Last-minute funding saves iconic Lebanese newspaper from closure

Lebanon's As-Safir newspaper will not call it quits after all, following an injection of much needed financial support to save the leading Arabic-language daily.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab

28 March, 2016

Lebanese newspapers are among the freest and most politically-orientated of the Arab world [Getty]

Lebanese newspaper As-Safir has been saved from closure after last-minute funding has ensured one of the country's most prominent publications will not shut its doors for good.

The source of the life-saving capital is still unclear; however, signs point to a former prime minister and a current minister as the benefactors, The New Arab's Arabic service has reported.

The newspaper, which has been in print for 42 years, announced last week that it terminate operations by the end of March due to financial difficulties.

As-Safir began in 1974 and has been known as a centre-left, pan-Arab publication.

It has been accused of being funded by the Syrian regime and has backed Bashar al-Assad in the country's six-year war.

Currently, ten leading Lebanese dailies are facing serious financial challenges.

Lebanese newspapers are among the freest and most politically-orientated of the Arab world, where media often face tight government control.