jordan pulse -

​Interview by: Atef Abu Hajar
​In an era where the screen has become an open gateway to connect with the world, distances are no longer a barrier for ambitious media professionals to build their presence and prove their capabilities. From Jordan, young media personality Hanan Sultan began her journey in the media world, standing in front of the camera and experiencing work in satellite channels before later moving to the United States to embark on a new and different phase of her career.
​Hanan's journey between Jordan and the US has brought many experiences and challenges, shaping her professional and personal vision, and granting her the opportunity to explore a new media environment and a broader professional culture. Between her first experience in front of the camera and her current ambitions, Hanan continues to develop her tools and build a media presence that reflects her personality, identity, and passion for the field.
​In this interview, Hanan Sultan discusses her early beginnings, her experience on camera, and what she learned working for Jordanian satellite channels. She also details her move to the United States, the new challenges and opportunities this step brought, her experience with modern media and digital platforms, her connection to Arab culture, and her media ambitions for the next phase of her career.
​Q1. Hanan Sultan... When we talk about beginnings, how did your story with media start? Was entering the television world a childhood dream, or did coincidence lead you to it?
​My entry into the media field was a coincidence; I had never planned for it. My major was political science, and I wanted to pursue a master's degree in journalism and media. At one point, the Al Jazeera network held training courses in Jordan, including one on news anchoring.
​My mother, Basma Al-Wazni, and my father, Engineer Mahmoud Sultan, encouraged me to enroll in this course as a complement to my political science degree. Indeed, I joined the news anchoring course with veteran media personality Khadija Benguenna, and from there, my real start in the media world began.
​Q2. You worked in satellite channels in Jordan. How would you describe that phase? What is the most prominent thing you learned from your experience there?
​I worked in two channels and presented two programs: the first was Ahla Ma'a Hanan (Sweeter with Hanan), which was a well-known program at the time, and the second was Ahla Sabah (Best Morning).
​It was a very beautiful phase of my life, and I learned a lot from it. I met guests from various fields—politicians, economists, doctors, engineers, nutritionists, sports and beauty experts, as well as artists, lawyers, and others.
​This experience gave me immense cultural diversity and made me more capable of communicating with different personalities. Wherever I sit now, I can open a dialogue and discuss almost any topic with anyone across various fields, which is one of the most important things I gained from my media experience in Jordan.
​Q3. Standing in front of the camera requires a strong personality, presence, and self-confidence. How did you build your media persona and reach this level of confidence?
​By nature, I love filming in general, and I love the camera. One of the things I learned from Ms. Khadija Benguenna is that a media presenter must "befriend the camera" and not fear it.
​I am naturally self-confident, and this confidence grows with time and experience. Furthermore, reading, staying informed, and engaging with educated people—especially those in the same field—strengthens one's personality and broadens their horizons.
​I always have a rule: "Befriend the happy, and you become happy; befriend the rich, and you become rich," and I always apply this in my life.
​Even in my early days, I used to sit in front of the mirror, treat it as a camera, and imagine the audience watching me. Naturally, I felt a sense of familiarity with the camera and was never afraid of it.
​Q4. From your experience, do you think young female media professionals in the Arab world face special challenges to prove themselves? What is the hardest challenge you personally faced?
​Frankly, I did not face special challenges in this regard because I believe in the equality of men and women.
​The nature of my programs dealt with women's issues and topics, whether in Ahla Ma'a Hanan or Ahla Sabah. I believe the most important thing for a media professional is to leave their unique mark through their presentation style, personality, and approach.
​One of the most beautiful milestones for me was when Ahla Ma'a Hanan was honored in Palestine, which was a great privilege, especially since it was my first time visiting beloved Palestine.
​Q5. Moving from Jordan to the United States was certainly a turning point in your life. What did this step mean to you on a professional and personal level?
​True, it was a major turning point. When I came to America, the primary reason was to live with my family; I did not like the idea of staying in Jordan without my mother, especially since I am very attached to her.
​Professionally, I was working on my personal brand, conducting interviews with businesswomen, businessmen, and some politicians, introducing them to myself, Jordan, and Palestine.
​I have always considered myself an ambassador for my country, my religion, my family, myself, and my Arab identity, so I felt a responsibility to represent my country in the best way possible. It was a huge responsibility, and our actions were calculated, especially since the media unfortunately framed us within the context of terrorism in some narratives and stereotypes. Today, however, I see things differently; there is a greater space for communication and properly introducing our culture and societies.
​Q6. When you started working in America, what felt most different from your media experience in Jordan? Did you need to reinvent yourself professionally?
​I am a social person by nature, so the feeling was different because I was interacting with multiple cultures, sometimes speaking a language other than my own.
​I definitely learned to accept all religions and cultures across different countries and societies, and to accept opposing views, but without compromising my principles or allowing any infringement on my religion or our Arab countries.
​I believe living in a multicultural society broadens one's perspective, making them more capable of understanding and dealing with others while simultaneously preserving their identity and principles.
​Q7. Media today is no longer confined to television; social media and digital platforms have become a fundamental part of content creation. How do you view this shift? Do you see it as an opportunity or a challenge for media professionals?
​That is true, and I cannot deny that I love television deeply because my beginnings were on that platform, and it holds a special place in my heart.
​As for social media, it is very beautiful because it helps you reach people all over the world. This is a wonderful shift because your screen is with you wherever you go; you no longer need to set up cameras or prepare in the traditional way. With the click of a button, you can publish whatever you want at any time.
​However, the most important thing is to focus on the content you provide. Any video clip can go viral, achieve millions of views, and be seen by far more people than on television. Reach via digital platforms has become faster, broader, and global.
​Q8. Living in America, how do you maintain your connection to Arab culture and identity? Do you aspire to play a role in conveying a positive image of Arabs and the Arab community?
​A beautiful question. First, I am proud of my Arab identity and culture. As I mentioned earlier, I believe we are ambassadors for our Arab countries and our religious and cultural identity, so we must represent them in the best possible way.
​Thank God, I have been able to positively influence the people around me, especially foreigners, by introducing them to our culture, the month of Ramadan, and our customs and traditions. I always try to reflect a positive image of our society to them.
​By nature, I carry positive energy wherever I go, and I always believe that a smile is an act of charity. That is why I love leaving a good impression on the people I meet.
​Q9. If you compared the Hanan Sultan who started in front of the camera in Jordan with the Hanan Sultan today in America, what is the biggest thing that has changed in your personality and way of thinking?
​Many things have changed. My personality has grown stronger, and my self-confidence increases with time.
​I learned that my time is precious and shouldn't be wasted on anything that doesn't add value to me. My thinking has also become more conscious; I am more mature in my thought process and more accepting of differing opinions.
​I also learned that I must love myself and add something new and useful to myself every day.
​Thank God, I feel that I positively influence the people around me without being negatively affected by them. I am happy because I believe I convey an elegant and beautiful image to the people here.
​I also believe that we should surround ourselves with people who are like us, and not flatter others at our own expense. Be kind to everyone, but with boundaries and without exaggeration.
​The most important rule I believe in is: "Be an influencer, and do not be influenced." I always try to receive whatever happens in my life with a smile and contentment from God.
​Q10. Finally, what does the future hold for Hanan Sultan? Will we see you on an American screen, in an Arab media project from the US, or do you have a bigger dream you haven't revealed yet?
​I have many dreams and ambitions, but I will not announce them right now. Everything in its own time, and God willing, what is coming is even more beautiful.
​In conclusion, I would like to thank you for this wonderful interview.
​Source: Rum News Agency