Arab Educational Information Network

This study aims to explore crucial role of educational leadership as a lever for updating media training programs at the faculties of media at private Lebanese universities, in light of rapid technological and cultural transformations. The research is based on the central hypothesis that strategic planning, supporting teachers, effective organization, driving innovation, ensuring equity, and honest assessment and evaluation (roles of smart leaders) are positively associated with the improvement of media programs, ensuring their alignment with digital advancements and current labor market requirements. The study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, using field data collection tools that included student questionnaires and faculty members interviews in addition to curriculum analysis and observation. The focus was on media faculties in Beirut, with a sample comprising 187 students and 26 faculty members. The reliability test (Cronbach's alpha) indicated a high degree of internal consistency (0.88). Results showed that both students and faculty value the importance of educational planning, effective organization, continuous academic guidance, as well as ongoing evaluation and follow-up, in updating media programs. Participants expressed satisfaction with digital policies, educational tools and platforms, and training workshops, with mean scores ranging from 4.19 to 4.27 on a 5-point scale, reflecting a clear positive trend toward the effectiveness of educational leadership at faculty level or even higher leadership levels. The study also highlighted several challenges, including bureaucratic constraints, resource shortages, and the misalignment of some programs with labor market demands, emphasizing the need for integrated administrative and educational strategies. Based on these findings, the study proposes mechanisms to strengthen the role of educational administration (leadership), including curriculum updates, integration of modern digital media, capacity-building or required professional development for the faculty (academic staff), and the activation of continuous evaluation to ensure program quality and alignment with digital and professional developments. The study concludes that educational administration represents a genuine lever for developing media training, contributing to the preparation of graduates capable of competing and making meaningful contributions to modern media work environments. (Published abstract)