Al Jazeera to close?

It's not a case of influencing opinion of the viewers, it's a case of it being a 'loss leader'. It gives the company credibility and influence amongst the country's decision makers who pass through it's doors and onto it's output. That's where it's value lies

Imagine the perception of Sky over the years without it's news channel. Would it be quite as important if it was just a building in wet London churning out imports, sport and films?

AJ is similar but to a country rather than a multinational corporation. It's an example of 'soft power'



Most other middle eastern states have always had an issue with it as it doesn't toe any of their lines. It was the first Middle Eastern channel that was editorially independent and could report what was actually going on in each of their countries. That's why it had such an impact and gained such popularity - it wasn't controlled by the states it was watched in.


The accusation of funding terrorism is of course an odd one coming from Saudi....

I see your point about having a news format to introduce political figures to the company. LBC Radio is a loss leader for Global and expensive to run in comparison to it's money maker music stations, but has helped the company to have political figures involved both on and off air which helped the company to grow.

For the record, I'm just as concerned as you about the crisis which could affect Al Jazeera, however I tried to take a devil's advocate point for this debate which didn't come across well.

Qatar have unsurprisingly refused to give in to their demands:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-40391224

Interesting background article about Al Jazeera and the Arab world's attitude to it:
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/06/al-jazeera-qatar-saudi-arabia-muslim-brotherhood/531471/

From the Saudi point of view, AJ cheered on the Arab Spring that saw the toppling of many dictators and the short but prominent rise to power of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt — something that more or less aligns with Qatari foreign policy. God, I mean, Allah forbid the Saudis let their people watch AJ and become inspired to start their own revolution or promote republican ideals. The Saudis also see Qatar as being too close for comfort diplomatically with Iran.

Not saying I agree with any of that at all really. I think it's all stupid and that AJ should never be shut down, nor do I think it will be. But AJ, especially AJA, is not entirely the immaculate, impartial news channel that it makes itself out to be, depending on your point of view. The timing of all of this after Trump's visit is also not a coincidence.

It's far from being objective or neutral as they claim, no one is really. Especially their regional versions like the Balkans one.

Very interesting but very disappointing to hear that AJA has lost its impartiality. Does anyone know if BBC Arabic TV has any impact in the region? I would at least hope that people are going there for a better insight.

AJE has never had anything critical about the Qataris.

Yes the conditions migrant workers in Qatar have to endure, particularly in the building of the World Cup stadiums, are never mentioned on AJE. Even when incidents make the news and are featured on other news outlets.

AJA was (originally) staffed by many disgruntled ex BBC Arabic service employees !

Disgruntled? I think you mean redundant... When the Saudi owners of Orbit TV (which carried the original BBC World Service Arabic TV channel in the mid-90s) tried to exert a little editorial control, the BBC pulled the plug on the service, and left a lot of BBC-trained Arabic-speaking presenters, reporters, production journalists and technical staff without jobs... Perfect staff for a new Arabic news channel...

Ah yes ! Fair point, I remember now. Having been made redundant myself though, it is still a disgruntling experience !