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The Arab media industry began the new year on a somber note with the sudden and unexpected passing of Lebanese senior news anchor Najwa Qassem. Qassem, an esteemed journalist known for her fearless reporting on the Iraq and Lebanese wars, left a lasting legacy in the field of news reporting.Najwa Qassem’s untimely death at the age of 51 sent shockwaves through the Arab media landscape.
At the time of her passing, she was still actively working with Al Arabiya and Al Hadath News Channels, where she had made a significant impact over the years.Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri, who also owned Future TV, where Najwa Qassem began her illustrious career, expressed his condolences on Twitter. He described her passing as a “real and sad shock” and praised her as a shining star on the screen.Najwa Qassem’s remarkable career was marked by numerous accolades and achievements. In 2011, she was recognized as one of the 100 most powerful women in the Arab world by Arabian Business, a testament to her influence and impact in the field of journalism. Additionally, she received the title of Best Female Presenter at the Arab Media Festival in 2006, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.Her journey in journalism commenced in 1992 when she joined the Future TV News Station in Lebanon. At Future TV, she hosted several shows and reported extensively on Israeli military operations against Lebanon and the subsequent withdrawal of Israeli forces from South Lebanon. Her compelling reporting brought to light critical events in the region.Ali Jaber, Group TV Director at MBC, who worked closely with Qassem at Future TV, fondly recalled her as his first recruit to the network.
He emphasized her remarkable presence on screen, noting that she effortlessly captured the attention of viewers.In 2003, Najwa Qassem transitioned to Al Arabiya News Channel, where she faced perilous challenges while reporting on the Iraq war. She survived a bombing at Al Arabiya’s Baghdad news station, where tragically, eight of her colleagues lost their lives. Her unwavering commitment to reporting on the front lines of conflict showcased her dedication to bringing the truth to audiences worldwide.Throughout her career, Qassem covered critical events such as the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and the Lebanese-Israeli war in 2006. Her fearless reporting style and dedication to her craft earned her respect and admiration from both colleagues and viewers.Najwa Qassem continued to excel in her role as a news anchor and journalist with Al Hadath. She hosted various news shows and current affairs bulletins, where she provided insightful coverage of elections, conflicts, summits, and other significant events.
The news of Najwa Qassem’s passing reverberated across social media platforms, with tributes and condolences pouring in from individuals who had worked with her and those who had followed her career closely. Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri led the tributes, expressing his deep sadness at her loss.Ismaeel AlMallees, an announcer at Saudi news channel Al-Ekhbariya, described Qassem as the “legend of the screen” and extended heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the Arab media community.On social media, many users recognized Najwa Qassem’s immense contributions to Arab journalism, referring to her as one of the most prominent Arab anchorwomen.
Her passing marked a significant loss for Middle Eastern TV.Mayyar Schehadeh, a Twitter user, expressed deep sadness at the loss of a professional Lebanese announcer and acknowledged the significant impact Qassem had made during her career.Al Arabiya, Qassem’s employer, released a statement expressing condolences to her family, recognizing her remarkable career, and honoring her memory.Najwa Qassem’s unexpected departure leaves a void in the world of journalism, where she had served as an inspiration and a symbol of fearless reporting. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists to pursue truth and integrity in their work, even in the face of adversity.
