Kalam Nawaem

Overview

Kalam Nawaem is a one-hour, female-hosted Arabic talk show that airs late Sunday evenings on the satellite network MBC. Premiering in 2002, it is credited with pushing social boundaries on Arab television. As of 2007, it was among the top 10 programs in the Arab world and commanded the highest ad rates on MBC. In a notable 2011 episode, the program hosted U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The show's format was inspired by the American television series The View and features four female hosts of different ages, Arab nationalities and points of view. The hosts are Lebanese American journalist Octavia Nasr, Egyptian journalist Fawzia Salama, Saudi Arabian United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Muna AbuSulayman, and Lebanese television personality Rania Barghout. Previous hosts include Palestinian actress Farah Besiso, Saudi fashion designer Heba Gamal, Lebanese actress Hiam Abou Chedid, and Egyptian reporter Nashwa Al Ruwaini. Controversial topics of discussion have included homosexuality, gender equality, terrorism, masturbation, incest, sexual harassment, rape, child abuse, infidelity and divorce. The presenters also read correspondence from viewers. Parts of the show have been censored by MBC.