New MBC initiative demonstrates commitment to women's self expression and individuality
30 November 2006: MBC4 this week announced the launch of a new initiative for young Arab women, I Matter. Created specifically to provoke intelligent, relevant and entertaining discussions in forums launched initially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I Matter reflects MBC4's commitment to its Middle East audience as a channel known for the latest and best-rated Western entertainment for Arab women.
I Matter involves a series of roadshows conducted in Jeddah universities, on-ground discussion-based events and a final competition to select the best entry outlining why women matter in society. The I Matter concept will become a permanent fixture for MBC4 through an online I Matter club and ongoing events throughout the Arab world.
The response to I Matter has already been overwhelming, 2500 applications have already been received since the start of the roadshow on 18 November, 2006.
The I Matter events provide a forum for discussion among the young participants and leading Saudi Arabian women, exploring topics ranging from confidence building and personal strength to healthy living and career success.
In addition to moderating these discussions at the events, high profile Saudi women will continue to be involved throughout the initiative by acting as judges in the competition and contributing to the I Matter Club newsletters.
"At MBC, we believe that a woman's individuality matters, her knowledge matters and her smile matters," said Mazen Hayek, MBC Group Director Marketing, PR and Commercial. "This event aims to encourage young Arab women to be the best they can be and to provoke thought and discussion among our audience."
MBC, the region's largest broadcaster, intends to roadshow I Matter throughout the Arab world, allowing women across the region to explore issues of self worth and individuality.
"MBC4 provides audiences with a mix of programs that tackle issues that are of interest all over the world," said Tim Riordan, Director of TV at MBC. "We strive to offer programming that presents these issues in an entertaining yet informative way. In this same manner, I Matter will provide a fun environment for Saudi women to look at real issues that affect their day to day life."
To create I Matter, MBC4 collaborated with Effat College, a leading Jeddah university that is well known for its constant support for projects that aim to benefit the society.
"The goals of I Matter match those that Effat College has for its students: being an effective member of the society; making a difference; and becoming an effective leader," said Abeer Bar of The Career Development Office in Effat College.
"I Matter will allow its participants to take closer steps in reaching their dreams and will fulfill ours in creating great citizens for our society. It allows young females to express their opinions and is an opportunity for females to play an active role to benefit themselves, the society and the world."
MBC4 has also launched the I Matter Club, an online loyalty program that offers recognition for members and will potentially become a community space for MBC4's female audience. Regular newsletters will feature articles about career paths and improving yourself at work, interviews with successful business women, tips on healthy eating and exercise, fashion and style advice and opportunities to win exciting giveaways and prizes. Online registration is available through www.mbc.net by following the MBC4 link.
I Matter will work closely with government organizations to enrich this program. A head committee will work to incorporate major fields under the umbrella of I Matter to make the club a leader in connecting women in the Arab World.
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About MBC4
MBC4 broadcasts the latest and the best in top rated Western entertainment geared to appeal to Arab women. The channel offers certified hits and award-winning shows in different genres, such as comedy, drama, talk shows and reality TV.
MBC4 is the Arab woman's window to the Western world, offering a view into the West's most current TV trends and hottest shows.
About MBC Group
MBC is the leading free-to-air, pan-Arab, news and entertainment broadcaster. MBC's guiding philosophy is to lead and innovate. Satellite transmission first started in September 1991, making MBC the first-ever, independent Arabic satellite TV station and a market leader, delivering news and quality, family entertainment programming to more than 130 million Arabic speaking people around the world. MBC is constantly building on its core strengths to add new dimensions in an ever changing and competitive world of broadcast in the Middle East.
© Press Release 2006
