At a time when Lebanon continues to face profound economic, administrative, and governance challenges, the need for evidence-based, data-driven journalism has become increasingly urgent. This promotes the role of journalism in monitoring the management of public funds, holding public institutions accountable, and promoting citizens' right to access to information. Amid ongoing debates over administrative and fiscal reforms, journalists have emerged as key actors in uncovering the facts, tracking public spending, and providing accurate information that helps citizens understand public policies and their impact on everyday life. 

In this context, this fellowship aims to equip a new generation of journalists with the knowledge and skills required to report on accountability, transparency, and public procurement by placing particular emphasis on the use of data and official platforms as primary sources of information in journalism.  The fellowship is implemented and comes within the project “Bridging Gaps for Accountable and Transparent Public Administration in Lebanon” in partnership with Nahnoo and within the framework of the European Union-funded “ Support to Public Administration Reform in Lebanon” program, implemented by Expertise France. 

Throughout the fellowship, the selected journalists developed their understanding of public financial management and its relationship to public policy, strengthened their capacity to monitor public spending, analyze financial oversight reports, and gain access to information and resources to produce evidence-based and data-driven in-depth investigations and reports. They also benefited from professional training and mentorship opportunities and engaged with local and international experts and national oversight bodies, which contributed to building a supportive professional network for investigative and accountability journalism in Lebanon.

The eleven fellows represent diverse media backgrounds and come from different regions across Lebanon, sharing a collective commitment to promoting transparency and accountability, supporting citizens' right to access to information, and contributing to a more informed public discourse on public affairs and funds management in Lebanon.

Meet the fellows selected to join this Fellowship Program:

Yumna Yazbek is a Lebanese journalist and media professional working at “RED TV”. She has a strong interest in news journalism, storytelling, and public affairs. Her work focuses on preparing news and reports that convey humanitarian and social issues to the public in a professional manner, grounded in accuracy, objectivity, and clarity in presenting information.

Areej Ammar is a journalist, public relations and media coordinator, and content creator specializing in political and media affairs. She currently works with “Leb Talk” and “Al-Anbaa" Online. She holds a degree in Media and Journalism and has experience in journalistic writing and media narrative management. Her professional interests focus on political media and strategic communications, and she works on developing professional  content that combines journalistic rigor with modern approaches to media analysis.

Hussein Shehadeh is a field correspondent at OTV. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Lebanese University. He covered the two Israeli wars on Lebanon in 2024 and 2026. His interests include Middle Eastern affairs, local politics, and social issues, in addition to transparency and accountability matters. He also seeks to enhance the quality of media coverage of political and humanitarian issues. 

Amani Shaaban is a journalist, columnist, content creator, and communications consultant with experience in digital media, newsroom management, and social media. Her work focuses on political and social storytelling and multimedia content production. She previously served as Communications Consultant and Head of Social Media at “LebTalks” platform, leding digital media strategies and content production. She is particularly interested in ethical journalism and promoting social impact through innovative and responsible journalistic practices.

Bilal Ghaziyeh is an independent journalist who collaborates with several Lebanese and Arab media platforms. His work focuses on covering warsfield events, and humanitarian and social  matters. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the Lebanese University and is currently pursuing his graduate studies in Digital Media.

Mohammad Tamer is a media professional and researcher focusing on public affairs. He works at Al-Manbar  – Tripoli channel. He is pursuing his studies in political science alongside his specialization in media and journalism. He is interested in youth and minority issues and their rights, and believes in the importance of media as a tool to promote transparency and civic engagement.

Lara Bou Antoun is a Journalism and Media student at the East International University (EIU) and a content creator interested in social and political issues and digital media. She has participated in specialized training programs in investigative journalism, media presentation, and field reporting. She also works as an independent presenter and is building an integrated professional career in the media sector.

Roua Kassem is a journalist at Al-Akhbar newspaper and a fact-checker who is pursuing graduate studies alongside her professional work. Her interests focus on political and regional affairs, fact-checking, combating Mis-disinformation, and enhancing the quality of media content.

Karen Nassim is a Journalism, Media, and Political Science student who works at MTV. She is  passionate about storytelling and media presentation. She works as an independent presenter, content creator, and interviewer, and seeks to use media and communication as tools for positive social impact.

Areej Al Kokash is a Lebanese journalist and field correspondent at “Lebanon News” “ website. He focuses on political, social, and economic issues. He has covered pivotal  events and developments in Lebanon and is dedicated to highlighting community concerns and local development issues through professional and objective reporting.

Eid Al Halabi  is an independent photojournalist  working in news and field coverage with LBCI and has collaborated with several media outlets. His reporting portfolio includes the war in Lebanon, parliamentary and municipal elections, and major official visits. He focuses on producing visual and field-based journalism that reflects events with accuracy and professionalism.