Marcel Ghanem (Arabic: مارسيل غانم) (born 1964) is a Lebanese journalist known for hosting popular political talk shows, including "Kalam El-Nas" (Arabic: كلام الناس) and currently "Sar el Waqt" (Arabic: صار الوقت).[1][2] While popular, Ghanem's career has been marked by accusations of promoting misinformation and alleged bias in coverage, which critics argue contributes to polarized public opinion in Lebanon.[3]
Marcel Ghanem | |
|---|---|
 Marcel Ghanem in 2020 | |
| Born | 1964 (age 59–60) |
| Nationality | Lebanese |
| Occupation | TV journalism |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Known for | Host of Kalam AL NASS, Sar El wa2et |
Some observers claim his platform has been used to disseminate divisive narratives that cater to specific political interests, thus affecting his public image and making him one of the most contentious figures in Lebanese journalism. These practices, according to critics, have contributed to his reputation as " the most hated man in Lebanon " reflecting broader concerns about media ethics and hate speech in the country.[4]
Early years
editGhanem was born in Yahchouch, Lebanon in 1964. He graduated from Lebanese University with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1987. He then practiced as an attorney between 1987 and 1994.[citation needed]
Career
edit
Ghanem presented a political talk show on the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) and Radio Liban Libre from 1991 to 1993. The program was called Kalam Massoul (Talking Responsibly?) , co-hosted by journalist May Chidiac.
From 1995 until 29 March 2018, Ghanem hosted the talk show Kalam El Nass (What people are saying) on LBC. He left LBC after receiving an offer from MTV. His new show on MTV is "Sar El Wa'et" (It's About Time) and has been on air since October 2018.
Giving a media platform to provocative speeches
editDuring the 2017 Lebanon–Saudi Arabia dispute crisis, Marcel Ghanem hosted in his political talk show Kalam El-Nas Saudi journalists who attacked the Lebanese Armed Forces and accused the president of Lebanon, the Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon as terrorists.
References
edit- ^ "Marcel Ghanem's Kalam el Nass interviews Lebanese Australians at the University of Sydney". March 15, 2010.
- ^ "Marcel Ghanem". fanoos.com.
- ^ "How Hate Speech is Harming Journalism in Lebanon". Ethical Journalism Network. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ "Ethical Journalism Network Report". Ethical Journalism Network. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
External links
edit- (in Arabic) Official Website