Al Jazeera America to shut down


Details

Michelle Clancy

| 14 January 2016




Qatari media giant Al Jazeera will soon be shutting down Al-Jazeera America, while expanding its existing international digital services to broaden its multi-platform presence in the US.



The expanded digital platform will augment the network’s existing digital offerings, including AJ, which has achieved more than two billion online video views since its inception in September 2014.

“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,” the company said.

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

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera America will cease operation by 30 April, citing the economic landscape of the media environment.

"I have witnessed and worked alongside some of the most talented people any organisation could wish for,” said Al Anstey, CEO, Al Jazeera America. “Since its launch in 2013, the work done by the team at Al Jazeera America has been recognised with nearly every major award an American news organisation can receive. I greatly respect the unrivalled 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."