Ricardo Karam

Ricardo Karam is a Lebanese television presenter, producer, talk-show host,[1][2] author and public speaker.[3] He has created several shows, series and documentaries,[4] and founded RK productions which has taken charge of producing all his projects. He is also the founder of Takreem,[5][6] an organization aimed at rewarding outstanding Arabs in their respective fields.[7][8] TAKREEM evolved year on year; its latest creation is TAKminds, a forum designed to allow change-makers and emerging talents to connect and interact.[9]

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

Career and spokesmanship

Karam began his career as an apprentice in the early days of Lebanese radio station Magic 102. He went on to earn a degree in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration at the American University of Beirut.[10]

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 taking place between France and Lebanon, including the Lebanese conflict and the Lebanese Civil War.[18]

In 2020, Ricardo Karam embarks on a new media journey where he launches his very own podcast series “Conversations with Ricardo Karam”[19] unveiling exclusive interviews. Despite the new format, he stays true to his trademark intimate one-on-ones with the change makers and success stories of our time. His first guest was HRH Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan,[20] 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.[21]

He regularly leads seminars and cultural, economic or media forums, both in Lebanon and abroad, and has been a speaker, moderator and panelist at conferences in several countries.[22][23] He also works[24] to support academic institutions and non-governmental organizations by putting his expertise and network at the service of their work.[25]

He has also been known for not shying away from sharing his own life experience when it could help others. In September 2014, Karam’s son Nadim was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 3 without any prior symptom.[26] A difficult medical and mental journey followed. Karam dug in his own experience in order 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.[27][28]

But Karam has also made it a habit of voicing his opinion on matters and causes ranging from international conflicts, healthcare and ethics, as well as fairness in trials and equality. In 2017, Iraqi mother of two and 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.[29]

When former Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn was arrested in Japan in 2018,[30] 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.[31] In the wake of the controversy that followed Ghosn’s escape in 2019, Karam sat with many news organisations such as the New York Times,[32] Euronews,[33] the Mainichi,[34] NBC News[35] and CBS News[36] to discuss the case’s developments and its implications.

Given the difficult period Lebanon went through since the protests of October 2019, Ricardo Karam took to his different digital platforms in order 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.[37]

Beyond it all, his strive to uphold dialog and build bridges between people so that they discuss and remember rather than attack and forget remained at the forefront of his mission. In this vein, 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 mind after the series of crises that shook the country.[38][39][40]

Due to the 3 outspread, the digital shift continued with series of online interviews launched using Karam’s signature style. He thus connected with the key actors of change that marked this period via Zoom in exclusive one-on-ones that were attended by a select audience before being shared with the world on the different social media platforms. With online content and meet-ups playing a great part in the way people get connected, informed, and entertained, Ricardo Karam took his expertise and knowhow to the Internet in his mission to bring the most inspiring journeys to everyone’s computer, phone screens, and earphones.[41]

Awards and recognition

Karam received 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 2010, 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][49] Marc Levy,[50][51] Carlos Ghosn,[52][53] Lakhdar Brahimi[54][55] and Hanan Ashrawi.[56][57]

TAKminds

In 2018, Karam launched TAKminds, a space designed to allow change-makers to interact.[58] 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.[59] 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.[60]

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–Present
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–Present
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–Present
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 diva, 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 largest 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 greatest 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 2020-07-01.
  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 Awards et succès damnés". Jeune Afrique (in French). Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  8. Article about Karam in Al Ghad magazine, Al Ghad (in Arabic), Retrieved 1 February 2016, "The TAKREEM initiative seeks to change the stereotypes about Arabs in Western minds".
  9. "سهرات باريسية - ريكاردو كرم مؤسس مبادرة "تكريم":"المكرمون في الكويت أسماء تنتمي الى كوكب النجاح والتميّز"". مونت كارلو الدولية / MCD (in Arabic). 2018-11-20. Retrieved 2018-11-29.
  10. "American University of Beirut - Facts and Figures 2016 AUB Worldwide Alumni Association" (PDF). www.aub.edu.lb. 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-07-09.
  11. "Ricardo Karam, tenues de soirée". www.lorientlejour.com. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  12. "Watch Zaki Nusseibeh on Tonight's Chat with Ricardo Karam". The National. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  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). 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  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) (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). Revue du Liban. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
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  21. admin (2020-05-17). "Ricardo Karam: Hadiths and Podcasts". Saudi 24 News. Retrieved 2020-06-02.
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  23. Bahrain, StartUp (11 March 2018). "Follow The Leaders by Thinkers & Doers saw a massive turnout".
  24. https://www.amideast.org/news-resources/press-release/lebanon/star-studded-amideast-gala-beverly-hills-benefit-youth-lebanon
  25. "Renowned TV Producer and Presenter Ricardo Karam Speaks at AUIS Sixth Annual Commencement". The American University of Iraq Sulaimani. 24 May 2017.
  26. Karam, Ricardo. "Karam's announcement of his son's illness". Facebook. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  27. Andrews, Farah. "World Cancer Day: influential figures from around the world tweet messages of support". The National. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
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  32. Yee, Vivian. "Carlos Ghosn, Fugitive but a Favorite Son, Returns to Beirut". New York Times. The New York Times. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  33. "Fugitive Carlos Ghosn clears family of helping him flee Japan for Lebanon". Euronews. Euronews. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  34. "Ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, facing Japan trial, arrives in Beirut". The Mainichi. Mainichi Japan. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  35. "Ousted Nissan exec Carlos Ghosn in Lebanon, left Japan over 'injustice'". NBC News. NBC News. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  36. "Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn shows up in Lebanon". CBS News. CBS News. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  37. Webneoo. "Positive Messages from the Founder of TAKREEM". www.takreem.net. Retrieved 2020-08-03.
  38. لبنانية, عليا ابراهيم-صحافية وكاتبة (2020-09-03). "Lebanon: The Banana Republic Torn Between "Two Presidents" | Daraj". daraj.com. Retrieved 2020-11-23.
  39. Agency, National News. "Aoun in an interview upon Greater Lebanon centenary: Sectarian system in Lebanon established limits for action". National News Agency. Retrieved 2020-11-23.
  40. "President Michel Aoun advocates the establishment of a secular state - RT in French". Yrt News. Retrieved 2020-11-23.
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  42. "About Us". Beirut International Awards Festivals. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  43. "Awards 2011 | Alumni | Lebanese American University - LAU". soe5.lau.edu.lb. Retrieved 2018-07-12.
  44. "Shk Ebrahim Center". Twitter. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
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  47. Barakat, Maha (1 February 2010). "The Beacon of Hope Ricardo Karam". Umagazine.
  48. says, NATALYA (14 November 2014). "Queen Noor and Princess Alia Attend Takreem Annual Awards".
  49. "TAKREEM award jury board convenes". Jordan Times. 29 May 2014.
  50. "Takreem Jury Board Dinner – Post Event Coverage - New African Magazine". newafricanmagazine.com.
  51. "Dr. Jumana Odeh won Takreem Award 2015 – Palestinian Happy Child Centre". phcc-pal.org.
  52. Agency, National News. "TAKREEM ceremony 2012 celebrates Arab achievements, makes 350 million Arabs proud". National News Agency.
  53. "Les Takreem Awards célèbrent les success stories du monde arabe - C. F." Commerce du Levant. 1 March 2010.
  54. "TAKREEM 2016 jury board meeting held in Paris". AMEInfo. 23 May 2016.
  55. "Sesobel - Événements - TAKREEM AWARDS". sesobel.org.
  56. "Ashrawi Serves on Takreem Jury Board". palestine.dk.
  57. "Dr Hanan Ashrawi - St Antony's College". www.sant.ox.ac.uk.
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  59. "PressReader.com - Connecting People Through News". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2018-11-26.
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