MAYSOUN MANASRAH

In Palestinian media circles, Manasrah is frequently described by listeners not just as a host, but as an educator, a sister, and a champion for the working class (حبيبة الغلابة / “Beloved of the Underprivileged”). Her interviewing style is defined by a calm, deeply positive demeanor, and she frequently weaves cultural heritage, local arts, and public mental health initiatives into her broadcasting schedule

In a media landscape heavily dominated by hard political reporting, Manasrah’s dedication to grassroots humanitarian issues and civic journalism earned her the Distinguished Palestinian Female Journalist Award (offered by local media syndicates to honor women breaking boundaries in broadcasting). She is also an active public speaker, participating in community platforms like the Ramallah Toastmasters Club to mentor young communicators and leaders in the West Bank.

Maysoun grew up in a supportive, conservative Palestinian family environment and was deeply influenced by her late father (who passed away in 2017). Her father was a prominent figure—known as a “tribal judge” and a pillar of the community in his area—and the reception room of their home was constantly bustling with citizens seeking to resolve disputes and reconcile differences. This environment instilled in Maysoun, from an early age, a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to championing the causes of ordinary people and the working class.

Maysoun’s passion for radio broadcasting began in the mid-1990s. She joined the official “Voice of Palestine” radio station in 1995, shortly after its inception. She describes her early days as fraught with challenges; she lacked even a chair to sit on in the studio and had to take seven different modes of transport daily to commute from her family home to the station. She did not go on air immediately; instead, she spent many months producing field reports and pre-recorded material before being given the opportunity to host live broadcasts. In 1999, she briefly moved to work at “Love and Peace” radio.

The year 2002 marked the most significant turning point in her professional and personal life when she joined the Ajyal Radio Network. Through Ajyal’s airwaves—specifically via her renowned morning show, Al-Majalla Al-Munawwa‘a (The Variety Magazine)—Maysoun succeeded in building an exceptionally large and unprecedented audience base across the West Bank. Her program evolved from a standard variety show into the “voice of the street’s pulse” and a platform for addressing the real-life crises faced by citizens.

Maysoun Manasrah is distinguished by a unique broadcasting style that blends a calm, warm tone with strength and boldness when confronting officials. Local critics have described her as “not merely a conventional broadcaster behind the microphone”; rather, she embodies multiple social roles—serving as a teacher, nurse, farmer, and sister to her listeners. In her radio interviews, she does not seek to antagonize guests or officials; instead, she focuses on eliciting the truth and holding them directly accountable—on air—for resolving issues related to water, electricity, and infrastructure, as well as for supporting farmers (such as facilitating the marketing of grape and olive harvests).

Maysoun earned immense affection from the Palestinian public, earning titles such as “The People’s Beloved” and “A Vibrant Voice Reflecting the Spirit of Palestine.” She has received local honors and awards in recognition of her excellence, including the award for “Best Distinguished Palestinian Media Personality.” Additionally, she is frequently invited to serve as an inspiring speaker and mentor for youth at entrepreneurial and training platforms, such as the Al-Ufuq Foundation for Youth Development and the Ramallah Toastmasters Club, which focuses on developing leadership and communication skills.