Ricardo Karam
Ricardo Karam in 2017
BornMay 18
San Félix (Venezuela)
NationalityLebanese
Alma mater
OccupationMedia personality
SpouseYoumna Camille Ziade
ChildrenTalal, Nadim and Sharif Karam
Websitericardokaram.com takreem.org

Ricardo Karam is a Lebanese television presenter, producer, talk-show host,[1][2] author and public speaker.[3] Over the years, he has created several shows, series and documentaries,[4] and founded RK Productions which has taken charge of producing all his projects, as well as Peacomms and TAKREEM,[5][6] TAKREEM AMERICA[7] and TAKminds.[8][9][10]

Career

Karam began his career as an apprentice in the early days of the Lebanese radio station Magic 102. He went on to earn a degree in Chemical Engineering and a master's in business administration at the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese American University respectively. His first television appearance was in 1992 with Focus on Télé Liban.

Since then, he has interviewed the Dalai Lama,[11] Bill Gates,[12] Farah Diba Pahlavi, Luciano Pavarotti,[13] The Abbé Pierre, Valentino, Andre Agassi and Zaha Hadid.[14][15]

Karam produced several talk shows, series, and documentaries in Arabic, English, and French.[16]

He published his first book Privileged Encounters in 2000[17] where he revisits his interviews between 1996 and 2000. In 2005, he published Le Paris Libanais in which he discusses 30 years of history between France and Lebanon, including the Lebanese conflict and the Lebanese Civil War.[18]

In 2020, he launched his own podcast series Conversations with Ricardo Karam [19] unveiling exclusive interviews and revisiting old favorites.

Karam conducted an interview with President Michel Aoun on the day of Lebanon's centenary on September 1 of the year 2020– a difficult yet necessary endeavor as channels of communication between the nation and presidency had been compromised for close to a year of crisis. This was made clear by the downpour of questions and comments received as soon as the Presidency announced the interview, with people calling for Karam to voice their concerns and ask the questions that were on everyone's minds after the series of crises that shook the country.[20][21][22]

At the end of 2021 and on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Military Academy, Ricardo was asked to host the heads of the security services in a TV Special aiming to consolidate patriotism in the hearts of the youth during some of Lebanon's most difficult times.[23]

Spokesmanship

Ricardo Karam regularly leads seminars and cultural, economic or media forums, both in Lebanon and abroad. He has been a speaker, moderator and panelist at conferences in several countries.[24][25] He also works[26] to support academic institutions and non-governmental organizations by putting his expertise and network at the service of their work.[27]

In September 2014, Karam's son Nadim was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 3 without any prior symptom.[28] A difficult medical and mental journey followed. Karam dug in his own experience to set an example of determination and family unity in the face of personal upheaval. Nadim's story gained incredible media attention with messages of support and chains of prayer from across the region.[29][30]

In 2017, the Iraqi mother of two and the daughter of Karam's close friend, Farah Jawad Kassab died in dubious circumstances during a plastic surgery procedure in Lebanon. Ricardo Karam took to his social media platforms after the incident, telling Farah's story and helping it gain regional attention, thus turning it into a case of public opinion. He argued against misinformation and false advertisements, warning against traps and the importance of prudence when seeking proper healthcare.[31]

When former Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn was arrested in Japan in 2018,[32] the legal and media turmoil that ensued was like no other. Karam had been a journalistic witness and chronicler of Ghosn's ascent for close to two decades. Although he never went into the legal aspects of allegations, he drew upon their numerous encounters and his habit of using his platform to shed light on important causes to advocate for Ghosn's right to a fair trial.[33] In the wake of the controversy that followed Ghosn's escape in 2019, Karam sat with many news organizations such as the New York Times,[34] Euronews,[35] the Mainichi,[36] NBC News [37] and CBS News[38] to discuss the case's developments and its implications.

Given Lebanon's difficult period in October 2019, Ricardo Karam took to his different digital platforms to combat the negative outpour of news that took over social media. He shared stories of resilience as well as his views and numerous messages aiming to trigger hope, change, and positivity.[39]

He has also taken part in the Dod el Fassad (Against Corruption) national campaign, launched by the Saint-Joseph University and ALDIC with the support of the European Union and Expertise France under the ACT project.

In 2021, Ricardo was chosen by the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut to become the ambassador for its yearly cancer awareness and prevention campaign. Being familiar with the struggle, he joined the cause in the spirit of making a difference in so many people's lives.

As of 2023, Ricardo Karam will be joining AUB Board of Trustees after winning the 2022 WAAAUB elections that took place in April.

Awards and recognition

Karam was awarded the medal of the Lebanese National Order of Merit of the rank of Knight in 2022.[40] He received the Palestinian Medal of Culture, Science and Arts with high distinction in 2021,[41] the French National Order of Merit of the Rank of Knight in 2016, and was awarded the Beirut International Festival Prize in 2012,[42] the Lebanese American University Alumni Achievement Award in 2011,[43] and in that same year, the prize of the Sheikh Ibrahim Bin Mohamad Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research.[44]

TAKREEM

In 2009, Karam created TAKREEM,[45] which he designed as a platform aiming to promote good ethics in Arabs by honoring those who excel in their fields and who can act as role models for role models.[46][47] Every year, TAKREEM recognizes the achievements of eight Arabs who have distinguished themselves in the arts, sciences, environment, education, or leadership. Patrons include Noor Al Hussein,[48] Marc Levy,[49][50] Lakhdar Brahimi,[51][52] Hanan Ashrawi[53][54] Barham Salih and Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.[55]

TAKREEM AMERICA

Ricardo Karam Speech in Los Angeles, 2023

In 2019, TAKREEM AMERICA was established to connect Arab Americans and Middle Eastern Immigrants to their roots, enabling them to join forces with the thriving youth of their motherland and all those who embody a dynamic, different way of putting the region at the forefront of the international stage with the mission to endorse a much needed change.

TAKminds

In 2018, Karam launched TAKminds, a space designed to allow change-makers to interact.[56] The new forum was intended to shed light on the societal challenges and obstacles that emerging talents face and try to overcome on a daily basis.[10] TAKminds was created from TAKREEM, to celebrate the talents of the Arab world, and to provide them with a platform where they can connect, and create sustainable communities in the Arab world.[57]

Peacomms

In 2021, Karam founded Peacomms, a coaching and public speaking training platform through which experienced and skilled professionals provide advice and guidance to help business executives develop their communication skills, thus bettering their overall performance. Peacomms targets selected personalities and tackles executive development, personalized coaching, and team coaching, thus acting as a solid catalyst for both personal and professional growth.[58]

Podcast series

In his original podcast featured interviews with change-makers. His first guest was HRH Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan,[59] son of King Hussein bin Talal and his third wife Queen Alia, half-brother of King Abdullah and President of the West Asian Football Federation, who made bold statements that became the talk of the town.[60] Other prestigious guests followed such as literary Mr. Amine Maalouf, Palestinian political icon Hanan Ashrawi, media figure Baria Alamuddin and Lebanese-American poet, essayist, and visual artist Etel Adnan.

Television series

Show Name[61]RoleDescriptionBroadcasting channel(s)Date
Tariq Al Amal (Road of Hope) Presenter and Producer Weekly 52-minute-long TV program in Arabic. This talk-show hosts 3 different guests whose paths filled with upheavals became a source of hope for the youth. Abu Dhabi TV 2019–2020
Al Khatef Moukabel Al Fidya (Kidnapping for A Ransom) Presenter and Narrator Seven 52-minute-long TV episodes in Arabic. This investigative series documents the world of kidnappers and the ransoms that the families of victims need to pay; it also goes over the reasons to mistrust each other. Al Aan TV 2017
Woojooh Al Madina (Faces of the City)Creator and ProducerWeekly 52-minute-long TV program in Arabic. It documents trips to worldwide cities through 6 different guests by discussing the impact of the city on them as well as their own contribution to the city.BBC Arabic

Abu Dhabi TV

 2016–2020
Maa Ricardo Karam (With Ricardo Karam)Creator, Presenter and ProducerWeekly 52-minute-long TV program in Arabic. It presents interviews with Arabs whose success stories impacted the Arab community and brought about a social change.CNBC Arabiya, Future TV and LBC2013–2020
Iraqioon (Iraqis)Creator, Presenter and ProducerWeekly 52-minute-long TV program in Arabic. It presented interviews with Iraqis from the Diaspora who, despite the war, excelled on a personal and/or professional level in different areas such as Human Rights, journalism, arts, the sciences...Al Sumaria2011–2012
Hadisson Akhar (A Different Talk)Creator, Presenter and ProducerWeekly 52-minute-long TV program in Arabic, French and English. It presents interviews with heroes of the 21st Century, i.e. outstanding men and women of the Arab world who are otherwise unknown to the public despite their achievements (scientific, medical, political, philanthropic, etc.).LBCI and LBC2009–2011
Qissat Liqa’a (Story of an Encounter)Creator, Presenter and ProducerWeekly 27-minute-long TV program in Arabic, where Ricardo Karam narrated the story of his encounters with worldwide personalities.Al Sumaria2008–2009
Wara'a Al Woojooh (Beyond Faces)Creator, Presenter and ProducerWeekly 52-minute-long TV program. It consisted of interviews in several languages and one-on-one dialogues with Arab and international personalitiesFuture TV2003–2008
Maraya (Mirrors)Creator, Presenter and ProducerWeekly 52-minute-long TV program. Prominent guests from all over the world were interviewed on this show.MTV Lebanon1996–2000
Souar (Pictures)Creator and ProducerWeekly 52-minute-long TV program in Arabic. It consisted of documentaries portraying five Lebanese personalities and featuring their respective lifestyles in each episode.MTV Lebanon1995–1996
FocusCreator and AnimatorWeekly 52-minute-long TV debate program in French. The debate topics mainly regarded political and cultural news.Télé Liban1992–1995

Documentaries

Show NameDescriptionDate
Mawaad Maa Al Sayyida (An Appointment with the Lady)This documentary follows the exceptional journey of the Arab world's and Orient's celebrated, Fayrouz.Soon
The Story of TAKREEM This documentary celebrates the 10 years journey of TAKREEM Foundation honoring Arab accomplishments and bringing Arab achievers to the forefront of the global stage. 2020
Bab Assalam (The Door to Peace) This documentary features HM Queen Noor Al Hussein for the first time with an Arab TV figure where she talks about her memories with HM King Hussein, and her moments of anguish and hope as a citizen of two different worlds. 2011
Ambaratoriat Alef (The A Empire)This documentary follows the life of the legendary Albert Abela, founder and leader of the catering group in the world, “Abela Group”.2010
Amid Al Jumhuria (The Pillar of the Republic)This documentary retraces the life of Raymond Edde, an eminent Lebanese political figure who died in exile.2009
Al Malik Farouk Trilogy (King Farouk Trilogy)This documentary consisted of 3 installments featuring an exclusive interview with King Farouk's eldest daughter (Fate of a princess), one with his eldest son (This is Ahmad Fuad), and a documentary about his life (King Farouk & the Exile).2008
Harissat Al Istiqlal (The Guardian of the Independence)This documentary was about Alia el Solh, a Pan-Arab activist and columnist who was also the daughter of the first Prime Minister of Lebanon after its Independence.2008
Rafic al Omr (My Life Companion)This documentary was about Rafic Hariri, former Lebanese Prime Minister, on the occasion of the second commemoration of his assassination, featuring exclusive interviews with his family.2007
Baalbeck: 50 Years of a Nation's HistoryThis documentary depicts the moments of the Baalbeck International Festival on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its foundation in 1956.2006

References

  1. ↑ Article about Ricardo Karam and Gisèle Khoury's success in investigative reporting, 6 November 2004, Aawsat (in Arabic), Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  2. ↑ Hashim Sarkis Interview by Ricardo Karam on CNBC Arabia, 22 July 2013, Archileb, Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  3. ↑ ULCM interview with Karam
  4. ↑ "Media From My Perspective - Seminar by Ricardo Karam « Lebtivity". Lebtivity. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  5. ↑ "Takreem, primes et progrès" (in French). Arabies. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  6. ↑ Takreem Awards Launched to Fight Negative Stereotypes, 29 October 2009, The Daily Star, Retrieved 26 November 2015
  7. ↑ "Takreem Foundation | arab.org". 18 April 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  8. ↑ "An Interview with Ricardo Karam". Happy Healthy Arab. 3 March 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  9. ↑ TimesAdmin (23 November 2018). "Changemakers, inspirational leaders take center stage at TAKminds". TimesKuwait. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  10. 1 2 "TAKminds forum focuses on weaving sustainable destinies in Middle East". Retrieved 25 August 2023 – via PressReader.
  11. ↑ "Ricardo Karam, tenues de soirée". www.lorientlejour.com. 21 May 2009. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  12. ↑ "Watch Zaki Nusseibeh on Tonight's Chat with Ricardo Karam". The National. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  13. ↑ ""Une entrevue avec Ricardo Karam, homme de media de haut vol, philanthrope, écrivain accompli et, orateur et médiateur de forums média et économiques clés "". WLCU (in French). 20 June 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  14. ↑ Bassil, Zeina (16 November 2009). "شھادات في وثائقي عن عاشق لوطنه والمثاليات ويكره التسويات والدم حياة "عميد الجمھورية" ستثنائي في تاريخ لبنان" (in Arabic). No. 23877. Annahar.
  15. ↑ "Ricardo Karam wins first interview with HRM [Queen Noor of Jordan] on an Arab channel, 11 years after the death of HRM the King". Al Jaras. 25 February 2011.
  16. ↑ Article about Karam's documentary about the Egyptian royal family, in which King Ahmad Fouad the Second gave his first-ever interview on an Arab channel, 3 August 2008, Zeinobia (in Arabic), Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  17. ↑ Fayad Comair, Nadine. "RICARDO KARAM, STAR DU PETIT ÉCRAN, SIGNE SON PREMIER LIVRE: "RENCONTRES PRIVILÉGIÉES"". Revue du Liban (in French). Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  18. ↑ Advertisement for Ricardo Karam's second book signing, LibanVision (in French), Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  19. ↑ "An Interview with Ricardo Karam". Happy Healthy Arab. 3 March 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  20. ↑ لبنانية, عليا ابراهيم-صحافية وكاتبة (3 September 2020). "Lebanon: The Banana Republic Torn Between "Two Presidents" | Daraj". daraj.com. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  21. ↑ Agency, National News. "Aoun in an interview upon Greater Lebanon centenary: Sectarian system in Lebanon established limits for action". National News Agency. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  22. ↑ "President Michel Aoun advocates the establishment of a secular state - RT in French". Yrt News. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  23. ↑ "The 100th anniversary of the Lebanese Military Academy" | "وثائقي "مئوية المؤسسة العسكرية, retrieved 10 March 2022
  24. ↑ https://www.iccrom.org/sites/default/files/2018-02/arab_forum_-_programme_en.pdf
  25. ↑ Bahrain, StartUp (11 March 2018). "Follow The Leaders by Thinkers & Doers saw a massive turnout".
  26. ↑ "Star-Studded AMIDEAST Gala in Beverly Hills to Benefit Youth in Lebanon | AMIDEAST". Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  27. ↑ "Renowned TV Producer and Presenter Ricardo Karam Speaks at AUIS Sixth Annual Commencement". The American University of Iraq Sulaimani. 24 May 2017.
  28. ↑ Karam, Ricardo. "Karam's announcement of his son's illness". Facebook. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  29. ↑ Andrews, Farah (4 February 2020). "World Cancer Day: influential figures from around the world tweet messages of support". The National. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  30. ↑ CCCL. "CCCL'S ANNUAL GALA DINNER". CCCL. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  31. ↑ "Surprise developments in case of a woman who died in a cosmetic clinic in Lebanon". Alarabiya. 20 June 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  32. ↑ "Ousted Nissan exec Carlos Ghosn in Lebanon, left Japan over 'injustice'". NBC News. 31 December 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  33. ↑ "Former Nissan Chief Carlos Ghosn arrives in Beirut, Lebanon". Annahar. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  34. ↑ Yee, Vivian (31 December 2019). "Carlos Ghosn, Fugitive but a Favorite Son, Returns to Beirut". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  35. ↑ "Fugitive Carlos Ghosn clears family of helping him flee Japan for Lebanon". Euronews. 31 December 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  36. ↑ "Ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, facing Japan trial, arrives in Beirut". Mainichi Daily News. Mainichi Japan. 31 December 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  37. ↑ "Ousted Nissan exec Carlos Ghosn in Lebanon, left Japan over 'injustice'". NBC News. 31 December 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  38. ↑ "Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn shows up in Lebanon". CBS News. 30 December 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  39. ↑ Webneoo. "Positive Messages from the Founder of TAKREEM". www.takreem.net. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  40. ↑ "You are being redirected..." bisara7a.com. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  41. ↑ "Ricardo Karam on LinkedIn: #culture #peace #inspiration | 39 comments". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  42. ↑ "About Us". Beirut International Awards Festivals. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  43. ↑ "Awards 2011 | Alumni | Lebanese American University - LAU". soe5.lau.edu.lb. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  44. ↑ "Shk Ebrahim Center". Twitter. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  45. ↑ "An Interview with Ricardo Karam". Happy Healthy Arab. 3 March 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  46. ↑ Karam, Ricardo. "FOUNDER'S MESSAGE". TAKREEM. Retrieved 30 January 2016. TAKREEM can showcase stories of Arab success that should be a source of pride for all of us.
  47. ↑ Barakat, Maha (1 February 2010). "The Beacon of Hope Ricardo Karam". Umagazine.
  48. ↑ "TAKREEM award jury board convenes". Jordan Times. 29 May 2014.
  49. ↑ "Takreem Jury Board Dinner – Post Event Coverage - New African Magazine". newafricanmagazine.com. 2 June 2015.
  50. ↑ "Dr. Jumana Odeh won Takreem Award 2015 – Palestinian Happy Child Centre". phcc-pal.org.
  51. ↑ "TAKREEM 2016 jury board meeting held in Paris". AMEInfo. 23 May 2016.
  52. ↑ "Sesobel - Événements - TAKREEM AWARDS". sesobel.org.
  53. ↑ "Ashrawi Serves on Takreem Jury Board". palestine.dk.
  54. ↑ "Dr Hanan Ashrawi - St Antony's College". www.sant.ox.ac.uk. 23 December 2014.
  55. ↑ AlSadr, AHmed (1 December 2020). "TAKREEM – Inspiring Generations". Dubai Global News. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
  56. ↑ Webneoo. "TAKminds - Weaving Sustainable Destinies in the Middle East". takreem.net. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  57. ↑ "The Times Kuwait". www.timeskuwait.com. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  58. ↑ Comms, Pea. "Pea Comms". Pea Comms. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  59. ↑ admin (17 May 2020). "Ricardo Karam: Hadiths and Podcasts". Saudi 24 News. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  60. ↑ admin (17 May 2020). "Ricardo Karam: Hadiths and Podcasts". Saudi 24 News. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  61. ↑ "Ricardo Karam" (Videos). Youtube. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
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