Al Jazeera International

World Screen Weekly, January 11, 2007

COUNTRY: Originates from Qatar but has global reach.

LAUNCH DATE: November 15, 2006

NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS: 80 million cable and satellite homes across the globe. Al Jazeera International’s goal is to reach a potential audience of over 1 billion English speakers. The platforms that offer Al Jazeera International include: CanalSat and TPS in France; Kabel Deutschland and Kabel BW in Germany; HK Broadband in Hong Kong; YES TV in Israel; SKY Italia in Italy; Astro in Malaysia; Canal Digitaal in the Netherlands; ORCUS in New Zealand; Canal Digitaal in the Nordic Region; Digital Satellite (Sky Guide 514) in the U.K. and Globecast in the U.S.

OWNERSHIP: Al Jazeera International is a subsidiary of Al Jazeera, which launched with the support of the emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

DESCRIPTION: Al Jazeera International is the first 24-hour English-language news and current affairs channel headquartered in the Middle East. Its aim is to provide viewers with an objective perspective and "fresh, 360-degree view" of global events on world news. Al Jazeera International features renowned talent from top news stations around the world and offers factual programming ranging from news features and documentaries to live debates, current affairs, entertainment, business coverage and sports.

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Nigel Parsons

DIRECTOR OF NEWS AND PROGRAMS: Steve Clark

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING: Paul Gibbs

PROGRAMMING STRATEGY: After emerging as one of the most recognized and even controversial brands in the world, Al Jazeera decided it needed broader coverage in English-speaking countries. “Never before has there been such an intense political, intellectual, and market-based interest in either the Arab world, or in a news outlet that can offer a unique 360-degree view of global current events,” says Nigel Parsons, the managing director of Al Jazeera International. “In recent years, there have been groundbreaking developments in the Arab world that have encouraged growth of the free press, and we intend to build on this by bringing a fresh perspective on regional and global news from a unique view. We know there is a strong demand among the English-speaking markets for an intellectual and educated voice that can provide such a complete view on world events, and we intend to tap into that through our extensive global news network.”

Headquartered in Doha, Qatar, the channel has broadcast centers in three locations: London, Washington D.C., and Kuala Lumpur. Each center will provide 24 hours of live coverage, with its own view on global events, while 30 additional bureaus in various locations will offer complementary news coverage. Additionally, the broadcast centers will work to create a stronger connection between regions of the world. "Obviously based in the Middle East looking outwards, we are best placed to report on this region, [but] we would like to be a bridge for understanding between cultures,” explains Parsons.

Al Jazeera International wants to appeal to as large an audience as possible. “People who have English either as a first language, or a second language,” continues Parsons. “People with questioning minds and who are seeking a fresh perspective on the news, one that is not limited to the viewpoint of one nation or people—one that addresses concerns around the world.”

A culturally diverse pool of talent is another key feature behind Al Jazeera International. The station has recruited Riz Khan, formerly with CNN, who hosts The Riz Khan Show, which airs live from Washington D.C. and gives viewers the chance to talk directly with world leaders, newsmakers and celebrities in a question and answer format. The legendary British presenter Sir David Frost hosts the channel’s flagship current affairs show, Frost Over The World. Other presenters include ABC Nightline’s award-winning correspondent Dave Marash and BBC News’ African correspondent Rageh Omar. The ex- U.S. marine John Rushing has also been hired. His role in the documentary Control Room and appearances in the media have made him one of the most recognizable young voices today. And Everywoman, a weekly magazine studio-based show for women, is hosted by Shahnaz Pakravan, formerly with BBC World.

WHAT’S NEW: In addition to its live coverage, the channel is offering programs that will reflect on issues ranging from technology, religion and politics to culture and women’s issues to economic development and world trade.

Website: english.aljazeera.net