About 961

If you’re a fan of news and engaging content that speaks directly to the Lebanese community, 961 is the place for you.

Tired of the same old news and media outlets that are backed by politics? So are we. That’s why 961 is here to change that!

As the leading English-language outlet catering to the Lebanese audience, we’re dedicated to bringing you reliable, unbiased news and entertainment that’s easy to consume.

Plus, we’re working to digitize Lebanon’s culture, heritage, and history on our various platforms – all while keeping you entertained.

If you’re looking for something fresh and authentic, give 961 a try!

Our Story

When 961 launched in the summer of 2016, it was just a humble blog aimed at keeping the Lebanese diaspora up-to-date on what was happening back home. But we’ve come a long way since then!

Today, we’re the leading English source for breaking news, daily local coverage, international stories, and much more. We’ve also got a range of lighter content and magazine-style features to keep you entertained.

And while we’ve evolved a lot over the years, we’re still closely connected to Lebanese communities around the world, working with business and political leaders to promote Lebanon and its interests.

About the Founder

Anthony Kantara, the founder and owner of 961, is a serial entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of businesses in industries like digital marketing, eCommerce, advertising, media, real estate, and finance.

Core Beliefs & Stances:

  • Provide a reliable alternative to the politically-owned and affiliated media.
  • Remain an independent media company with no political ties
  • Not fear speaking out against injustice – particularly against oppression, human rights abuses, abuses of power, corruption, and the undermining of Lebanese sovereignty and its people.
  • Anti-colonial (militarily, politically, and culturally).
  • Being Lebanese should come before any other identity or influence – we reject labels like “Arab” or “Western”. We believe this is necessary to develop national unity.
  • We recognize present-day Lebanese as the descendants of the Canaanite and Phoenician people.
  • Remain an equal-opportunity company that doesn’t discriminate based on ethnicity, gender, religion, age, family status, or sexual orientation.
  • Even though current laws don’t, 961 recognizes children born to Lebanese mothers and non-Lebanese fathers as Lebanese.

All content found on 961 and its online properties are protected under copyright laws and may be available for licensing. Information about the organization, including this page and all others, found on this website (with the exception of articles and multimedia) may not be reproduced and republished without prior authorization required.