The Woman Who Interviewed Matt Damon Two Days After Giving Birth

Lebanese broadcaster Raya Abirached interviewed Hollywood actor Matt Damon just two days after giving birth. She responds to work messages at 1 a.m. and has tirelessly dedicated herself to her program 'Scoop with Raya,' establishing herself as one of the most influential media icons in the Arab world.

Yet it all started simply: she was just "a girl who loved movies."

On September 19-20, at The Youth Summit 2025 held at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Abirached shared her media journey through a lecture for Generation Z. Her story offers important insights for young people contemplating whether to build their own platforms in the social media era.

A Simple Identity Maintained for 15 Years

"Who am I? I am a girl who loves movies."

Abirached defined her identity this simply. 'Scoop with Raya,' which started on MBC2 in 2005, began with this simple premise and eventually grew into a film program representing the entire Arab world.

"It wasn't planned from the beginning. I just really loved movies, and happened to have a talent for broadcasting."

Despite constant pressure to transform the program into a flashy entertainment show or gossip program, she never once changed its essence. In today's world where virality is often seen as the only measure of success, Abirached's 15 years of experience proves that's not everything.

"People like my show because they can feel that I genuinely love movies. That passion made people want to see films in theaters. It was a simple concept, but it worked because it was real."

From TV to TikTok, But Maintaining the Essence

'Scoop with Raya' became a gateway introducing international celebrity culture to Arab audiences through interviews with Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. However, what truly differentiated the program wasn't the celebrity encounters, but Abirached's natural, long-form conversational style.

As social media rose in the 2010s, the program evolved. It took questions from fans on Twitter and directly integrated digital engagement into the program format. Over time, 'Scoop with Raya' transformed from a traditional TV program into a platform communicating with the rapidly changing social media world.

But the core remained meaningful conversation—even in a world of 10-second clips.

"It's very interesting now to find ways to survive on social media. We break interviews into small pieces to create a narrative on social media. But I still miss the long-form."

Abirached says sitting down with an actor for 20 minutes of conversation is still more interesting than a 2-minute chat. Even amid the rise of short-form platforms like TikTok, she believes long-form conversation remains valuable.

Lessons for Generation Z

For Gen Z contemplating whether to create their own platforms in the social media era or keep their distance, Abirached's journey delivers a clear message.

Maintain authenticity while adapting to the times. But don't lose your essence.

Her success didn't come from flashy strategies or calculated moves, but from unwavering passion for what she loves and consistently expressing it. She maintained the identity of "a girl who loves movies" for 15 years.

For young people dreaming of careers in Arab media and entertainment, Abirached's story serves as a clear guide. It demonstrates that authenticity and passion, not virality and views, are the keys to long-term success.