The media coverage of the Beirut port explosion in 2020 : professional standards & challenges

Abstract

The Beirut port explosion on the 4th of August opened countless windows and endless stories. Simultaneously, the effects of this tragic incident imposed itself on media channels, whereby everyone knows that media institutions were and still are subject to the authority and controlled by politicians because they are the main financiers. Without financiers the media channels will collapse, so the viewer falls under the influence of “rating” or what is known as raising viewership, and whatever the circumstances of the event. This research will address the causes and methods of covering Three televisions channels of the Beirut explosion and the political role they played in guiding the public’s opinions. In addition to the media professional ethics that were violated during the coverage, and then in-depth interviews will be conducted with researchers and media specialists according to the SAD Formula to show up if those channels well covered the incident or they served only their interests.