Lebanon is thought to have one of the most vibrant media communities in the Middle East, with dozens of newspapers, radio stations and television stations. Satellite is the primary broadcasting mechanism for TV, and there are more than 250 Arab TV channels. However, the majority of media outlets can't cover their costs with advertising. The average monthly income in Lebanon is $200, meaning most people don't have enough disposable income to buy the good and services that could be advertised. So media outlets survive with subsidies from various factions, especially political and/or religious organizations who want to advance certain causes or points of view. When you add this economic problem to the intimidation that some journalists face for criticizing the government. Lebanese media face an uphill climb in becoming financially independent. But many of the people attending this conference are determined to overcome these obstacles and I believe they will find a way to do it!