(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Radio program ‘Escale’ which airs on state-run Radio Lebanon, has expanded to include emigrant interviews and perspectives on global news from around the world.
Lebanese journalist Rimelle Nehme, who has concentrated her interests on emigrant news media, says she interviews Lebanese guests in new cities each week in a virtual ‘layover,’ or ‘escale.’
“Escale is the only broadcasting program about emigrants,” said Nehme, who added that ‘Ecale’ and Radio Lebanon is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information. “In each episode, we talk to guests in Brazil, Sydney, Detroit, the Gulf, and many, many more.”
Nehme says she is fulfilling part of the government’s duties to reach out and communicate with emigrants. She says her interviews prove that Lebanese ambition prevails no matter the geographical location.
Nehme admits she previously looked at political and economic issues from a negative perspective in Lebanon, but says working with emigrants has completely changed her perspective.
“I met pure and successful Lebanese emigrants,” she said. “It reflects the Lebanese style of success — it makes me escape the conflicts to see a positive and patriotic image of Lebanon.”
‘Escale’ hopes to reach out to more emigrants in an effort to keep them connected and invested in their homeland.
Nehme freelances for several other news publications and broadcasting outlets, include As-Safir Newspaper, where she publishes monthly editions of emigrant stories and profiles. Her most recent publication sheds light on the Lebanese community in Muscat, Oman, where she spent two weeks interviewing influential Lebanese-Omanis.
‘Escale’ airs on Radio Lebanon, 98.5 FM, Thursday at 4pm with reruns on Saturday at 9pm.