Annahar Media: A Bold Transformation Amidst Turmoil in Lebanon

LONDON: In the face of escalating conflict in Lebanon, Nayla Tueni, the chief of Annahar Media, has announced a significant relaunch of her media group. This ambitious initiative aims to position Annahar as a pan-Arab media leader, expanding its influence across the region while navigating the complexities of a turbulent political landscape.

A Legacy of Resilience

Annahar, the publisher of the iconic Arabic-language daily, celebrated its 92nd anniversary this year. Founded in 1933 by Gebran Andraos Tueni, the newspaper has long been a pillar of Lebanese journalism. Despite the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which has intensified since October 8, 2023, Annahar remains steadfast in its commitment to evolve and adapt. Tueni emphasized that the transformation was conceived in January and began implementation in April, demonstrating a proactive approach to the challenges at hand.

Embracing a Digital-First Strategy

At the heart of Annahar’s relaunch is a bold shift towards a “digital-first” strategy. Tueni describes this transformation as a move from a traditional newspaper to what she calls a “viewspaper.” This new model aims to provide readers with a cohesive experience across various platforms, whether they are engaging with the print edition, browsing the website, or consuming content on social media.

“Annahar’s refoundation aims to reach a wider audience,” Tueni stated. The media group operates two websites—Annahar and Annahar Al-Arabi—alongside a video platform and active social media channels. The focus is on producing diverse content, including podcasts, videos, and articles that resonate with a broader Arab audience.

Collaborations and Innovations

To facilitate this transformation, Annahar Media has partnered with several renowned organizations. Innovation Media Consulting, a global consultancy firm, has been instrumental in revamping Annahar’s digital products and rebuilding the newsroom with cutting-edge AI tools. Other partners include Impact BBDO for marketing communications, Obermeyer Middle East for engineering solutions, and Born Interactive for digital strategy.

Tueni highlighted the importance of refining content and rethinking team collaboration to ensure that Annahar can effectively transition from a local to a regional media presence. The new structure includes a compact edition from Monday to Thursday and a more in-depth weekend edition that covers culture, lifestyle, and other significant topics.

Challenges of Transformation

The relaunch of Annahar has not come without its challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. Tueni described the process as “the bridge between the past and the future,” acknowledging the difficulties faced by her team during wartime. “It has been tough to cover global events on little to no sleep, while also hearing the bombs,” she said, reflecting on the resilience required to maintain journalistic integrity amidst chaos.

The renovation of Annahar’s offices in Martyr’s Square, which suffered damage during the Beirut Port blast in August 2020, has also been a significant undertaking. The new office space includes an AI-powered newsroom, studios, and a news café designed to foster collaboration and community engagement.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Annahar is enhancing its subscription model to generate revenue from its extensive archive, which includes plans for documentaries and short films. The media group is also committed to producing content in multiple languages, including French and English, to reach a more diverse audience.

Tueni emphasized the role of Annahar as a fact-checking hub to combat the spread of misinformation, a growing concern in today’s media landscape. Additionally, the group is developing a media training academy aimed at equipping journalism students and the wider public with essential communication skills.

Upholding a Legacy

Despite the challenges posed by the current political climate, Tueni remains resolute in her commitment to Annahar’s mission and vision. “Believing in Annahar, and in the mission and vision established by my grandfather and carried on by my father, is incredibly important to me,” she stated. This dedication to legacy is evident in her approach to modernizing the media group while staying true to its foundational values.

As Annahar embarks on this new chapter, it seeks to uphold the truth, deliver in-depth content, and maintain a clear vision for the future. With Nayla Tueni at the helm, the media group is poised to navigate the complexities of the Arab media landscape, ensuring that it remains a vital source of information and insight for years to come.