The return of Future TV in Lebanon

Future TV, once a major Lebanese television network, has officially resumed its online presence. Hussein Wajé, media advisor to Saad Hariri, leader of the Future Movement, announced that the station’s website and social media platforms are back online as of Sunday. 

This revival brings back an influential media outlet owned by Saad Hariri, whose father, Rafic Hariri, was assassinated in 2005 in a plot attributed to the Syrian regime, with Hezbollah's complicity.

Founded in 1993 by Rafic Hariri, Future TV quickly became one of the most popular and influential networks in Lebanon, particularly within the Lebanese diaspora. The station played a significant role in shaping political discourse, aligning closely with Hariri’s political views, which were pro-Western and opposed to Syrian influence in Lebanon.

The network not only covered political issues but also offered a wide range of programming, from news and talk shows to entertainment, sports, and cultural content, catering to a diverse audience both within and outside Lebanon.

In September 2019, Future TV ceased operations due to financial difficulties. After years of financial strain, worsened by Lebanon’s political and economic crises, the station was forced to close. The shutdown was widely seen as the end of an era, as Future TV had been a prominent voice in Lebanese media for over two decades, often reflecting the Hariri family's political influence.

A New Digital Chapter

The return of Future TV, albeit currently limited to its digital platforms, signifies a possible resurgence of one of Lebanon's most iconic media outlets. While it remains to be seen if the network will resume full television broadcasts, its online revival marks a significant moment for those who have long followed the channel’s political and cultural contributions.

As Lebanon continues to navigate complex political and social dynamics, the return of Future TV could re-establish it as a key platform for news, commentary, and the promotion of Hariri’s political vision. This move underscores Saad Hariri’s continued influence, despite stepping back from formal political roles earlier this year.