The Daily Star: A History of Lebanon's English Language Newspaper
For decades, The Daily Star served as a vital bridge between Lebanon and the international community. Established to cater to the growing population of expatriates drawn to the region by the booming oil industry, the publication evolved from a modest supplement into the premier English-language news source in the Middle East.
The Foundation and Early Success
The paper was founded in 1952 by Kamel Mrowa, the publisher of the Arabic daily Al-Hayat. Originally launched as an English supplement to Al-Hayat, The Daily Star was designed to keep foreign workers informed about both their home countries and the regional developments of the Middle East. Its influence grew rapidly, and by the 1960s, it had established itself as the leading English-language newspaper in the region.
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Conflict and Resilience
Following the death of Kamel Mrowa in 1966, his widow, Salma El Bissar, assumed leadership of the publication. However, the onset of the Lebanese Civil War created insurmountable challenges, eventually forcing the suspension of publication. While a brief revival occurred in early 1983 under the guidance of Mrowa's sons, the intensifying conflict and the resulting exodus of the intelligentsia—the educated professional class—severely depleted both the staff and the readership.
The publication struggled to maintain its frequency, operating as a daily until mid-1985 and then as a weekly for one additional year before ceasing operations once more. During its early years, the paper was shaped by notable editors, including Jihad Khazen.
Rebirth and Regional Expansion
The return of peace in 1991 and the subsequent national rebuilding program in 1994 paved the way for a revival. In 1996, under the leadership of Kamel's eldest son, Jamil Mroue, the paper resumed printing. This new era was marked by the acquisition of modern presses and the recruitment of experienced foreign journalists alongside Lebanese staff.
By 2004, The Daily Star streamlined its operations by merging its Lebanese and regional editions. This strategic shift focused on Lebanese expatriates living in the Persian Gulf. While a unified edition served most countries, a specific local edition for Kuwait was maintained through a partnership with Al-Watan, a Kuwaiti Arabic daily.
Financial Struggles and Final Closure
The latter years of the publication were marked by severe financial instability. In January 2009, a Lebanese court order suspended printing for two weeks, and the website ceased updates. Publication resumed in February 2009 after the company reached payment agreements with its creditors.
The decline continued into the 2020s. On February 4, 2020, the newspaper announced a temporary suspension of its print edition due to financial difficulties. The final blow came in October 2021; after a temporary suspension of online coverage on October 13, Editor-in-Chief Nadim Ladki officially informed employees on October 31, 2021, that the newspaper was shutting down.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1952 by Kamel Mrowa.
- Original Purpose: An English supplement to Al-Hayat for oil industry expatriates.
- Peak Influence: Leading English newspaper in the Middle East by the 1960s.
- Major Disruptions: Multiple closures caused by the Lebanese Civil War and financial crises.
- Final Closure: Officially shut down on October 31, 2021.
| Period/Date | Status | Key Event/Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Founded | Launched as a supplement to Al-Hayat |
| 1960s | Growth | Became leading English daily in the Middle East |
| 1983–1986 | Intermittent | Restarted in 1983; ceased again in 1986 due to Civil War |
| 1996 | Relaunched | Printing recommenced under Jamil Mroue |
| 2004 | Restructured | Merged regional editions to focus on Gulf expatriates |
| 2009 | Suspended | Two-week court-ordered halt due to debt |
| 2020 | Suspended | Print publication halted due to financial difficulties |
| 2021 | Closed | Official shutdown announced October 31 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Daily Star?
The newspaper was founded in 1952 by Kamel Mrowa, who was also the publisher of the Arabic daily Al-Hayat.
Why was The Daily Star originally created?
It was established to serve the growing number of expatriates brought to the region by the oil industry, providing them with news about their home countries and the Middle East.
How did the Lebanese Civil War affect the paper?
The war forced the suspension of publication and led to a depletion of staff and readership as the country's intelligentsia fled Lebanon.
Did the paper have a presence outside of Lebanon?
Yes, it expanded throughout the region and later focused on Lebanese expatriates in the Persian Gulf, including a specific local edition in Kuwait published with Al-Watan.
When did The Daily Star officially shut down?
The newspaper officially shut down on October 31, 2021, following a period of financial difficulty and a temporary suspension of online coverage.