The last ten years have brought about considerable changes in the range of media available to Arabic speakers, including Lebanese, in Australia. The four major Lebanese newspapers are published in Sydney with small sections dedicated to Melbourne community news and advertising. The oldest Arabic newspaper is the El Telegraph, which is politically neutral. Al Bairak started as a Lebanese leftist paper and although its prime motivation is commercial, it still retains something of its original orientation. An Nahar, although it originally had a leftist orientation, now has no political line but offers two to three pages of community announcements. The newest newspaper and the one with the highest circulation is El Herald. This paper issupported by the Lebanese Nationalist Movement and favours the national integrity and independence of Lebanon.
A variety of radio programs cater for the Lebanese communities throughout Australia. These typically contain news from Arabic-speaking countries and from around Australia. In addition to the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), there are ethnic radio stations and community radio programs. Some project a particular political line while others are for particular sections of the community such as women.
Television programs have also revealed great diversity due to the different Lebanese groups seeking a voice and advances in communications technology. In addition to the occasional Arabic television program on SBS, there is a community television channel. There is also cable television ART (Arab Radio and TV) which shows a variety of telecasts from the Arab world such as Arabic films, sports and general entertainment programs.
During the Lebanese Civil War the press and other media became politicised as they identified with one or another of the warring factions in Lebanon. However, over recent years, there has been an increased focus on entertainment and local or overseas news of personal or community importance.