Lebanese journalist Youmna Sherry, a familiar voice of Future TV and one of the country’s most respected media figures, has died after a long illness.
Sherry, who had been living in Canada in recent years, passed away following a prolonged battle with cancer. Colleagues and friends described her as a trailblazing broadcaster whose calm manner, professionalism, and warmth left a lasting mark on Lebanese television.
Her death was announced by fellow journalists and media figures, who shared tributes on social media. Many recalled her pioneering role during her years at Future TV, a channel that played a central role in Lebanon’s media landscape during the 1990s and 2000s.
Tributes from colleagues
Prominent TV presenter Nishan wrote on X: “Sad news. Youmna Sherry has passed away. The friend, companion, and journalist who shone in the future and in our hearts. My heart is very sad. May God have mercy on her. May her family have patience.”
Karen Salama, who worked alongside her at Future TV, shared a personal tribute: “When I joined Future TV, my goal was to be like you, doing things decades ahead of their time. Youmna, you had the kindest heart and the most beautiful soul. I will always love you.”
Renowned Lebanese media personality Ricardo Karam also reflected on her career, recalling how they both started out in the early 1990s. He described her as someone who “lit up Future TV with her big smile, new energy, and femininity” and whose letters in later years from Canada were “always full of love and warmth.”
Paul Morcos, Lebanon’s Minister of Information, paid his respects on X, saying: “I learned with great sadness of the death of media personality Youmna Sherry. She left an unforgettable and loving mark on the Lebanese media scene.”
A pioneering broadcaster
Sherry’s career began in the early 1990s, when she became one of the defining voices of Future TV. Known for her composed on-air presence and professional style, she was widely admired by younger journalists and inspired many to pursue careers in broadcasting.
Future TV, established in 1993 by former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, became one of the country’s most influential private television stations. Sherry’s role in shaping its identity left a lasting impression on audiences in Lebanon and across the Arab world.
Although she stepped away from the spotlight after relocating to Canada, Sherry remained in contact with her colleagues and friends in Lebanon, continuing to offer encouragement and support.
Her passing has been met with widespread grief, with many remembering her not only as a skilled journalist but also as a kind-hearted figure who embodied grace, optimism, and professionalism.
She is survived by her family, friends, and a generation of Lebanese media professionals who cite her as an enduring source of inspiration.
