MTV (Lebanon)

Not to be confused with MTV.

Murr Television, marketed and known as MTV Lebanon, is a Lebanese television station based in Naccache, Metn District. It was founded in 1991 by businessman Gabriel Murr (brother of Lebanese politician Michel Murr) as an independent channel emphasizing local programming while also broadcasting Arab and Western content.^[1] From its early stages, MTV states that it sought to represent the "complexity and richness" of Lebanese viewers’ identities, placing special focus on local programming while acquiring foreign formats under a self-regulatory code of ethics.

MTV Lebanon

Logo used since 2009
Country	Lebanon
Broadcast area	Lebanon Arab World European Union Australia United States Canada
Affiliates	One TV Lebanon
Headquarters	Naccache, Lebanon
Programming
Language(s)	Arabic Lebanese Arabic
Picture format	PAL HDTV 1080i
Ownership
Owner	Metn Bloc
Key people	Michel Murr (founder & CEO) Walid Abboud (Editor-In-Chief)
History
Launched	7 November 1991 (original); 7 April 2009 (relaunch)
Closed	2002–2009
Links
Website	www.mtv.com.lb
Availability
Streaming media
MTV Live	Free (inside Lebanon) / Paid (outside Lebanon)
Cablevision+ (IPTV in Lebanon)	Channel 2 - General

History

Michel Gabriel El Murr, CEO, son of Gabriel Murr

Early stages (1991–1994)

MTV began broadcasting in 1991, aiming to deliver a balanced mix of local, Arab, and Western content. At a time when Lebanon's media sector was largely unregulated, the channel adopted internal ethical guidelines, including legally acquiring the rights to foreign shows.

Embarking on the political scene (1994–2002)

In November 1994, MTV launched local news broadcasts and socio-political programs that addressed topics such as corruption and government accountability. The channel states that it aimed to speak for a "suffocated public opinion" through its coverage of political and economic challenges.

Shutdown (2002–2005)

In 2002, the station was shut down for allegedly violating the 1999 electoral law.^[1] Some observers considered the closure to be politically motivated, given MTV’s criticism of the Lebanese government and Syria.^[2] On 16 August 2005, the Lebanese Parliament unanimously amended the law that had led to MTV’s closure, restoring the station’s broadcasting rights.

MTV today (2009–present)

MTV remained off the air until 7 April 2009, shortly before the 2009 parliamentary elections.^[1] Following its relaunch, the channel reaffirmed its focus on local programming and continuous innovation.

Mission, vision, and values

MTV describes its mission as promoting independent thought in Lebanese and regional media, serving the public interest, and encouraging social responsibility and ethical conduct. The station highlights:

• Vision: To act as a leading independent media station in Lebanon and the Arab world, endorsing social well-being, reform, and freedom of expression.
• Mission: To deliver balanced, bias-free programming, further the role of media in fostering independent thinking, and remain transparent and responsible to viewers and shareholders.
• Core Values:
  • Credibility & Independence, Ethical Conduct, Public Interest & Social Responsibility, Transparency & Accountability, Liberties & Inclusion.

Production

All MTV productions are done in partnership with Studiovision, a regional production company operating studios in Lebanon and Dubai.^[3]

Website and mobile application

Access to premium content on MTV’s website and mobile apps is free within Lebanon. Users outside Lebanon generally require a paid subscription.^[4]

Ownership

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Justice’s Commercial Register, MTV SAL is co-owned by Gabriel El Murr's four children (Michel, Jyad, Carl, and Carole) and Joseph Sarkis. The register does not detail the specific distribution of shares.