‘Reporting Back’: Al Jazeera English

Abstract

Al Jazeera English is the first international news channel headquartered in the Middle East. It is also arguably the first non-western news channel of this scale. With an anticipated reach of 80 million homes from the outset, facilitated by 87 cable and satellite distribution deals, Al Jazeera English’s ambitious aim is to be on par with leading international channels such as CNN and the BBC. Operating studios in Doha, London, Kuala Lumpur and Washington, 18 bureaux worldwide with access to another 42 bureaux of its Qatari parent, the channel lacks the economic limitations usually associated with ‘alternative’ media. During the building phase the gas-rich Emirate’s financial backing enabled the channel to poach high profile staff from rival channels on an impressive scale, prompting indications that Qatar ‘is not short of cash to pursue its global ambitions’ (Financial Times, 15.11.2006: 9).