This report is part of a series of publications prepared by Maharat Foundation and the Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan, reflecting their continued commitment to working with journalists to foster a more informed and constructive public debate on economic and financial issues in Lebanon. This effort aligns with the shared mission of Maharat Foundation and the Institute to support a sound information environment that advances economic governance reforms.

Drawing on the results of the monitoring conducted of a sample of media coverage across television, print, and online outlets, this report assesses how the media addressed public investment files, specifically in four sectors: port and airport concessions; public-private partnerships; telecommunications and the two World Bank loans, one supporting the repair and reconstruction of damaged basic infrastructure under the LEAP project, and the other aimed at modernizing the electricity sector.

The report also addresses the findings of discussions that emerged from the dialogue session organized by Maharat Foundation in partnership with Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan on July 14, 2025, on public investment management in Lebanon with journalists, and with the participation of experts, including members of the newly appointed Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), which examined the importance of improving public investment management to ensure the sound allocation of limited resources, including donor contributions.

Additionally, It highlights recurring gaps in coverage, most notably the lack of analysis of legal, regulatory, and planning frameworks, with reporting often limited to relaying official statements without deeper examination. The report stresses on the importance of public investment management as a pillar of good governance, transparency, and accountability in Lebanon, particularly in light of the economic collapse and the growing need for reconstruction. 

The report provides practical recommendations to strengthen specialization in economic reporting, ensure journalists’ access to information, and foster collaboration between the media and experts to better monitor the use of public funds.

Read the full report:

Report on Media Coverage of Public Investment Management (PIM) in Lebanon