When Iman Al-Mandeel first appeared on Orbit satellite TV presenting a program from Riyadh, her self-confidence, her poise in talking to guests, her commanding presence and her experience with her colleague, Saud Al-Dossari, led to a number of questions in the Saudi media. How had she overcome the shock of appearing in front of the cameras and gaining both the confidence of viewers and those responsible for the program?
Asharq Al-Awsat interviewed Iman and here are her comments.
Q: How did you get into this business?
A: Pure coincidence. I got a call from a colleague saying that Orbit was looking for a Saudi presenter for a certain program. Several days later I expressed a desire to try my hand in the field; I met with the satellite TV’s management and we reached an agreement.
Q: What about your family’s reaction?
A: I consulted my father and he agreed that I should go ahead. My brothers, however, still don’t accept my being on TV.
Q: You appear in your abaya and veil. Were these originally part of the program?
A: No. I insisted on them because the program deals with Saudi Arabia and I am part of the country.
Q: Did your previous experience in banking and marketing help you?
A: Of course. Aside from my work in those fields, my experience, my desire for information, and my studies give me a certain amount of confidence in dealing with others.
Q: Do you think you will continue in the media?
A: To be honest, I really enjoy this job. After recording each episode, I get more attached to the work.
Q: How do you evaluate your performance?
A: I watch each episode in order to evaluate my work, I don’t deny that I have a long way to go but I also feel that I have improved a lot.
Q: What about viewers’ reactions?
A: The calls we have received have been supportive and encouraging. All of them complimented us on the subjects we have presented.
Q: You are now famous. Does fame scare you?
A: I will not use my popularity in a manner that might harm me. I am sincere about respecting the country to which I belong; therefore, I am not afraid of being harmed by fame.
Q: Were you afraid of people’s reactions to you as a Saudi woman on a satellite channel?
A: Because I am a part of this society, its opinion is important to me. Through the program, I try to represent educated and cultured Saudi women and present a program that deals with many of the cultural, medical, social or even political activities taking place in the country.
Q: Are you satisfied with the program so far?
A: I cannot say that this is all we can do; we make every effort to improve what we are presenting and people’s opinions help us develop the program and focus on what they want to see.
Q: What does the program need for it to be developed in the best way?
A: Greater cooperation from Saudi women; we lack Saudi women who will appear and discuss their roles in various fields of work.
Q: In some episodes you seem more alive and radiant than others.
A: That is one of my great personal faults; if I am tired, upset or happy, these feelings appear very clearly on TV. I must learn to be a better actress.
Q: Which presenter do you admire most?
A: My favorite is Gabby Lateef.
Q: Of the guests you have had on the show, whom did you most admire?
A: Yusuf Al-Jarrah gave the program a light-hearted touch as did Huda Al-Mansour. Dr. Heidi Al-Askari also made a real contribution.
