Al Jazeera to Shut US Channel
January 14, 2016 Television
Al Jazeera has announced it is to shut its American television and digital operations, blaming tough economic conditions in the United States.
Al Jazeera America, which launched in 2013, will end operations by April 30 of this year, the Qatar-based media network said in a statement.
“Our business model is simply not sustainable in light of the economic challenges in the US media marketplace,” CEO of Al Jazeera America, Al Anstey, said in a report on the channel's website.
The announcement coincides with a decision by Al Jazeera to commit to a significant expansion of its worldwide digital operations into the US market.
“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 company statement said.
“By expanding its digital content and distribution services to now include the U.S., the network will be better positioned to innovate and compete in an overwhelmingly digital world to serve today’s 24-hour digitally focused audience.”
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