Unveiling Media Implications: Examining Change in State-Citizen Dynamics During the Lebanese 2019 October Protests

Abstract

In 2019, Lebanon witnessed a pivotal moment in its history as a series of protests erupted in the name of reform, expressing widespread discontent with corruption, economic instability, and sectarianism, and eventually led to a shift in Lebanese political, social, and economic perceptions. Media played an essential role in the uprisings, simultaneously shaping the dynamics between the state and the citizens. As mainstream media dominate the discourse, alternative media emerged as a powerful tool in amplifying citizens' voices, fostering a sense of unity, and challenging existing power structures. This study investigates the multifaceted ways in which media narratives influenced state-citizen relationships, from promoting transparency and accountability to navigating challenges such as misinformation and polarization. Employing qualitative methodology alongside content analysis as the method within the qualitative framework will allow to investigate how did the October protests challenge state-citizen relationships from a freedom of speech perspective. The research aims to investigate how media discourse in Lebanese society was re-ignited with the October 17 protests providing a comprehensive overview of the October protests and their transformative impact on Lebanon's socio-political landscape through the lens of media dynamics.