MTV (Lebanon)

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MTV Lebanon
Logo used since 2009
CountryLebanon
Broadcast areaLebanon
Arab World
European Union
Australia
United States
Canada
AffiliatesOne TV Lebanon
Headquarters Naccache, Lebanon
Programming
Language(s)Arabic
Lebanese Arabic
Picture format PAL
HDTV 1080i
Ownership
OwnerMetn Bloc
Key peopleMichel Murr (founder & CEO)
Walid Abboud (Editor-In-Chief)
History
Launched7 November 1991 (original);
7 April 2009 (relaunch)
Closed2002–2009
Links
Website www.mtv.com.lb
Availability
Streaming media
MTV Live Free (inside Lebanon) / Paid (outside Lebanon)
Cablevision+ (IPTV in Lebanon)Channel 2 - General

Murr Television, marketed and known as MTV Lebanon, is a Lebanese television station based in Naccache, Metn District. It was founded in 1991 by businessman Gabriel Murr (brother of Lebanese politician Michel Murr) as an independent channel emphasizing local programming while also broadcasting Arab and Western content. [1] From its early stages, MTV states that it sought to represent the "complexity and richness" of Lebanese viewers’ identities, placing special focus on local programming while acquiring foreign formats under a self-regulatory code of ethics.

Contents

History

Michel Gabriel El Murr, CEO, son of Gabriel Murr Michel Gabriel El Murr.jpg
Michel Gabriel El Murr, CEO, son of Gabriel Murr

Early stages (1991–1994)

MTV began broadcasting in 1991, aiming to deliver a balanced mix of local, Arab, and Western content. At a time when Lebanon's media sector was largely unregulated, the channel adopted internal ethical guidelines, including legally acquiring the rights to foreign shows.

Embarking on the political scene (1994–2002)

In November 1994, MTV launched local news broadcasts and socio-political programs that addressed topics such as corruption and government accountability. The channel states that it aimed to speak for a "suffocated public opinion" through its coverage of political and economic challenges.

Shutdown (2002–2005)

In 2002, the station was shut down for allegedly violating the 1999 electoral law. [1] Some observers considered the closure to be politically motivated, given MTV’s criticism of the Lebanese government and Syria. [2] On 16 August 2005, the Lebanese Parliament unanimously amended the law that had led to MTV’s closure, restoring the station’s broadcasting rights.

MTV today (2009–present)

MTV remained off the air until 7 April 2009, shortly before the 2009 parliamentary elections. [1] Following its relaunch, the channel reaffirmed its focus on local programming and continuous innovation.

Mission, vision, and values

MTV describes its mission as promoting independent thought in Lebanese and regional media, serving the public interest, and encouraging social responsibility and ethical conduct. The station highlights:

MTV television and Michael el Murr are the recipient of the Washington DC based Transatlantic Leadership Network 2021 "Freedom of the Media" [3] award for International Reporting.

Production

All MTV productions are done in partnership with Studiovision, a regional production company operating studios in Lebanon and Dubai. [4]

Website and mobile application

Access to premium content on MTV’s website and mobile apps is free within Lebanon. Users outside Lebanon generally require a paid subscription. [5]

Ownership

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Justice’s Commercial Register, MTV SAL is co-owned by Gabriel El Murr's four children (Michel, Jyad, Carl, and Carole) and Joseph Sarkis. The register does not detail the specific distribution of shares.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "MTV". Media Ownership Monitor Lebanon. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  2. "Lebanon - Media Landscape" (PDF). lebanon.mom-rsf.org. p. 17. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  3. "TLN Freedom of the Media Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony". Transatlantic Leadership Network. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
  4. "Production - MTV Lebanon". mtv.com.lb. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  5. "MTV Lebanon – Programs VOD Replay". Mtv.com.lb. Retrieved 11 January 2022.