Ninety-three years ago, Annahar was not just a newspaper that kept up with events but an institution that chose to make the pursuit of truth its primary mission.
Times have changed, generations have followed, and the media has transformed from paper to screens, from websites to digital platforms, but the essence of journalism has remained unchanged: to provide people with reliable knowledge that helps them understand the world, not just follow its news.
Today, we stand at another historical turning point. Artificial intelligence does not only change the way content is produced but also alters our relationship with information, posing profound questions about truth, trust, and knowledge.
In a world where anyone can create fake images, "convincing" sounds, or news that seems real in mere seconds, the responsibility of journalistic institutions becomes greater than ever before.
Annahar chose not to fear technology. We chose to treat it as a tool in the service of journalism, not as a replacement for it. A journalist is defined not just by their ability to write words but by their ability to question, verify, connect the facts, understand contexts, and make ethical decisions.
From this belief, we launched our new projects that translate the newsroom philosophy based on artificial intelligence.
We launched the first news bulletin presented by the digital anchor "Noor," and "Nahar," the first digital correspondent preparing to interact with followers.
Noor is not just a digital anchor but an experiment that confirms that innovation can enhance journalistic work, and Nahar is a digital correspondent assisting the newsroom, while the final decision remains in human hands.
On the occasion of Annahar's 93rd anniversary, we announce the institution's charter for the use of artificial intelligence. It is a commitment to keep humans at the heart of every editorial decision, to place accuracy before speed, transparency before spectacle, and truth before any algorithm.
We did not write Annahar's charter for artificial intelligence because technology needs rules, but because truth needs guardians. Artificial intelligence contributes to production but does not bear responsibility. Meanwhile, journalism has been and will always be a responsibility before being a content production.
The world has moved from an era where information was scarce to one where it is abundantly overflowing, but what has become rare today is trust. In a time when anyone can create a parallel reality in minutes, the value of a media institution lies in its ability to verify, scrutinize, and choose, not in its ability to publish first.
Our charter is not a document for regulating machine operations but a covenant that organizes our relationship with it. It is a reminder that no matter how advanced technology becomes, it will remain a tool, and humans will retain the final say.
In parallel, we are expanding our Arab presence because we believe that the major issues concerning our region require modern, independent Arab journalism capable of addressing a wide audience in its language, using the tools of its era, without compromising its standards.
In this context, we announce the continuation of our plans to expand our network of correspondents in the region and attract opinion writers and leaders from various fields. We continue with our special edition projects that think outside the box to reflect impactful journalism and public opinion.
Our work to connect with all generations is solidified through investment in the youth content creators' project and enhancing the capabilities of digital platforms to tell stories, launching Annahar podcast platform.
We do not forget children and youth; thus, the "Fahim" project was launched to embody our conviction that the future lies not in merely reporting news but in explaining, interpreting, and crafting meaning around it from childhood and upbringing.
After ninety-three years, we do not celebrate the past as much as we renew our promise for the future. We will continue to innovate and invest in humans because technology keeps changing, but trust is built with difficulty and preserved through responsibility.
Annahar remains committed to the belief that its mission is not just to keep pace with the future but to help its community understand and shape it.
Ghassan Tueni taught us that journalism is not a profession just for conveying facts, but an ethical responsibility toward society, and that words are not measured by the noise they create but by the consciousness they instill.
Gebran Tueni taught us that truth may be costly, but it is always worth saying, and that press freedom is not a privilege for institutions but a right for societies.
Between these legacies, today we write a new chapter in Annahar's journey: we carry the same values into a different era, using new tools, but we do not compromise on the principles that made Annahar more than a newspaper, but a school of freedom and independence.
This special Annahar dossier marks the newspaper’s 93th anniversary by reflecting on its legacy, its journalists, and its evolving role in Lebanon’s history. From journalism in the field to AI ethics and the lessons of putting humans first, the dossier explores what it means to uphold truth, responsibility, and purpose across generations. Read more about Annahar 93 anniversary special:
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