One of Lebanon's best-known newspapers will print its final edition in just over a week, after financial problems.
Managers told staff that As-Safir newspaper offices will close its doors on 1 April after 42 years in print.
Staff initially believed that As-Safir could be relaunched as an online publication in one month's time, although other inside reports suggest that the website is also likely to permanently close.
As-Safir began in 1974 and has been known as a centre-left, pan-Arab publication.
It has been accused of being funded by the Syrian regime, and has backed Bashar al-Assad in the country's six-year war.
There are also unconfirmed reports that As-Safir's political and media rival An-Nahar would also stop printing.
An-Nahar was founded in the 1930s and unlike its competitor has taken a hard-line against the Syrian regime, and pursued a more centre-right editorial line.
This follows reports that al-Liwa and al-Mustaqbal are also facing financial concerns which could force them to close, bringing into question the future of the Beirut-based press.
Lebanese newspapers are among the freest and most politically-orientated of the Arab world, where media often face tight government control.
Lebanese newspaper to close after four decades in print
Lebanese newspaper to close after four decades in print
MENA
1 min read
One of Lebanon's best-known and most popular newspapers will close its doors on 1 April, bringing into question the future of the relatively free media in the country.