Majida Abboud-Saab OAM is a pioneer, a legacy in media diversity, social cohesion, leadership and anti-racism, whose extraordinary contribution empowered community pride in languages and shaped our national culture.
For 38 years, Majida Abboud-Saab worked her way up the ranks at SBS while simultaneously working on transforming the broadcaster; a home and information source for Australians embracing diversity through multilingual and multicultural media.
From a volunteer on 2EA Radio at the age of 18 that later evolved into SBS, Ms Abboud-Saab’s impactful career began as a radio broadcast A grade journalist before she stepped up as program manager of all language programs at SBS, then TV producer. Her experience and drive led her to then be promoted to executive producer of the Arabic Language section, where she remained for 21 years.
Her impact was felt in the Arabic programs and other languages at SBS through innovative formats, robust ideas and initiatives helping communities feel more confident by understanding their obligations and rights, and evolving cultural beliefs and values to harmonise their belonging and identities as Australians. On the other hand, informing and facilitating the understandings of other Australians about the significance of multicultural and multilingual contributions to our country. There was no precedent, it was unfolding and unique.
Ms Abboud-Saab migrated to Australia from Beirut in 1967 and is a founding member of the Arab Council of Australia. She was also the Chair of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance at SBS for 20 years. Upon leaving SBS she volunteered in Marine Rescue NSW for six years to help save lives on the water and for eight years with Lifeline to help save lives from suicide. Committed to media excellence, she was a judge on the NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards for several years.
She received many distinguished awards in media, the arts and innovation for helping diverse communities to be informed to exercise their equal rights and participate in the political, social, economic and cultural life in Australia. She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours for her service to the Arab community and the media. She received the Multicultural Media Awards’ inaugural Multicultural Journalist of the Year award in (2012) and Premier’s Award for Community Harmony Harmony (2011).
Belief in diversity and equity is Majida’s superpower. She believes hope and courage in adversity makes us able to use opportunities to create a better world and do things others think we can’t. She’s grateful to the Arabic community, and people who believe in diversity, multicultural and multilingual supporters of Australia’s identity. Whose support not only encouraged her to share skills, be inspired and inspire, but also to learn and have fun along the way.