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Lebanon’s Hariri-backed Future TV relaunches after 5 years off air The Lebanese TV channel, which had been inactive for years, was originally founded in 1993 by Rafik Hariri (pictured). (Wikimedia Commons) The Lebanese TV channel, which had been inactive for years, was originally founded in 1993 by Rafik Hariri (pictured). (Wikimedia Commons) Short Url https://arab.news/8ye46 Updated 20 October 2024 Arab News October 20, 2024 19:12 1020 Follow Free-to-air channel broadcast regionally and internationally until suspension by Saad Hariri in 2019 BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Future TV, the media arm of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, announced its relaunch after a five-year suspension. Hussein Al Wajih, media adviser to Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, announced the return of the network and all its platforms on Sunday. In a statement published on his X account, Wajih said “as of today, the website of Al Mustaqbal TV and its social media platforms are back in operation, in the hope that this step will constitute a contribution to keeping up with the fateful events that are taking place and confirm the continuity of a national institution that has left its mark in the field of media.” The Lebanese TV channel, which had been inactive for years, was originally founded in 1993 by Rafik Hariri. The free-to-air channel broadcast regionally and internationally until its suspension by Saad Hariri in October 2019. A statement released by Hariri at the time said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce today the decision to suspend work at Future TV and settle workers’ wages for the same financial reasons that led to the closing of Al-Mustaqbal newspaper. The decision was not an easy one for me or for the men and women of the Future Movement nor is it for the generation of the founding personnel and the millions of Lebanese and Arab viewers of Future TV who had stayed loyal to the station for more than a quarter of a century.” News of the return of the channel was welcomed with many Lebanese accounts commenting positively and wishing success for Future TV this time around.


 Lebanon's Future TV, the media outlet associated with former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, has officially relaunched after a five-year hiatus. The channel, founded in 1993, was inactive since October 2019 due to financial challenges faced by the Future Movement, led by Saad Hariri​

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Hussein Al Wajih, a media advisor to Saad Hariri, announced the return of the channel and its various platforms, stating that the goal is to contribute to the ongoing national discourse amidst significant events in Lebanon. The network aims to reaffirm its role as a national institution in Lebanese media​

The closure of Future TV was a significant moment for many Lebanese viewers who had remained loyal to the channel for over 25 years. The news of its relaunch has been met with a generally positive reception on social media, with many expressing support for the network's return

Future TV's relaunch marks a significant moment in Lebanese media, especially given its historical connection to Rafik Hariri and the political landscape in Lebanon. The channel was a major source of news and entertainment until its suspension in 2019 due to financial issues. Its return comes at a time when many Lebanese are eager for diverse media voices amid ongoing national challenges​

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The announcement by Hussein Al Wajih emphasized the hope that Future TV would contribute to the national conversation and reflect the aspirations of its loyal audience. Many social media users have expressed excitement and support for the channel's revival, indicating a desire for its return to the media scene​

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