Who We Are
Naqd, an independent media platform, produces multimedia content with an innovative approach to covering current news. The platform also publishes social and cultural analyses in formats suitable for digital media. Naqd is dedicated to conveying the stories of marginalized groups and their voices, often subject to exclusion and discrimination by traditional media. The platform plays a watchdog role over all authorities and the media scene, free from financial and political pressures.
Who are we?
We are a group of volunteers and activists with diverse educational backgrounds (journalism, political science, law, and marketing). We decided to launch Naqd, a unique and modern platform that presents social and political issues with a rebellious youthful spirit. Sovereignty, democracy, and public freedoms form the backbone of Naqd’s editorial line, overseen by an independent team with its perspectives on internal Lebanese affairs, away from existing political tensions.
Our topics cover lifestyle, politics, economy, culture, industry, justice, equality, and acceptance of others. Our background always revolves around respecting citizenship, social justice, and love for the homeland. Naqd’s goal is to spread political awareness among the youth, especially during times of dramatic collapse in Lebanon, making Lebanese politics more accessible to an audience that feels alienated by mainstream media approaches. Our aim is to preserve the freedom and sanctity of the fourth estate through independent media capable of conveying reality and the people’s voice while combating corruption through social media.
Naqd began by tailoring its content to various social media platforms to reach its audience on platforms such as Instagram. It later evolved into a modern website containing all its articles, gaining a broad audience on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Naqd, “Talking Politics without Gloves,” is politically sovereign yet independent, relying only on funding that does not impose editorial restrictions, keeping its editorial line outside political, party, and social bargaining.
Our Vision and Mission:
Naqd aims to have a positive impact on Lebanese society, particularly the youth, by providing independent and innovative media content. The platform seeks to convey events and issues with a rebellious youthful spirit, focusing on social justice and human rights. Naqd’s mission is to tell untold stories fully and amplify the voices of marginalized groups, with a focus on monitoring authorities and the media scene, away from financial and political influences. The platform strives to build political awareness among the youth, especially during Lebanon’s dramatic events, making politics more accessible and closer to the public, despite the bias of traditional media. Naqd also aims to maintain press freedom, shed light on corruption issues through independent media, and provide diverse and innovative content reflecting the challenges and issues faced by Lebanese society.
Editorial Ethics:
Naqd adheres to principles of independence and integrity in its editorial work, ensuring that funding does not influence its editorial policy, standards, or coverage. Independence is a fundamental condition to secure funding without compromising the quality of news delivery. The platform is committed to strict information verification protocols, aiming to convey news accurately and responsibly. Integrity and accuracy are prioritized to ensure the provision of reliable and transparent content. Naqd firmly stands alongside the rights of individuals and communities of all races, ages, classes, and genders, considering their rights and avoiding discrimination. The platform works diligently to combat all forms of discrimination and suppression that may affect these individuals and communities, striving to provide a fair and equal communication environment for everyone. Our vision is to be a continuous voice and an inspirational force for Lebanese society. We commit to the principle of “Lebanon First,” placing the interests of Lebanon at the forefront of our priorities.
Karl Haddad – Editor In Chief
Antoni Barakat – Chief Executive Officer
Maurice Mattar
Maurice is a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of expertise in digital media, retail, and e-commerce. He supports businesses & NGOs in developing data-driven digital strategies. Maurice serves as an instructor in entrepreneurship and digital marketing at the American University of Beirut and various other universities.
Denise Rahme Fakhry
Denise is a Journalist with more than 30years experience gained in commercial Television news (LBCI, MTV), Newpaper (Al Joumhouria), Online newspaper (Independent Arabia) and Radio (Radio Free Lebanon), combined with an university degree, of journalism and public relations at Lebanese University.
Mac Chapwell
Mac is a Founder and Head of Campaigns of Fullbrook Strategies Ltd. He is an experienced campaigning professional who has worked on campaigns in the UK, Middle East and Africa. Mac has worked in Parliament for a UK cabinet minister, and advised on strategic communications and grassroots organisation for the Northern Ireland Economy Minister. Mac was named ‘Campaign Manager of The Year’ after the 2019 General Election, managing the campaigns of 3 marginal MPs, who won with increased majorities. Most recently, Mac was a Political Advisor to the Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street.
Hélène Michalak
Hélène Michalak is a humanitarian worker. She has been working in and around the Middle East since 2010 in different capacities, with local and international institutions.
