Between Resistance and Diplomacy: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Télé Liban News Bulletin Headlines during the Israeli War of 2024 on Lebanon
Abstract
This study investigates how Télé Liban, the only state-owned Lebanese television, framed the Israeli war of 2024 on Lebanon through uncovering the hidden meaning in the headlines of the news bulletins. Employing Norman Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of critical discourse analysis, the study analyses 19 headlines of four news bulletins, complemented by observations from a broader sample of 15 bulletins. The analysis focuses on the linguistic choices of the headlines, framing strategies, and their alignment with the broader sociopolitical context. It revealed that Télé Liban consistently aligned with the Lebanese ministerial statement by clearly identifying Israel as the enemy and consecrating the legitimacy of the Resistance through repeated use of terms such as “the Israeli enemy” and “the Resistance.” The study also showed a strong emphasis on diplomatic activity, reflecting the official Lebanese discourse that favours international assistance and diplomatic channels. The analysis discovered a diverse set of frames, including those related to power, fear, nationalism, legitimacy, and diplomacy, which shaped how Télé Liban represented the war. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Télé Liban exhibited a discourse characterized by clarity in delineating both the adversary and the resistance; however, it failed to present a cohesive national narrative that underscored unity among the Lebanese populace.
Keywords: Télé Liban, Israeli war on Lebanon, news bulletins, news headlines, framing.
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