1. Basic Requirements on Media’s Identity
1.1. Legal Entity Name
The Media Outlet, as Conforming Entity, shall provide the name designating the Legal Entity or entities under which it is conducting business. In some cases, this will be the company or public entity (branch of government, parliament, legally authorised state institution, etc.) that has ultimate legal ownership of the Media Outlet. This usually is the body that would be held liable in a court case. It is the body that enters into transactions such as paying employees and suppliers or receiving funds from readers, viewers, customers, advertisers and other sources of funding.
What is the Legal Entity Name?
1.2. Contact Details and Identifiers
The contact details that shall be provided are the postal address and both a general telephone number and email address for the Legal Entity or entities designated in clause 1.1 “Legal Entity Name”, as well as existing identifiers. Clarification: This should be the contact details for the Legal Entity. Elsewhere in this document, means of contact for reader, viewer or listener enquiries, editorial input and other purposes are required.
What is the postal address for the Legal Entity?
45-254 Baabda
Baabda Lebanon
What is the general telephone number for the Legal Entity?
What is the email address for the Legal Entity?
Is the Legal Entity required to have a Tax ID, a Registration ID, a DUNS number and/or other identifiers?
YesWhat are these IDs for the Legal Entity?
Are there any other governmental or other identifiers that a certification body could use to verify the identity of the Legal Entity?
YesWhat are those identifiers?
1.3. Description of Media Outlet
The Conforming Entity shall list all brand names, titles, publication names, etc. under which its Content is published, broadcast, printed or otherwise disseminated to the public or customers. These will be known for this document and this process collectively as the Media Outlet. It is that Media Outlet that will conform with this Journalism Trust Initiative Standard. This is the Conforming Entity. These include all names used on website URLs and on social media accounts, etc.
What Brand Name(s), titles, publication names, etc. do you use to publish Content?
L'Orient Today (English language)
1.4. Distribution Channels and URLs
The Media Outlet shall list all URLs on which it publishes. If broadcast or audiovisual, the Media Outlet shall list all terrestrial frequencies, satellite, cable, streaming and other platforms on which it is distributed.
Does the Media Outlet publish on any URLs?
YesOn what URLs do you publish?
https://today.lorientlejour.com/
Does the Media Outlet publish any content on any social media?
YesWhat are the social media URLs, handles, addresses or names that you use to publish?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorientlejour_olj/
X: https://x.com/LOrientLeJour
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lorientlejour
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorientlejour
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l'orient-le-jour/posts/?feedView=all
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorienttoday/
X: https://x.com/lorienttoday
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lorient.today
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorienttoday
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l-orient-today/
Does the Media Outlet publish any content by broadcasting and/or streaming?
NoWhat are the terrestrial frequencies, channels, satellite identifiers, other platforms or applications that you use to publish?
https://today.lorientlejour.com/
1.5. Safety Concerns
The Media Outlet shall at all times keep the safety (including digital safety and cybersecurity) of staff, contributors and owners as a primary concern. If full transparency of contact details or other information might endanger individuals, the Media Outlet shall describe what it can about the legitimate reasons for a lack of disclosure or use of pseudonyms for that purpose. Safety concerns shall not be misused to refrain from disclosure.
Do the Media Outlet's Editorial Guidelines state that the safety of all journalists shall be treated as a primary concern?
YesIf you want to publish additional information, please provide it here.
Safety as a Primary Concern
Our Media Outlet prioritizes the safety of all staff, contributors, and owners, encompassing both physical and digital security measures. Ensuring a secure working environment and protecting the privacy of those working in or with our organization is essential to our operations, especially for personnel deployed in hostile or high-risk environments.
Disclosure of Sensitive Information
When it comes to disclosing staff or contributor details, we balance transparency with safety considerations. If revealing full contact details or other sensitive information could pose a risk, we may withhold certain information or use pseudonyms to protect identities. This practice is never misused to avoid transparency; rather, it is strictly applied to safeguard individuals in hostile or sensitive reporting environments.
Staff safety at the office
To ensure the health and safety of staff we equip our office with:
• Fire extinguishers
• Security cameras
• Fire alarms
• First-aid kits
Medical Insurance
We also ensure our staff members are covered by medical insurance with our organization covering 50% of the premium
Staff safety on the field
Security Protocol for Hostile Environment Operations
This document outlines procedures to ensure the safety and protection of our team working in hostile environments. Our organization is committed to providing risk assessments, protective gear, training, and secure communication channels for all personnel.
1. Security Management and Oversight
• Security Committee: A dedicated security committee established on WhatsApp, regularly discusses security matters, monitors the situation in Lebanon, and coordinates responses. The committee includes editorial leadership, security advisers, and field team representatives.
• Security Partner Support: A contracted security firm (Vallaris Consulting) provides 24/7 risk assessment, intelligence, and on-ground support. This includes advising on deployments and continuous monitoring of assignments.
2. Pre-Deployment Requirements and Approvals
• Risk Assessment Protocol: All assignments in hostile areas require a risk assessment conducted by security advisers in collaboration and approval from the editors-in-chief. No deployment proceeds without explicit approval from both.
• Authorization Process:
• Reporters must seek approval from the editors-in-chief, who then coordinate with security advisers.
• Deployment Briefing: Prior to deployment, reporters complete a “5Ws” briefing (Who, What, When, Where, Why) outlining mission details and risks.
• Upon approval, a dedicated communication group (WhatsApp) is established for real-time coordination.
• Route and Evacuation Planning: Security advisers plan alternative travel routes and exit strategies. Reporters are briefed on these plans before departure.
3. Field Safety and Preparedness
• Personal Protective Equipment:
• Field equipment includes ballistic helmets, bulletproof vests, gas masks, protective goggles, trauma kits, and tourniquets.
• Equipment is stored in a secured location and is regularly inventoried to ensure availability.
• Emergency Medical Supplies: The office stores first-aid kits and additional trauma kits.
• Transport Arrangements:
• Rental vehicles are secured for field assignments to avoid personal vehicle use. Rentals are selected based on assignment risks and conditions.
War Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive war hazard insurance Insurance for Group - acquired through our contacts with RSF), is activated for all personnel assigned to high-risk areas. The cover is in two sections: section one covers Accidental death, while section two covers accident medical expenses including medical emergency recovery plus repatriation home when required.
4. Communication and Connectivity
• Reliable Communication Channels:
• A satellite antenna and extra internet dongles are available to ensure connectivity in the event of network disruption.
• External power banks and designated smartphones are provided for field communication, especially when operating in high-risk zones.
• Real-Time Tracking:
• Staff must enable live location sharing on secure platforms (e.g., Live360) during assignments, allowing security to monitor positions and respond to emergencies.
• Communication Protocols:
• A WhatsApp group is set up for each assignment, linking field teams with senior staff and security advisers for real-time updates.
• Regular check-ins are mandatory. If communication lapses, the security team is alerted to follow up immediately.
5. Training and Safety Drills
• First Aid Training:
• All staff must complete a first-aid training program led by certified providers, such as the Lebanese Red Cross, covering essential emergency response techniques.
• Hostile Environment Training (HEFAT):
• Field reporters are required to undergo Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) to prepare for extreme conditions and risks. Training is offered twice a year, and all field staff are prioritized for enrollment.
6. Contingency and Emergency Protocols
• Alternative Office and Safe Zones:
• Alternative office locations have been identified and we are monitoring the situation to prepare for the eventuality of an escalated war
• Evacuation Procedures:
• Security advisers provide detailed evacuation routes and procedures based on current conditions. These routes are reviewed before every assignment and adjusted as necessary.
7. Ongoing Equipment and Resource Management
• Equipment Inventory and Procurement:
• Security regularly assesses and updates field equipment based on evolving needs. Equipment is inventoried after each assignment to identify replacements or additions.
• Ongoing review of security resources, communication devices, medical supplies, and protective gear ensures readiness for immediate deployment.
Review and Updates
This security protocol is reviewed quarterly and updated as necessary based on emerging threats and changes in our operational landscape.
2-We also have an Editorial Charter, published both on our French and English language websites, which clearly and publicly states our guidelines:
In French:
https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1290658/la-charte-editoriale-du-groupe-lorient-le-jour.html
In English:
https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/1290711/the-editorial-charter-of-the-lorient-le-jour-group.html
Are there any reasons that the Media Outlet has for withholding information on any of the questions as part of this JTI Standard process?
No1.6. Location
The Media Outlet shall provide the physical address of the headquarters of the legal entity referred to above in 1.1 Legal Entity Name. Clarification: This is necessary in cases where the address listed in the Contact Details clause (1.2) does not specify a physical location, or where the location designated by the contact details referred to in 1.2 is not the same location as the headquarters. Clause 1.5, Safety Concerns, may be applied.
Is the physical address of the Legal Entity different from the postal address according to question no. 2?
NoDo you have a safety-related reason for not providing it?
No1.7. Founding Date
The founding date of the Legal Entity referred to in clause 1.1 “Legal Entity Name” shall be specified. If the Media Outlet designated in clause 1.3 “Media Outlet” has a different founding date, the history of former legal entities and their founding dates shall be listed.
What is the founding date of the Legal Entity?
Is the founding date of the Media Outlet (as in clause 1.3. question no. 7) different from that of the Legal Entity (as in clause 1.1. question no. 1)?
YesProvide a history of previous/former Legal Entities and their founding dates.
L'Orient, founded in 1924
Le Jour, founded in 1934