Al Jazeera Media Network to Expand International Digital Services in U.S.; Al Jazeera America to Cease Operations in the Coming Months

DOHA, Qatar and NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Al Jazeera Media Network (the "Network") today announced from Doha its intention to expand its existing international digital services to broaden its multi-platform presence in the United States. As audiences increasingly turn to multiple platforms, including mobile devices, for news and information, this expansion will allow US and non-US consumers alike to access the Network's journalism and content wherever and whenever they want.

The expanded digital platform will augment the Network's successful current digital offerings, including AJ+ (www.ajplus.net) which has achieved more than two billion online video views since its inception in September 2014. The Network's commitment to its digital transformation of its global operations is consistent with its mission to inform and engage audiences no matter who they are or where they are. By expanding its digital content and distribution services to now include the US, the Network will be better positioned to innovate and compete in an overwhelmingly digital world to serve today's 24-hour digitally focused audience.

Over the coming months the Network intends to provide more details around the forthcoming expansion of its multi-platform digital services to the US.

Separately, Al Anstey, CEO of Al Jazeera America, today announced that Al Jazeera America will cease operation by April 30, 2016. While Al Jazeera America built a loyal audience across the US and increasingly was recognized as an important new voice in television news, the economic landscape of the media environment has driven its strategic decision to wind down its operations and conclude its service. Al Jazeera America is committed to conducting this process in a way that is consistent with its respect for colleagues.

We recognize the high quality of Al Jazeera America's work and that its journalism was recognized with nearly every major award an American broadcast and digital news organization can receive, including the Peabody, Emmy, and Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University awards.

Said Anstey: "I have witnessed and worked alongside some of the most talented people any organization could wish for. Since its launch in 2013, the work done by the team at Al Jazeera America has been recognized with nearly every major award an American news organization can receive. I greatly respect the unrivaled commitment and excellent work of our team, which has created great journalism. We have increasingly set ourselves apart from all the rest, and the achievements of the past two-and-a-half years should be a source of immense pride for everyone."

About Al Jazeera Media Network

Al Jazeera strives to deliver content that captivates, informs, inspires and entertains.

Launched in 1996, Al Jazeera was the first independent news channel in the Arab world dedicated to providing comprehensive news and live debate.

It challenged established narratives and gave a global audience an alternative voice—one that put the human being back at the centre of the news agenda—quickly making it one of the world's most influential news networks.

Since then, it's added new channels and services, with more than 70 bureaus around the world, while maintaining the independent and pioneering spirit that defined its character.

Each subsidiary follows the same principles—values that inspire it to be challenging and bold, and provide a 'voice for the voiceless' in some of the most underreported places on the planet.

AL JAZEERA ARABIC
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH
AL JAZEERA DOCUMENTARY
AL JAZEERA MUBASHER
AL JAZEERA BALKANS
AL JAZEERA TURK
AL JAZEERA CENTRE FOR STUDIES
AL JAZEERA MEDIA TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
AJ+

About Al Jazeera America
Al Jazeera America is the U.S. news channel that provides both domestic and international news for American audiences. Headquartered in New York City with bureaus in 12 cities across the United States, AJAM carries an award-winning mix of live news, special programming, documentaries and more. To find AJAM in your area, visit www.aljazeera.com/getajam. Visit AJAM online at http://www.aljazeera.com/america.

CONTACT:

Jeremy Fielding / Molly Morse
Kekst
+1-212-521-4913

Related Links

http://www.aljazeera.com/america

SOURCE Al Jazeera Media Network; Al Jazeera America