TV host for LBC programme: Kalam el Nass (Words of the People)
Do you miss being a lawyer?
No. When I think back to those times, I remember that although I was trained as a lawyer, rather than a TV presenter, it lacked the human element that I search for and enjoy in my work.
What is your favourite TV show?
I don’t really watch TV.
How would you describe your own show in three words?
Daring, objective, and freely expressed.
Why did you leave law to work in mass media?
Well, I was told by the syndicate of lawyers that I had to choose between my practice and working in the media.
How did you get involved in television and radio in the first place? You also worked at Radio Liban Libre.
Yes, I was heading the news section there as well as a number of political talk shows from 1985 – 2002.
And then why did you choose to focus all your efforts in Kalam el Nass?
And I began working at LBC in 1995. Pierre Daher just called me up because he wanted a show in a similar format to Larry King’s show, reflecting people’s views and opinions. We began with a certain level of daring which heightened, according to what people wanted to say. And I mediated to match this level of challenge in the conversations that ensued and the taboos that were addressed. We had to work to reach that level of pushing boundaries though. Some people would call using a prepaid phone card, ask a dangerous question, and the line would cut. We would take down their numbers, not to reveal them to anyone else, but to be able to follow things through after.
What is your mission at Kalam el Nass; what does this show stand for?
That if there is no provocation, then there’s no public debate and if there is no debate, we don’t have a show. We aim to open up the channels of debate in the country and have repercussions. Since 1995, we wanted to expose truth. Sometimes we succeeded and sometimes, we failed. The problem is there are too many taboos, related to the Syrians, the Lebanese army and sectarian control.
What was the most shocking show you hosted?
Two years ago, when we went into the investigation about the food industry and sanitation.
What is the most difficult part of the job?
Right now, that they are the March 8 and March 14 political factions. The most challenging aspect is how to remain in the middle when every party wants to win you over to their side. And on the job, I have to remain neutral and cannot reveal a political perspective. That’s the hardest thing.
Also, we cannot go too far as a result, such as with the recent story of the girl who converted to Christianity. If NBN belongs to the Shi’a and Future, belongs to the Sunni, then LBC too have to have a representation, unfortunately, otherwise we lose the remaining audience. I wish it were different and all the channels weren’t structured this way.
And there is self-censorship of course, anyone who would tell you there isn’t would be a liar. The point is to have freedom, deep inside, and in how to think and not be afraid or consider the surveillance an obstacle.
Have you changed your own political stance since after the war?
No. I still have the same political viewpoints.
And so who is Marcel Ghanem?
I consider myself a normal human being, who loves Lebanon. I love people and my family. I am passionate and emotional. And who knows, maybe there is an artist hiding inside.
What are you working on at the moment?
Exposing issues in public health and the hospital system, the environment, public health and social services.
What would you like to do for yourself?
I’m writing about my interview, encounters, and global news. I’m not sure if I will publish this manuscript though.
Can you imagine yourself doing something else?
I would like to write scenarios for film.
