى قراطي)

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Al Jadeed

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Al Jadeed (Arabic: الجديد, lit. 'The New') is an independent private television network headquartered in , , owned by businessman Tahseen Khayat through Al Jadeed SAL, specializing in 24-hour news coverage, investigative reports, talk shows, and entertainment programming broadcast across and the broader .
Originally established as New TV in 1992 amid 's post-civil war media , the channel was forcibly shut down in 1997 after failing to secure a broadcasting license, widely attributed to its perceived opposition to the Syrian regime's influence in at the time.
Relaunched on October 2, 2001, under Khayat's ownership following the Cedar Revolution's push for Syrian withdrawal, it rebranded to Al Jadeed in 2007 and has since positioned itself as a platform emphasizing journalistic transparency, social values, and exposure of corruption, achieving high viewership ratings in and neighboring countries like , , and .
The network has faced recurring controversies, including internal staff disputes over sensitive reporting—such as a 2025 report on leader Hassan Nasrallah's mausoleum that prompted resignations and dismissals—and external threats, including an Israeli in October 2024 that killed three of its journalists while covering events in .

History

Founding as New TV (1991–1996)

New TV, later rebranded as Al Jadeed, was established in in 1991 when businessman Tahseen Khayat acquired its shares from the through an associate, transforming it into a privately owned broadcaster independent of major political factions. Headquartered in the capital, the station positioned itself as a platform emphasizing freedom of expression and opposition to corruption, distinguishing it from other Lebanese outlets often tied to sectarian or political patrons. During its initial years from 1991 to 1996, New TV operated as one of Lebanon's few non-partisan private television stations amid a media landscape dominated by government-aligned or faction-backed broadcasters under Syrian influence over Lebanese affairs. It broadcast content reflecting Khayat's nationalist outlook, including coverage supportive of Palestinian causes, though specific programming details from this era remain limited in . The station navigated regulatory pressures in a context where media licensing favored entities compliant with the Syrian-occupied government's preferences, yet it continued terrestrial transmissions without a formal news-broadcasting permit. By September 1996, the Lebanese cabinet awarded broadcasting licenses to four television stations linked to political figures amenable to Syrian interests, excluding New TV and signaling impending restrictions on independent voices. This decision underscored the vulnerabilities of outlets like New TV, which lacked powerful political backing, setting the stage for its operational halt the following year due to non-compliance with licensing requirements enforced amid Syrian intervention.

Relaunch and Expansion as Al Jadeed TV (2001–2010)

Following the shutdown of New TV in 1997 amid political pressures, Tahseen Khayat, a Lebanese businessman and owner of the diversified Tahseen Group, acquired and reopened the station in 2001 after regaining its broadcasting license. On October 4, 2001, the channel transitioned from a local terrestrial broadcaster to a satellite network, enabling transmission across and into the broader via platforms like Arabsat and Nilesat. This shift marked a significant expansion in reach, allowing Al Jadeed to compete more effectively with established pan-Arab outlets and attract a regional beyond its pre-1997 domestic footprint. Initially operating under the New TV branding post-relaunch, the station focused on rebuilding its infrastructure and programming slate, emphasizing , talk shows, and tailored to Lebanese viewers while leveraging capabilities for wider distribution. By early , it formally rebranded to Al Jadeed , reflecting a commitment to contemporary content and distinguishing it from legacy terrestrial competitors. During this decade, the channel expanded its operations amid Lebanon's post-2005 political shifts following the and Syrian withdrawal, investing in studio upgrades and correspondent networks to cover regional events, though specific viewership metrics from independent audits remain limited. The period saw Al Jadeed solidify its position as an independent-leaning voice critical of certain political factions, including the , while navigating licensing hurdles and competition from state-influenced media. Expansion efforts included diversifying content to include syndicated Arab programming and original Lebanese productions, contributing to audience growth in urban centers and expatriate communities, though exact subscriber or ratings data for 2001–2010 is not publicly detailed in available records. By 2010, Al Jadeed had established a foothold as a key private broadcaster, setting the stage for further digital adaptations.

Developments Amid Crises (2011–2025)

During the Syrian Civil War's spillover into starting in 2011, Al Jadeed intensified its reporting on cross-border violence, refugee influxes exceeding 1.5 million by 2014, and domestic threats, often highlighting inadequacies in managing the strain on resources. This coverage drew criticism for allegedly stoking tensions, exemplified by a 2022 on-air segment where host Dalia Ahmad urged Syrian refugees to depart due to economic burdens, prompting accusations of from advocacy groups. In July 2012, assailants in a vehicle fired on the channel's headquarters, wounding a and prompting charges of against suspect Wissam Alaeddine, amid broader threats to media outlets critical of Syrian regime allies. Legal pressures mounted in parallel with political instability. In 2016, the convicted Al Jadeed's deputy news editor Karma al-Khayyat of contempt for reporting on potential witnesses in the assassination case, imposing a and fine, a ruling criticized by press freedom advocates as chilling . Further fines totaling $4,000 were levied in 2017 against four Al Jadeed journalists for in a report on , underscoring judicial weaponization against media scrutiny of . These incidents coincided with escalating refugee-related reporting, including 2013 partnerships with UNDP for documentaries on integration challenges, though such efforts faced backlash for perceived bias against hosting policies favored by and its allies. The 2019 nationwide protests against elite corruption and economic mismanagement saw Al Jadeed at the forefront of live coverage, with reporters documenting roadblocks, chants demanding systemic reform, and clashes involving over 100,000 demonstrators in Beirut alone on October 17. Security forces targeted Al Jadeed crews, including an October 19 assault on a reporting team in Baabda using sticks and tear gas, as documented by media monitors. The channel's Twitter activity during the uprising, aggregating over 1,000 posts on protest dynamics, amplified calls for accountability but invited retaliation from partisan groups. Following the August 4, 2020, Beirut port explosion that killed 218 and devastated the capital, Al Jadeed's investigative unit led early probes into ammonium nitrate storage negligence, with reporter Riad Kobaissi exposing port corruption predating 2012 inspections, contributing to charges against officials including former Prime Minister Hassan Diab in 2023. Lebanon's compounding from 2019, marked by currency devaluation over 90% and bank liquidity shortages, strained media operations industry-wide through drops and dollar shortages, yet Al Jadeed maintained broadcasts, reporting on depositor "heists" at banks in where armed clients demanded trapped savings. Physical attacks persisted: in February 2019, a hand targeted ; December 2020 saw pro-Aoun supporters hurl stones and ; and December bullets struck the building amid political deadlock. The 2023–2025 escalation between and , displacing over 1 million Lebanese and causing thousands of deaths, prompted frontline reporting, including polls questioning public support for 's armament monopoly. A May 2025 report on Hassan Nasrallah's construction amid war devastation led 34 staff to express safety fears, while MP Ali Sherri announced a , citing perceived . Earlier, a January 2025 episode featuring children in political debates sparked public outrage and an apology, highlighting ongoing tensions between sensationalism accusations and crisis-driven content demands. Despite recurrent threats, Al Jadeed sustained 24-hour cycles, adapting to digital platforms amid infrastructure blackouts and of talent.

Ownership and Funding

Key Owners and Management

Al Jadeed TV is owned by Al Jadeed SAL, a company controlled by Lebanese businessman Tahseen Khayat and his immediate family, who hold the majority stake through the Tahseen Khayat Group. Tahseen Khayat, the founder, acquired the precursor New TV (NTV) in 1991 by purchasing shares from the , establishing private family ownership that has persisted since. Tahseen Khayat serves as chairman of the , overseeing strategic decisions for the broadcaster. His daughter, Karma Khayat, holds the position of CEO, having assumed leadership roles including vice chairwoman by , with a focus on operational management and digital expansion. Other members involved include daughters Bouchra (managing partner), Ghida, and , as well as son Karim, collectively ensuring familial control over ownership and key executive functions. This structure reflects a pattern in Lebanese media where conglomerates dominate, minimizing external investor influence.

Financial Structure and Dependencies

Al Jadeed TV operates as a privately held société anonyme libanaise (SAL), with its financial structure centered on family ownership by businessman Tahseen Khayat and relatives, including daughters Bouchra, Ghida, , and Karma (CEO) alongside son Karim, who collectively control the station through personal investments and the affiliated Tahseen Khayat Group. This setup provides a buffer against immediate but ties operational sustainability to the family's broader business interests in and , amid Lebanon's . Historically, the channel's core revenue stream derived from television advertising, which dominated pre-crisis finances in a market where ads once generated up to $80 million annually across the sector in 2018. Since the financial meltdown, Al Jadeed's ad s have plummeted by 90%, mirroring sector-wide declines to $9 million total by 2022, forcing austerity measures such as drastic employee salary reductions—often to levels insufficient for basic living costs. No evidence indicates direct subsidies, unlike state-aligned outlets, nor formal allocations, positioning Al Jadeed as relatively independent in overt but vulnerable to volatility. Dependencies arise from Lebanon's opaque media ecosystem, where informal channels—such as politically motivated loans from the (pre-2019) or undeclared investments—supplement commercial shortfalls, potentially compromising autonomy despite Al Jadeed's anti-establishment profile. Owner Tahseen Khayat's reported alignment with , evidenced in coverage patterns during the 2019 protests, hints at possible indirect regional backing, though verifiable financial inflows remain absent from , underscoring systemic transparency deficits in Lebanese broadcasting. Election periods offer episodic boosts via heightened ad spends, but chronic underfunding heightens reliance on owner capital infusions, limiting long-term viability without diversification into digital monetization.

Editorial Stance and Bias

Political Alignments and Coverage Patterns

Al Jadeed's editorial stance is characterized as independent with a focus on , yet it has been described as critical of the and the , reflecting tensions with the anti-Syrian opposition bloc led by . This criticism aligns with the channel's origins, founded in 1992 by the , which positioned it against Syrian influence during the occupation era; broadcasts were suspended in 1997 after authorities denied it a , widely attributed to its oppositional content under Syrian oversight. The channel has also demonstrated scrutiny of Hezbollah, despite occasional internal sympathies within its staff. In May 2025, Al Jadeed aired a report alleging that tens of millions of dollars—sourced from non-transparent Iranian funds and smuggled currency—were expended on land acquisition and construction for Hassan Nasrallah's mausoleum, contrasting with uncompensated damages to supporters' homes from recent conflicts. This segment prompted MP Ali Sherri to boycott the channel and refuse interviews, while 's outlet condemned it as "polite incitement," and MP Ibrahim Moussawi called it a "qualified " warranting prosecution. Internally, the report triggered resignations from senior journalists, including news head Mariam al-Bassam, who argued it deviated from the channel's established line, alongside firings of staff who petitioned management for intervention to safeguard employee safety amid fears of reprisals. Coverage patterns emphasize accountability and scrutiny of power structures across sectarian lines, including exposés on corruption and wartime impacts, though this has invited backlash from multiple factions. Historical antagonism toward the Syrian regime is evident in incidents such as the April 9, 2012, killing of Al Jadeed journalist Ali Shaaban by Syrian security forces, who fired over 40 rounds at the crew while they reported from Lebanese territory near the border on refugee movements. The channel's work has pioneered investigative reporting in Lebanon, often prioritizing empirical exposure over partisan loyalty, yet operates within a media landscape where outlets are frequently perceived as aligned with confessional or political interests, leading to accusations of selective emphasis.

Accusations of Sensationalism and Partisanship

Critics have accused Al Jadeed of exhibiting partisanship aligned with Lebanon's political coalition, which includes and pro-Syrian factions, often manifesting in coverage critical of the rival associated with and anti-Syrian groups. For instance, during the 2019 Lebanese protests, Al Jadeed publicly supported the demonstrations against the sectarian political establishment, framing them favorably while owned by Tahsin Khayat, whose ties to —a regional backer of anti-Hariri elements—influenced perceptions of toward opposition narratives. Such alignments have led to claims that the channel prioritizes ideological advocacy over balanced reporting, particularly in its portrayal of Syrian influence and Palestinian issues, where anchors have made statements viewed as inflammatory against these communities, prompting public backlash. Accusations of center on Al Jadeed's programming choices that emphasize drama and controversy to attract viewers in Lebanon's competitive media landscape. In January 2025, the channel faced widespread for airing a political segment featuring children expressing partisan views, with detractors labeling it as exploitation of minors for ratings and ; Al Jadeed subsequently issued an apology amid outrage. Similarly, in talk shows addressing sensitive topics like , analyses have highlighted biased framing and participant selection that amplifies emotional confrontations, contributing to perceptions of prioritizing spectacle over substantive discourse. These charges are contextualized within broader critiques of Lebanese television, where outlets like Al Jadeed operate in a polarized environment marked by sectarian and geopolitical divides, often leading to or overt advocacy rather than neutrality. Defenders argue that such coverage reflects independent challenging power structures, but legal repercussions, including a 2015 contempt conviction by the for broadcasting details that risked identifying confidential witnesses in the Rafik Hariri assassination probe, underscore concerns over reckless tactics bordering on partisanship. While Al Jadeed maintains its reporting serves , recurrent controversies highlight tensions between journalistic freedom and accusations of undermining institutional processes through inflammatory methods.

Programming

News and Current Affairs

Al Jadeed's and current affairs programming emphasizes round-the-clock coverage of Lebanese domestic , regional conflicts, and international developments, with a focus on political, , and economic issues. The network airs multiple daily bulletins, including the Nashrat Al Akhabar Al Sabahiya (Morning Bulletin), Nashrat Al Akhabar Al Masaiya (Evening Bulletin), Nashrat Al Akhabar Al Layliya (Nightly Bulletin), and shorter midday summaries like Nashrat Akhabar Al Zahira. These bulletins deliver live updates from correspondents, often highlighting crises such as Israeli airstrikes in or domestic political maneuvers, as seen in reports on like the October 2025 visit of U.S. envoy . Central to its current affairs output is the daily talk show Al Hadath (The Event), which provides in-depth analysis of unfolding political events, featuring interviews with analysts, politicians, and experts to interpret real-time developments. Hosted by figures such as Raed Khoury and Hassan Al-Dar, the program covers topics like Hezbollah's military shifts or Egyptian security moves toward , aiming to contextualize "ground reality moment by moment." Complementing this is Huna Beirut (Here Beirut), a daily program that extends from -centric events to global implications, incorporating live correspondent feeds, social figure interviews, and discussions on pressing issues like aid reallocations or regional . The network's approach integrates investigative segments within these formats, often exposing local scandals or security threats, such as water contamination crises or collapses in areas like Tripoli. This programming, produced in-house, supports Al Jadeed's claim of independent 24-hour news delivery across , , and , though critics note its selective emphasis on narratives in Lebanon's polarized media landscape.

Entertainment, Satire, and Dramas

Al Jadeed TV supplements its news and current affairs output with entertainment programming, including comedy sketches, satirical segments, and dramatic series, often blending light-hearted content with reflective of Lebanese societal issues. These programs typically air in non-prime news slots, drawing audiences through humor and relatable narratives amid the channel's broader focus on . The channel's satirical offerings include Chi.N.N, a fake news parody show that airs weekly on Tuesdays at 20:40, mimicking to lampoon political and social events in . Other satirical content, such as puppet sketches critiquing political figures—including a 2017 episode featuring speaker alongside historical dictators—has provoked backlash, culminating in an attempted storming of Al Jadeed's offices with rocks thrown by protesters. Programs like Basmet Watan incorporate comedic sketches that critique national issues, contributing to the channel's reputation for provocative humor. In entertainment, Walla Lnakkif (also stylized as Wallah Lnakkif), hosted by Amal Taleb, features humorous monologues on weekly news, celebrity interviews, and stand-up segments, airing as a lively talk-variety format that mixes levity with topical discussions. The January 2025 launch of Mini Mafia, a comedic series exploring mafia-themed skits, faced immediate viewer outrage over perceived insensitivity to Lebanon's economic woes and was pulled after its debut episode, highlighting tensions between entertainment and public sentiment. Dramas on Al Jadeed predominantly consist of imported Turkish series, such as My Home My Destiny (airing mornings) and Aldatmak, alongside occasional local productions like Sira w Kamalet (Season 2 episodes broadcast as TV movies) and Nasamat Ayloul, a 2025 Lebanese series focusing on seasonal family dynamics. These series fill daytime and evening slots, with schedules emphasizing emotional family sagas and romantic plots to appeal to diverse demographics, though local content remains limited compared to news priorities.

Security Incidents

Early Threats and Suspensions (2001–2010)

In December 2003, Lebanese Information Minister Michel Samaha, a pro-Syrian figure, ordered the temporary suspension of Al Jadeed TV's broadcasts after the station aired programming deemed critical of government policies, violating media regulations under the Syrian-influenced regime. This action targeted the station's opposition-oriented content, which challenged official narratives during a period of restricted press freedom in . On December 6, 2003, Al Jadeed's chairman and owner Tahseen Khayat was arrested at his home by on accusations of collaborating with and undermining relations with , charges widely viewed as pretextual retaliation for the station's editorial independence. He was released after approximately 24 hours without formal charges, highlighting the use of arbitrary detention to intimidate media owners critical of Syrian dominance. In December 2006, following the station's coverage of the UN investigation into the February 2005 assassination of former , three Al Jadeed employees—a reporter, , and driver—were arrested and held for by Lebanese authorities. The detentions stemmed from reports alleging mishandling of witness details in the probe, which implicated Syrian and Hezbollah-linked figures, underscoring persistent pressures on Al Jadeed for pursuing stories threatening entrenched powers post-Syrian withdrawal. These events reflected a pattern of suspensions and arrests aimed at curbing amid Lebanon's polarized political landscape.

Major Attacks and Intimidations (2011–2025)

In June 2012, masked gunmen attacked Al Jadeed's headquarters, firing shots at the building, hurling Molotov cocktails, and igniting tires at the entrance, shortly after the channel aired an with Ahmad al-Assir in which he criticized and the . One assailant, Wissam Alaeddine, was arrested at the scene. On February 14, 2017, approximately 300 protesters, reportedly affiliated with the and , assaulted the station's offices in over a satirical sketch perceived as insulting to Shia ; they pelted the building with rocks, torched tires, and caused material damage while injuring two Al Jadeed cameramen. In May 2017, unidentified assailants infiltrated the premises and set fire to one of the channel's satellite gathering vehicles. February 2, 2019, saw unknown assailants in a passing vehicle hurl a at Al Jadeed's headquarters, causing structural damage but no injuries; this followed prior protests over content deemed offensive to Shia religious figures. Supporters of President stormed and vandalized the offices on December 16, 2020, in response to critical coverage of his administration, breaking windows and equipment. In late December 2022 and early January 2023, the station faced three separate assaults within a week—including gunfire and Molotov cocktails—triggered by a comedic sketch titled "Learn to speak Shiite" that satirized sectarian dialects and was viewed by critics as mocking Shia identity. These incidents highlighted recurring patterns of retaliation against Al Jadeed's provocative programming, often linked to sensitivities around and allied Shia groups. No fatalities were reported in these attacks, but they prompted condemnations from press freedom organizations for undermining media safety in .

Prosecution by the

In August 2012, Al Jadeed broadcast a series of investigative episodes titled "Witnesses of the International Tribunal," airing on , 7, 9, and 10, which disclosed details about five purported confidential witnesses in the STL's investigation into the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister , including pseudonyms, physical descriptions, and potential locations. The episodes remained accessible online after broadcast, prompting STL prosecutors to allege that they violated protective orders by risking witness intimidation or revelation of confidential information. On January 31, 2014, the STL Contempt Judge issued an indictment charging Al Jadeed S.A.L. and journalist Karma al-Khayat—responsible for producing and presenting the episodes—with two counts: contempt of court under Rule 151(A) for disclosing protected witness information, and obstruction of justice under Rule 151(B) for interfering with the administration of justice. This marked the first prosecution of a corporate media entity by an international tribunal, testing the STL's inherent jurisdiction over contempt independent of its core Hariri mandate. Trial proceedings commenced on April 16, 2015, at the STL's seat in Leidschendam, Netherlands, with al-Khayat and Al Jadeed denying intent to violate orders, arguing the broadcasts served public interest in scrutinizing the tribunal's witness handling amid Lebanon's polarized media environment. On September 18, 2015, Nicola Lettieri delivered the judgment, acquitting Al Jadeed of both charges due to insufficient of willful corporate policy or directorial knowledge enabling the disclosures, but convicting al-Khayat of (while acquitting her of obstruction) for her role in scripting and airing content that knowingly risked breaching confidentiality measures. A sentencing hearing for al-Khayat was scheduled for September 28, 2015, though both parties appealed the mixed verdict. The STL Appeals Chamber, in a decision issued on March 8, 2016 (publicly redacted version), reversed al-Khayat's conviction, finding insufficient proof of her that the broadcasts would disclose protected information, and affirmed Al Jadeed's , emphasizing the absence of corporate . This outcome highlighted tensions between journalistic freedom and protections in hybrid courts, with critics noting the STL's expansive powers but praising the acquittals as safeguarding media roles in conflict zones. No fines or further penalties were imposed following the appeals reversal. In Lebanon's Publications Court, which adjudicates media offenses including under the country's penal code, Al Jadeed and its staff have been defendants in multiple cases stemming from news broadcasts and programs perceived as critical of political entities. A prominent example involved a June 26, 2010, episode of the channel's "Al Hadas" program, leading to a June 2, 2014, ruling against news program manager Mariam Al-Bassam, who was fined 2 million Lebanese pounds (approximately at the time) for ; the channel itself was cleared, while co-defendant retired Mustafa received a 6 million pound fine and was ordered to pay 10 million pounds in compensation to leader . A related April 21, 2015, verdict in the case convicted Bassam of falsifying news, , and libel, imposing 3 million pounds in fines per offense on her and holding her jointly liable with board director Tahseen Khayyat for 6 million pounds in damages to the party; Al Jadeed was required to air a public statement on the ruling. Further proceedings in 2017 included fines of 2 million Lebanese pounds each (about US$1,500) against four Al Jadeed journalists—Layal Mousa, Mariam Al-Bassam, Rami Al-Amine, and Riad Kobaissi—for , slander, and disseminating false news in connection with a broadcast, as determined by the . That year also saw hearings commence on July 1 in a suit filed on July 9, 2016, by Internal Security Forces Colonel Nizar Bou Nasreddine against Bassam, Khayat, and journalist Youmna Fawaz; the charges alleged , slander, and violation of laws by disclosing details of a preliminary investigation in a June-July 2016 report implicating ISF , with the plaintiff seeking 30 million pounds in compensation. Domestic trials have extended to military courts for content challenging state institutions. On March 7, 2019, Al Jadeed Adam Chamseddine was sentenced in absentia to three months' imprisonment by a military tribunal for "insulting" the General Directorate of State Security in a post criticizing the agency's handling of a case. Political figures have pursued additional suits, such as leader Walid Jumblat's complaint against Al Jadeed and its "Qadh-w-Jam" satirical program for libel, , and inciting sectarian strife over a segment featuring a character mocking clergymen, filed through the party's legal officer amid heightened tensions following a attack on the channel's offices. Outcomes in these cases have generally involved monetary penalties enforceable against individuals rather than the outlet, reflecting Lebanon's framework where remains criminalized despite calls for .

Reception and Impact

Journalistic Achievements and Influence

Al Jadeed has pioneered in , particularly through in-depth reporting on and failures, establishing itself as a leading outlet for amid a media landscape dominated by partisan affiliations. Its coverage has emphasized empirical scrutiny of power structures, including long-term probes into public institutions, contributing to heightened public awareness during crises like the 2019 protests and the August 4, 2020, port explosion. For instance, channel-affiliated journalist Riad Kobaissi initiated investigations into irregularities at the port as early as 2012, documenting mismanagement and safety lapses that predated the disaster. The channel's influence extends to shaping national discourse, with its programs often providing detailed that challenges official narratives and fosters demands for transparency. As one of Lebanon's most popular and influential broadcasters, Al Jadeed reaches wide audiences through its mix of news, talk shows, and on-the-ground reporting, influencing policy debates and on issues like and security threats. This impact is evident in its role in collaborative media efforts, such as prototypes developed in to hold authorities accountable via data-driven stories. Despite operating in a constrained environment, Al Jadeed's emphasis on verifiable facts and persistence in covering suppressed topics has elevated standards for Lebanese media, encouraging other outlets to pursue deeper investigations over superficial event reporting. Its contributions have been noted in international assessments of regional , underscoring its role in advancing empirical in a sectarian political context.

Criticisms of Professionalism and Ethical Lapses

Al Jadeed has been accused of ethical lapses in its programming choices, particularly in instances involving vulnerable participants and potentially inflammatory content lacking rigorous verification. In January 2025, the channel aired an episode of its Mini Mafia program featuring children engaging in political and sectarian debates, which drew widespread condemnation for exploiting minors and eliciting hateful, exclusionary rhetoric from them. Critics, including the Lebanese Social Affairs Ministry, argued that the segment violated the Convention on the Rights of the Child by risking psychological harm to participants and infringing on their privacy and right to protection from political involvement. Caretaker Information Minister Ziad Makary intervened, urging the channel to prioritize child safeguards. Al Jadeed responded with an apology, conceding that the dialogue exceeded boundaries appropriate for children's age and innocence, attributing the issue to an editing error, removing the controversial portions from circulation, and announcing an internal investigation. In May 2025, a segment aired on host Josephine Dib's talk show alleged that the construction of Hassan Nasrallah's mausoleum involved tens of millions of dollars in expenditures, including $50 million each for land acquisition and building, funded through non-transparent Iranian sources and smuggled currency without oversight from Lebanon's Finance Ministry. -affiliated outlets, such as , denounced the report as "nine minutes of polite incitement" disguised as journalism, claiming it lacked basic professional standards and aimed to provoke domestic unrest rather than provide balanced analysis. MP Ibrahim Moussawi described it as a "qualified " warranting judicial . The controversy prompted resignations from key staff, including news and political programs head Mariam al-Bassam, who protested the airing of unvetted content that did not align with the channel's editorial line; Al Jadeed subsequently dismissed journalists Rawand Bou Dargham and Kassem al-Bassam for publicly challenging the decision. The channel clarified that the segment was externally produced and did not represent its stance, amid employee concerns over safety threats and internal divisions. Earlier, in December 2022, an out-of-context clip from Al Jadeed's Fashet Khelq program hosted by Dalia Ahmad went viral, fueling misleading narratives and heated incitement on , which culminated in attacks on the channel's headquarters involving Molotov cocktails and live over three incidents within a week. Monitoring by SKeyes Media highlighted how the decontextualized segment contributed to 33.6% of analyzed posts containing , with 53.2% of such accounts affiliated with groups like and , underscoring failures in contextual framing that exacerbated public misinformation and physical risks to the outlet. These episodes reflect broader critiques of Al Jadeed's occasional prioritization of provocative content over verifiable sourcing and harm mitigation, though the channel has maintained its commitment to investigative reporting amid Lebanon's polarized media environment.

References

  1. https://www.aljadeed.tv/about-aljadeed
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