In the heart of Lebanon, a young girl Lara Haddad fascination with the captivating glow of the television screen ignited a lifelong passion. Mesmerized by news anchors whose voices resonated with authority and presence commanded attention, she envisioned herself in their shoes, delivering stories that mattered and connecting with audiences far and wide. This dream was the spark that set Lara Haddad on her remarkable journey into the world of media.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Lebanon, Lara’s early years were steeped in the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture. She did bachelor in Radio and Television in the American University of Science and Technology in Beirut. And Professional TV Presenting Training at Bright I Academy in Beirut /Lebanon.
First Steps into the Media World
Lara’s foray into the media industry began as a video editor at Prime Pictures Production House in Lebanon. Here, she discovered the power of visual storytelling, spending countless hours meticulously crafting narratives and transforming raw footage into compelling visuals. This role honed her technical skills and deepened her understanding of the nuances of editing, from the subtle art of pacing to the technical mastery of color grading and sound design.
Transition to Radio and Event Hosting
After several years in video editing, Lara felt a pull towards a medium that relied solely on the power of the human voice. This led her to move to the UAE, where she joined Al Rabiaa 107.8 FM as a radio presenter in late 2016. In this role, she connected with listeners on an intimate level, weaving stories with her voice and engaging audiences with humor and empathy. Her passion for connecting with audiences naturally extended to event hosting, where she relished the energy of live events and the challenge of captivating diverse crowds. As a master of ceremonies, she learned to adapt to different formats and audiences, creating shared experiences that would linger in their memories long after the event concluded.
Integrating Media and Social Platforms
Lara’s biggest achievement has been effectively integrating her experience as a radio presenter with her event and social media strategies to build highly engaged, interactive communities. This accomplishment underscores the power of authentic storytelling and real-time connection across diverse platforms. By combining the immediacy of radio with the visual impact of social media and the immersive nature of events, she has forged unique, powerful connections with audiences.
Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations
Currently, Lara is deeply engaged in the dynamic intersection of freelance event hosting and social media content creation. Her focus lies in crafting immersive, engaging events that leverage social media for amplified impact, and developing compelling social content strategies that drive event participation and extend their reach. A core part of her long-term goal is to lead and innovate in the evolving landscape of digital experiences. By experimenting with new formats, platforms, and technologies, she continually adapts her strategies to stay ahead of the curve, developing the leadership and strategic thinking skills necessary to achieve her aspirations.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Media Professionals
Throughout her journey, Lara has learned the invaluable lesson of adaptability. The digital landscape, especially in radio presenting, events, and social media, is constantly evolving. This reality has shaped her approach to be agile, data-driven, and always open to learning and experimenting with new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to stay ahead of market trends. She hopes to leave an impact by creating more authentic and engaging connections between audiences and brands through innovative event and social media strategies, and to be remembered as someone who prioritized genuine interaction and pushed the boundaries of digital experience.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Lara offers this advice: focus on building genuine connections, embrace experimentation, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. The digital landscape changes rapidly, so adaptability and continuous learning are key.
Connect with Lara Haddad
To stay updated on Lara’s latest projects and insights, follow her on TikTok: @larahaddad7 and connect with her on LinkedIn: Lara Haddad and she is super active in Instagram.
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