Rebranding Lebanon: The Media
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In a country such as Lebanon that has suffered from decades of instability and troubled civic finances, rebranding is of essence. Since Banque du Liban introduced Circular 331, the Lebanese startup ecosystem has been thriving and the world has been recognizing the country’s attempt to foster innovation and development.
BDL Accelerate 2015 themed, ‘Emerging Startup Ecosystems,’ will gather entrepreneurs, investors, and support institutions from key emerging markets across 5 continents under one roof. So far, the organizers have received over 3500 registration requests from around 50 countries to attend the conference. The success of BDL Accelerate 2014 in establishing Lebanon as an international startup hub has created a global buzz attracting a considerable increase in the number of international applicants to BDL Accelerate 2015.
The change in the Lebanese global reputation is happening and although the process to erase stereotypes may be difficult, they are taking place and the country is signaling change. Everyone has a role in rebranding a nation, but mass media, both traditional and social media, play a major role by promoting all the positive aspects. As the media are observing the impact and benefits of the local startup scene, they have been more enticed to communicate it to their audiences.
Below is a sample of the media outlets who are sponsoring and partnering with BDL Accelerate 2015:
MIT Technology Review Arab Edition, regionally renowned for providing intelligent and serious journalism on technology, will promote innovation through Arab figures at BDL Accelerate 2015. They will be providing regional readers with success stories in the Arab world by exploring and understanding their new technologies and their impact.
In the spirit of finding the next generation of entrepreneurs, the BDL Accelerate 2015 team has been visiting all major universities in Lebanon to inspire youth to join the startup movement and attend the conference. NRJ Radio, Aghani, and Nostalgie have been tagging along to spread the word further and farther. High school students are also encouraged to attend, with a couple of schools already scheduling class trips for their senior students.
BDL Accelerate 2015 has also secured a long list of local and regional media partners:
Al Hadeel, Al Morakeb Al Mali, Al Massira, Al Hasnaa Magazine, Al Bank Wal Mustathmer,Al Bayan, Al Kifah Al Arabi, Joumhouriya, Assafir Daily, Al Sharq, Al Markazia, Tree Ad, Lebanon Daily Star, The Gate, iloubnan, Ekarouna, Focus Magazine, L’Orient Le Jour, Le Commerce Du Levant, Leader Press, FaceLook, Naharnet, National News Agency, Aalamoki, Al Markaziya, El Nashra, Al Liwaa, Ad Diyar, Today’s Outlook, T3 Middle East, Iktissad Wa Aamal, Sinna Iktisad, Beiruting, Lebtivity, Bread on Butter, LiveLoveBeirut, NABD, Techrasa, International New York Times, Inspirational Unlimited eMagazine.
