Beirut: Information Minister Dr. Paul Morcos began a series of meetings on Wednesday by receiving composer and producer Oussama Rahbani, president of the Lebanese Authors and Composers Council (CACL), accompanied by a council delegation.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Rahbani said discussions focused on revitalizing cooperation to secure authors' and composers' rights, amid what he described as a decline in royalty collection in recent years. He stressed that copyright payments are "a right, not a tax," and said Morcos could help strengthen compliance among television and radio stations.

Rahbani further highlighted that the issue extends to restaurants, hotels, concerts, and other venues. He noted that while compliance at concerts has improved through SACEM France's work in Lebanon, adherence among broadcasters remains weak. Lebanon's Copyright Law No. 75/99 is designed to protect authors and composers and to regulate collective rights-management organizations.

In another meeting, Morcos received Tunisian-American director and producer Imad Dabbour, along with Lighthouse Arabia Director General Paul Naoum. They informed him about their plans to distribute and screen "The Chosen" in Lebanese cinemas in March and April. Naoum extended an invitation to Morcos to sponsor the film's premiere and to visit Light FM for a special interview.

Morcos also engaged with a UNICEF delegation composed of Blanche Baz and Christopher Polerak, with T©l© Liban Chairwoman Dr. Alissar Naddaf present.

Additionally, Dr. Morcos welcomed a Beirut Lions Club delegation, led by Dr. Ghassan Adhami, which presented him with a commemorative plaque and the club's flag. The delegation commended his efforts on human rights and freedom of expression and supported his initiative to develop the ministry's role and potentially rename it the Ministry of Communication.

The minister also met with Lebanese League for Women in Business President Abeer Shbaro, Dr. Wael Kashli, and Executive Director Dalia Lakkis. The group proposed amendments to address gender gaps in the new media law. Their suggestions included linking media licenses to anti-sexual harassment legislation enforcement, instituting a minimum 30% women's quota on the National Media Authority, safeguarding journalists from digital violence and blackmail, prohibiting gender-based pay and promotion discrimination, and expanding protections for freelance and digital-platform journalists.