Elias Fayez Maalouf’s journey began with a dream far greater than personal success. From the start, his mission was clear: to be the voice of the people, to stand against racism, bullying, and inequality, and to use his skills to make society fairer. He chose to study law, specializing in comparative law, where he focused on both the Lebanese and French legal systems.
His ultimate dream was to become a judge. He wanted to serve people directly, to stay close to their struggles, and to ensure that justice was not just a word but a reality. After earning his master’s degree, Elias dedicated six months in complete isolation to prepare for the judicial examination. Yet, despite his efforts, the political instability in Lebanon brought everything to a halt. The exam was never scheduled, and with it, his path to becoming a judge was put on indefinite hold.
Still, Elias refused to let his purpose fade. Justice, equality, and giving a voice to the unheard remained at the core of his vision.
The Turning Point: Beirut Blast 2020
On August 4, 2020, Lebanon was shaken by the devastating Beirut blast. For Elias, this tragedy became a defining moment. While the country struggled to recover, he turned to the streets with nothing but a phone and a selfie stick. Out of this came the “Walk and Talk” program, a series of live conversations where he spoke directly with politicians, bloggers, and everyday citizens.
The program was simple yet powerful. It gave people a chance to share their pain, their hopes, and their stories at a time when many felt silenced. What began as an improvised response to disaster quickly grew into a mission. Elias discovered that his true calling was not only in law but also in journalism, being among people, amplifying their voices, and telling their stories.
From Law to Journalism
Although Elias never studied journalism formally, his instinct for connecting with people and asking the right questions made him a natural storyteller. Soon, he joined a newsroom and immersed himself in the world of journalism.
From covering local issues to international events, he developed his skills as both a field reporter and presenter. From his newsroom in Lebanon, he produced extensive reports on regional and global affairs, including the political climate in Algeria, the conflict in Afghanistan, and elections in Iraq, bringing international stories closer to Arab audiences., and telling stories from Syria after the emergence of the new regime. Each story brought new lessons, new challenges, and new opportunities to stand for truth.
Interviews with Global Voices
Elias’s career is marked by interviews with high profile international figures. He spoke with Luis Miguel Bueno, the EU Arabic Spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa, and the Russian Ambassador to Lebanon. He also interviewed the Regional Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State and Inas Haniye, daughter in law of Hamas leader Ismail Haniye.
Through these conversations, Elias provided viewers with perspectives that shaped how regional and global politics were understood. More importantly, he gave ordinary people access to voices they might never otherwise hear.
The Puzzle Program and Youth Voices
Step by step, Elias expanded his career, becoming the host of The Puzzle Program. This show invited guests from across the Middle East and focused on pressing issues facing the region. One of its strongest themes was the role of youth in driving positive change.
By highlighting young leaders, activists, and change makers, Elias reinforced the idea that the future of the Arab world rests in the hands of its younger generations. His work inspired many, proving that media can be a force not only for reporting but also for motivating progress.
Facing Doubts and Challenges
Throughout his journey, Elias often faced doubt. Many told him he could not succeed, that journalism was not his path, or that his efforts would not amount to much. But Elias believed differently. He learned that doubt, whether it came from others or from within, should never silence passion.
Instead of stopping, he used criticism as fuel. His persistence carried him into some of the most challenging environments, including covering the most recent war in Lebanon directly from conflict zones. He also conducted in depth investigations that required courage and determination. Each experience only deepened his commitment to truth and justice.
Beyond Politics: Sports and Entertainment
Elias’s storytelling is not limited to politics or international affairs. He has also ventured into sports and entertainment. One of his most notable interviews was with Aziza Sbeity, the fastest woman in Lebanon. By telling her story, Elias shined a light on the importance of sports, empowerment, and breaking barriers.
He also covered major cultural events such as the prestigious Murex d’Or in Lebanon, an annual celebration honoring achievements in arts, entertainment, and culture. These experiences allowed him to show a lighter, more celebratory side of Lebanon, giving audiences hope and pride in their culture.
Behind the Camera: The Producer’s Role
In addition to his work on screen, Elias also took on the demanding role of producer. In this position, he managed content creation, designed program formats, and ensured impactful storytelling. Producing both political and social programs gave him a deeper understanding of how media works behind the scenes and how to use it as a tool for social impact.
Hayda Ana: A Platform with Millions of Views
Today, Elias is not only a senior reporter and producer but also the host of his own podcast, Hayda Ana. The program quickly became a hit, reaching millions of views.
Through Hayda Ana, Elias addresses sensitive issues such as racism, bullying, and social criticism. At the same time, he highlights inspiring journeys of individuals who turned challenges into opportunities. By mixing vulnerability with empowerment, he creates a space where stories resonate with audiences across the Arab world and beyond.
A Vision for the Future
Elias Fayez Maalouf’s story is a reminder that dreams do not always follow a straight path. Though his journey began with law and the goal of becoming a judge, his mission to serve the people led him into journalism. Today, he continues to inspire, using his voice, his platform, and his passion to fight inequality and give people the chance to be heard.
For Elias, journalism is not just a career, it is a lifelong mission to stand by people, to tell their stories, and to use the power of media as a tool for justice, healing, and change.
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