Wikipedia

Elissar Naddaf

(Redirected from Draft:Elissar Naddaf)

Elissar Naddaf (Arabic: اليسار ندّاف) born on September 7, 1971, is a Lebanese media executive. She is the chairwoman of the board of directors and director-general of Télé Liban, the Lebanese national public broadcaster. Her appointment by the Council of Ministers ended decades of neglect and vacancy. The appointment process was praised for its transparency and clarity, favoring competence over corruption, interference, and quotas. Prior to her nomination, Naddaf served as an advisor to the Minister of Information and spearheaded the digitization of the archives, focusing on Francophonie and women.[1] [2]

Elissar Naddaf
Chairwoman and Director-General of Télé Liban
Incumbent
Assumed office
22 August 2025
Personal details
Born (1971-09-07) 7 September 1971 (age 53)
Zahle, Lebanon
Children4
EducationHoly Spirit University of Kaslik (Ph.D. in Contemporary French Literature) & Lebanese University (BA in journalism with a specialization in news agencies)

Education and academic contributions

edit

Elissar received her Ph.D. in French literature from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), graduating summa cum laude. Her thesis entitled "The Ambivalent Role of Ethos in Inter-Christian Reconciliation (1989-2018)" (« Le rôle ambivalent de l’ethos dans la réconciliation interchrétienne (1989-2018) ») won the AUF second prize for the best thesis project presentation in the USEK Doctoral Days.[3]

She also holds from the Lebanese University a Master's degree and DEA (postgraduate diploma) in French literature and language, as well as a double BA in journalism with a specialization in news agencies and in French literature and language.

Naddaf is also the author of the scholarly article Pathos in Rhetorical Diagnosis and Linguistic Suggestion and Its Branches, and has completed multiple international certifications in media archiving, digitization, and production from various organizations.

Early career

edit

Naddaf began her career in 1988 as an editor at La Revue du Liban et de l'Orient Arabe, then joined Radio Liban Libre before moving to the National News Agency (NNA) as a journalist and translator in the French-speaking service of the Foreign Languages Department.

Ministry of Information

edit

In 2011, Minister of Information Walid Daouk appointed her as advisor in charge of the Télé Liban's archives. In 2018, Minister Melhem Riachi appointed her as advisor for Francophone affairs. Magazine Le Mensuel awarded her the title Guardian of Francophonie in Public Media for strengthening French-language broadcasts. She held these positions throughout successive ministerial terms.[4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

Projects and initiatives

edit

Naddaf spearheaded numerous key projects with the Ministry of Information. While most of these projects focused on Télé Liban, she also contributed to Radio Liban and the National News Agency (NNA).

Archive preservation and cultural digitization

edit

Francophonie and international cooperation

edit

Digital transformation and infrastructure modernization

edit

Women's empowerment amd leadership

edit

Naddaf founded the Femmes Leaders Francophones platform at Télé Liban to empower women in media and public service.

Media advocacy, policy, and literacy

edit

Naddaf facilitated support for the National News Agency (NNA) in collaboration with UNICEF. She represented Lebanon at international forums on digital literacy, fact-checking, and media ethics.

Télé Liban

edit

During its session presided over by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday 11 July 2025, the Lebanese Cabinet appointed Dr. Elissar Naddaf Geagea as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of Télé Liban, the country’s national public broadcaster. Dr. Naddaf is the eleventh person to lead the public channel since the merger of the two antennas in 1978, and the first woman to hold this position in Lebanese broadcasting history.[20]

The Cabinet also appointed Board members Janan Wajdi Mallat, Mohammed Nimr, Charles Rizkallah Saba, Ali Ibrahim Qassem and Rima Hani Khaddaj. [21] [22]

According to government sources, the nominated individuals were appointed without objection, with the Cabinet's consensus. The appointment process was praised for its clarity and transparency, favoring competence over issues of corruption, interference, and quotas. After years of an administrative vacuum, this appointment was seen as a step toward reviving the once-iconic institution that served as a cultural and historical mirror for Lebanon.

 
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reviews Télé Liban’s situation with Information Minister Paul Morcos and new Chair and Director-General Elissar Naddaf on 11 August 2025

For more than 26 years, since 1999, Télé Liban has been without a chair of the board, with Ibrahim al-Khoury as the last official position holder. From 2013 to 2025, Télé Liban suffered from institutional stagnation and leadership gaps. Various legal disputes and political delays prevented proper appointments during this period. During this period, a judicial appointment mechanism was adopted, bringing Talal al-Maqdisi in under Minister of Information Walid Daouk. However, he was dismissed by a judicial decision on 26 May 2017, during Minister Melhem Riachi's term. In 2021, during Minister Manal Abdel Samad's tenure, Tawfiq Traboulsi was appointed through the same judicial mechanism, but he resigned for various reasons. The appointment on Friday 11 July 2025 looked like an administrative miracle after years of waiting.

Selection Process

edit

In March 2025, the Ministry of Information launched an open call for candidates to ensure transparency and a merit-based selection process. Despite efforts to finalize the selection process, the names of the candidates for the board of directors were leaked after each political faction had submitted three names. As a result, the names were withdrawn from consideration, and Minister of Information Paul Morcos confirmed his commitment to the government's appointment mechanism. In the following weeks, the name of media personality Bassam Abu Zeid was withdrawn after he rejected his nomination. Accordingly, committees from the Civil Service Council, the Ministry of Administrative Development, and other media committees were appointed to screen applications and evaluate candidates in accordance with the government's process.[23] The Lebanese Cabinet appointed Dr. Naddaf due to her strong background and vision for Télé Liban, both of which are crucial for this position's symbolism.

“Télé Liban belongs to all Lebanese people. It is a national heritage that must be restored with passion, rigor, and independence. Our mission is to put it back at the heart of cultural and civic life. It must be acknowledged that Télé Liban has survived thanks to its employees, who have weathered unprecedented economic crises and successive political crises. They have fought tooth and nail, and it is only thanks to their sacrifices that this institution is still operating today. I joined Télé Liban's management team to work with complete transparency and take bold steps regarding content, news, production, and organization. Everyone has the right to know how Télé Liban operates, including its work, projects, and reform initiatives. I accepted this challenge, just as I have accepted many others during my time at the Ministry of Information. Throughout the previous period, I worked wholeheartedly without compensation from the Lebanese state, and I will continue with the same enthusiasm.” said Elissar Naddaf after her appointment.[24]

Public reception

edit

Naddaf was celebrated as the first woman to ever hold this position. “Dr. Elissar Naddaf Geagea's appointment marks a turning point for Lebanon’s public broadcasting sector. It is the result of a long-standing commitment driven by a clear ambition for Télé Liban. With her robust academic background, international expertise, and deep institutional knowledge, Naddaf brings a visionary roadmap for Télé Liban's digital transformation and cultural revitalization. However, her success depends not only on her leadership but also on political will, institutional autonomy, and public trust. With adequate support, Télé Liban could become a beacon of national identity, unity, and creative excellence in the rapidly evolving media landscape. This appointment marks two turning points: the feminization of senior public office and a breath of fresh air for national television.” [25] [26]

The daily newspaper Nidaa Al Watan wrote, "The choice of Dr. Elisar Naddaf to lead the institution reflects more than just filling a vacancy. It signals a real intention to revive the faded image of Lebanese TV through someone with the knowledge and experience to take on the difficult task of crossing the stage from decline to rise."[27] Another article from the same newspaper adds: "Naddaf, who comes from an academic and media background, represents not only a successful managerial choice but also has the qualifications to effectively rescue the TV from its stumbling block. Her presence at the helm of the organization raises hopes for restructuring public television and strengthening its presence in the Lebanese media landscape."[28]

The Lebanese Press Club congratulated two of its members, Dr. Elissar Naddaf and Rima Khadaj, on their appointments to Télé Liban’s board of directors. The Press Club also commended the Council of Ministers for its selections and expressed hope that this marks a new era of revival for Télé Liban, restoring its historic role and highlighting the essential contributions of women in public leadership. [29] [30]

Former Minister of Information Ziad Makary congratulated Naddaf, saying that “three years of working together in the Ministry of Information were enough for me to appreciate your commitment, efficiency, and dedication in everything you do. It was a rich and special experience, and you were always up to the task. I am confident that your footprint will be clear in your new position, and that you will add a lot of your experience and your beautiful spirit to this national media edifice. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and the new board every success.” [31]

Former Minister of Youth and Sports George Kallas said "the appointment of a new board of Directors for Télé Liban, after twenty-six years of neglect and vacuum, is a national achievement for public media.” He praised the chairwoman for her competence, experience and distinguished media background. [32]

The Catholic Media Center congratulated the Council of Ministers on approving the appointments at Télé Liban after a long wait, stating that the appointment of Naddaf as chair of the board of directors is an indication of the selection of the most competent and deserving person to take on the responsibility of reviving the television station so that it can resume its leading and pioneering role in the media arena after a long absence. The Catholic Media Center expressed its support for the chair of the board of directors in her new responsibilities, stating the Board will live up to the expectations for free and responsible media that serves the truth and Lebanon without any distortion.[33] [34]

The Samir Kassir Foundation tweeted that Naddaf has been “a staunch ally of meaningful media law reform, built bridges with CSOs & international partners, and shown constant openness to new bold ideas.” Naddaf had played an instrumental role in providing Hostile Environment and Emergency First Aid Training for Télé Liban journalists and cameramen in cooperation with Samir Kassir Foundation, and helped with facilitating import of vital Personal Protective Equipment for journalists.[35]

References

edit
  1. ^ https://www.mtv.com.lb/News/1592871?fbclid=IwY2xjawLh-wpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHp6dAsjABhVraM6zt73dZ9I0Swf8prYJ-0iTjiJLLmI1FS9gwgYyt3TlaJl__aem_W_1f6D7-l7uNw2EIbBIT8w
  2. ^ https://www.lebanonfiles.com/articles/أخبار-فنية/إليسار-النداف-من-مستشارة-إلى-مديرة-عام/
  3. ^ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1664Mr2HUX/
  4. ^ https://lebtalks.com/ب-المحليات/نداف-إلى-واجهة-تلفزيون-لبنان-فمن-هي؟/
  5. ^ https://www.almodon.com/media/2025/07/12/إليسار-النداف-من-مستشارة-إلى-مديرة-عامة-لـتلفزيون-لبنان
  6. ^ https://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/politics/534252/minister-of-information-french-ambassador-sign-agr
  7. ^ https://m.facebook.com/rima.sayrafi/photos/في-عيد-الأبتحيّة-إلى-أبي-الراحل-منير-صيرفي-المعلّم-الذي-تمرّستُ-معه-على-القراءة-/24913344264922430/
  8. ^ https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/78953
  9. ^ https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/radiokantara
  10. ^ https://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/politics/534252/minister-of-information-french-ambassador-sign-agr
  11. ^ https://magvisions.com/اليسار-نداف-الحفاظ-على-الارشيف-هو-واجب/
  12. ^ https://lebtalks.com/ب-المحليات/نداف-إلى-واجهة-تلفزيون-لبنان-فمن-هي؟/
  13. ^ https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/category/last-news/page/47
  14. ^ https://m.facebook.com/rima.sayrafi/photos/في-عيد-الأبتحيّة-إلى-أبي-الراحل-منير-صيرفي-المعلّم-الذي-تمرّستُ-معه-على-القراءة-/24913344264922430/
  15. ^ https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/radiokantara
  16. ^ https://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/en/politics/534252/minister-of-information-french-ambassador-sign-agr
  17. ^ https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/radiokantara
  18. ^ https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/category/last-news/page/47
  19. ^ https://www.vdl.me/episode-program/اليسار-نداف
  20. ^ https://www.nidaalwatan.com/article/333492-تعيين-اليسار-نداف-جعجع-رئيسة-مجلس-ادارة--مديرة-عامة-ل-تلفزيون-لبنان
  21. ^ https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/politics/794061/council-of-ministers-appoints-elissar-naddaf-geage
  22. ^ https://www.nidaalwatan.com/article/333493-تعيين-جنان-وجدي-ملاط-شارل-رزق-الله-سابا-ابا-محمد-نمر-علي-إبراهيم-قاسم-وريما-هاني
  23. ^ https://www.almodon.com/media/2025/07/12/إليسار-النداف-من-مستشارة-إلى-مديرة-عامة-لـتلفزيون-لبنان
  24. ^ https://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/متفرقات/801666/شبكة-الإعلاميات-اللبنانيات-كر-مت-رئيسة-مجلس-إدارة
  25. ^ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BbFRNoRr9/
  26. ^ https://www.alkalimaonline.com/news.aspx?id=854816
  27. ^ https://www.nidaalwatan.com/article/333505-بول-مرقص-الوزير-الذي-أعاد-النبض-إلى-قلب-الشاشة-الأولى
  28. ^ https://www.nidaalwatan.com/article/333494-إدارة-أصيلة-ل-تلفزيون-لبنان-الوزير-مرقص-يفتح-نافذة-على-التغيير
  29. ^ https://www.elnashra.com/news/show/1732655/نادي-الصحافة-يعبر-اعتزازه-بإختيار-إعلاميتين-أعضائه
  30. ^ https://www.lebanon24.com/news/lebanon/1390244/نادي-الصحافة-يهنىء-الزميلتين-نداف-وخداج
  31. ^ https://x.com/ZiadMakary/status/1943706688294416807
  32. ^ https://www.elnashra.com/news/show/1732639/كلاس-تعيين-مجلس-ادارة-جديد-لتلفزيون-لبنان-نقطة-مضي
  33. ^ https://www.nidaalwatan.com/article/333561-المركز-الكاثوليكي-للإعلام-يحيي-وزير-الاعلام
  34. ^ https://www.lebanon24.com/news/lebanon/1390244/نادي-الصحافة-يهنىء-الزميلتين-نداف-وخداج
  35. ^ https://x.com/AymanMhanna/status/1943769127660696023


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elissar_Naddaf&oldid=1307722628"