Télé Lumière and Noursat: Lebanon's First Christian Television Network
Established as a beacon of faith and community, Télé Lumière holds the distinction of being the first Christian television station in both Lebanon and the wider Arab world. Founded in 1991, the station serves as a spiritual resource, blending religious guidance with a commitment to ecumenical values—meaning it promotes unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1991 by a group of lay people.
- Global Reach: Broadcasts worldwide via its satellite arm, Noursat, since 2003.
- Governance: Supervised by the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon.
- Funding: Operates as a non-profit, relying exclusively on donations.
- Independence: Maintains strict neutrality from political parties and commercial endorsements.
The History and Mission of Télé Lumière
The name Télé Lumière translates to "Television of Light." It was brought to life in 1991 through the efforts of a dedicated group of lay people, including former Lebanese President Charles Helou, Brother Nour, Jack Kallassi, former MP and minister George Frem, George Moawad, Rola and Sana Nassar, Dr. Antoine Saad, and Christiane Debbaneh.
As a non-profit organization, the station operates under a strict ethical code. It does not broadcast political views, associate with political movements, or accept commercial endorsements. This independence allows the station to focus entirely on its spiritual mission, surviving solely through the generosity of its supporters and friends.
Church and Government Relations
The relationship between the station and the Church is formalized through a "cooperation protocol." While it is supervised by the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon, it is directed by a diverse committee comprising both religious leaders and laypeople.
The Lebanese government recognizes Télé Lumière as a Christian station that is financially independent. It is granted freedom of management and programming, with oversight provided exclusively by the authority of the Church.
Expanding Global Reach with Noursat
To extend its message beyond national borders, Télé Lumière launched its satellite service, Noursat, in June 2003. The launch coincided with the station's 12th anniversary and the feast of Pentecost.
Initially, Noursat provided coverage to the United Kingdom, the European Union, Southwest Asia, and North Africa. By September 8, 2004, the network expanded its official broadcasts to include North and South America, the United States, Canada, and Australia via platforms such as MySat and MySatGo. As of 2020, the station is located on the A05 transponder of Eutelsat 7West-A at 7.3°W.
Organizational Structure
The leadership of the network is composed of a board of directors that ensures both spiritual alignment and operational efficiency:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Archbishop Roland Abou Jaoudé | President |
| Jack Kallassi | General Manager |
| Brother Nour | General Supervisor |
| Rola Nassar | Financial Manager |
| Dr. Antoine Saad | General Secretary |
| Raymond Nader | Noursat Executive Director |
| Father Khalil Alwan, Neemat Frem, George Moawad, Sana Nassar | Board Members |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Télé Lumière founded?
Télé Lumière was founded in 1991, making it the first Christian television station in Lebanon and the Arab world.
How is the station funded?
Because it is a non-profit organization that refuses commercial endorsements, Télé Lumière survives exclusively through donations from its friends and supporters.
What is Noursat?
Noursat is the satellite broadcasting arm of Télé Lumière, launched in 2003 to bring the station's programming to a global audience across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Does Télé Lumière broadcast political content?
No. The station is not associated with any political party or movement and does not broadcast political views.
Who supervises the station's operations?
The station is supervised by the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon and is managed by a committee of religious leaders and laypeople.