National Audiovisual Media Council hails LBCI's apology

The National Audiovisual Media Council hailed on Tuesday the apology submitted by the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) for the report submitted from Palestine, noting that the apology spared the channel legal procedures stated in law, mainly article 35 of law No.94/382.

The Council urged all Lebanese channels to ease down their sectarian rhetoric, adding that the Council will launch a series of workshops in term of violations of the rights of women and children.

This as caretaker Minister of Information Walid Daouk called on Lebanese channels to abide by the country's laws and "not resort to making headlines at the expense of the country in light of pending challenges.

Israeli Newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth published a report whereby it said that the Israeli Army allowed LBCI's crew to access an Israeli military air base in an attempt to send threatening messages to Hezbollah.

Accordingly, the report was shared and published by several websites and media outlets.

Consequently, the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) issued Saturday an apology in which it confirmed the following:

- LBCI’s commitment to the boycott of Israel is a steadfast promise that results from self-conviction. In this regard, LBCI’s coverage from the regions of Hayfa and the West Bank depends on a Palestinian production company based in Ramallah and accredited by the Palestinian Information Ministry.

- LBCI’s reporter from Hayfa, Amale Chehade, does not need testimonies of patriotism from any party, since her professional journey provides enough proof, and her reports aired via LBCI have long warned against Israel’s aggressive intentions.

- LBCI will never, under any circumstances, accept to be used for any Israeli incitement against Lebanon.

- As for the recent report that had triggered widespread controversy, LBCI would like to clarify that its context defines Israeli show of force as a blatant attempt to reserve a seat at the Geneva conference, not as a threat against Lebanon.

However, LBCI admits that it had fallen victim to the Israeli army while preparing the report, allowing the latter to think that it can use a Lebanese channel for its own goals.

Therefore, LBCI extends its apologies to its audience for the unintentional controversy that occurred, stressing that it resulted from a misunderstanding.