The passing of Giselle Khoury on October 15, 2023, marks not only the loss of an accomplished journalist but also a poignant moment to reflect on the life she shared with her late partner, Samir Kassir. Giselle Khoury, née Azzi, was a prominent Lebanese-French journalist and talk show host who left an indelible mark on the world of media.
Giselle Azzi, born in Achrafieh, Beirut, originally hailing from Okaibe in Keserwan District, began her educational journey by studying History at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik and continued to specialize in Media at the Lebanese University.
Her career as a media personality commenced in late 1985 when she joined LBC as a presenter of cultural talk shows. However, her significant contributions to the media landscape extend well beyond the early stages of her career.
In 2002, Khoury embarked on a new chapter by joining the pan-Arab media group MBC. It was here that she played a pivotal role in the launch of the 24-hour Al-Arabiya news channel, a platform that would go on to become a prominent voice in the region’s media landscape. During her tenure at Al-Arabiya, which spanned from 2003 to 2013, she hosted a weekly political talk show that featured influential political decision-makers, heads of state, prime ministers, and ministers of foreign affairs. The show provided audiences with insights into current events and the latest political developments, both within the Arab world and beyond.
Giselle Khoury’s talents as a storyteller weren’t limited to talk shows. In 2009, she co-founded Al Rawi, a production company that undertook its first project—a four-episode biography of the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat.
The next chapter of her illustrious career unfolded when she joined BBC Arabic in 2013. At the heart of her work at BBC Arabic was the program “Al Mash’had” (English: “The Scene”), which made its debut in early 2014. Produced in Lebanon, “Al Mash’had” was a platform for eyewitness accounts of recent history in the Middle East. Khoury traveled to various countries, interviewing prominent Arab and international figures, and delving into events that had significantly shaped history.
In 2020, Khoury embraced a new opportunity at Sky News Arabia, where she presented “With Giselle.” This program represented a turning point in the world of talk shows, characterized by its innovative format, rhythm, and diverse range of topics.
Giselle Khoury’s personal life was also a significant part of her identity. At the age of 20, she married Dr. Elie Khoury, with whom she had a son and a daughter. After their marriage, she retained the Khoury surname. However, her life took another turn when she married journalist, writer, and historian Samir Kassir. Their union was tragically cut short by Kassir’s assassination on June 2, 2005.
In the wake of her husband’s death, Giselle Khoury took on an active role in promoting Samir Kassir’s thoughts and principles. She co-founded the Samir Kassir Foundation and the SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom, both dedicated to advancing media and cultural freedoms, preserving her late husband’s legacy.
Giselle Khoury’s passing at the age of 62, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, leaves a void in the world of journalism and media. Her distinguished career, as well as her unwavering dedication to the cause of media freedom and free expression, will continue to inspire future generations. Her achievements were not only celebrated in Lebanon but also recognized on an international scale, earning her honors such as the French Order of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour and the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
As we remember the life and career of Giselle Khoury, we also pay tribute to her partnership with Samir Kassir, a relationship that significantly impacted the worlds of journalism, media, and free expression. Their legacies live on as a source of inspiration for the next generation of journalists and advocates for media freedom.