MBC 1 was launched in 1991 as the first independent Pan Arab channel. As the first free-to-air private satellite channel, MBC1 quickly became trusted and respected go-to resource for all Arabs worldwide thanks to its fresh and contemporary entertainment programming. Today, the channel continues to be number one for family entertainment in the region. With a strong commitment to local programming, MBC1 hosts the top news service in the region as well as soap operas and hit reality TV shows. Of those shows, Arab Idol, in its third season, maintains one of the highest rated shows and continues to garner massive media attention around the world. Other prime time productions on MBC1 include Kalam Nawaem (weekly women’s talk show), Sada Al Malaeb (daily sports show), Green Apple (health show), Style (fashion show) and Al Thamina (a news show that tackles sensitive topics in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia).