Published January 13, 2016, FoxNews.com
Al Jazeera America, which went on the air
in 2013 -- and is partly funded by the ruling family of Qatar -- announced
Wednesday it is shutting down at the end of April, citing the "economic
landscape of the media environment."
The network said in a statement that
"Al Jazeera America will cease operation by April 30, 2016,"
explaining that "while Al Jazeera America built a loyal audience across
the U.S. and increasingly was recognized as an important new voice in
television news, the economic landscape of the media environment has driven its
strategic decision to wind down its operations and conclude its service."
Ray Suarez, a Washington, D.C.-based host
at the channel, said in an email to Fox
News Latino: “We put a good product on the air, with
strong content from around the world that you can't see anywhere else. But ...
being good isn't enough on its own in 2016.”
Al Anstey, Al Jazeera America’s chief
executive, reportedly wrote
in a memo to staffers. “I know the closure of AJAM will be a massive
disappointment for everyone here who has worked tirelessly for our long-term
future. The decision that has been made is in no way because AJAM has done
anything but a great job.”
Al Jazeera's prime-time ratings recently
ranged from 20,000 to 30,000 viewers, according to Nielsen data. Upon taking
over the network in May 2015, Anstey downplayed the network's ratings woes,
saying it would “take time to build viewership.”
The network also said it will be ramping up
its digital offerings in the U.S. as it shuts down its news channel.
Al Jazeera America, which went on the air in 2013 -- and is
partly funded by the ruling family of Qatar -- announces it is shutting down at
the end of April, citing the 'economic challenges in the US media market
place.'
Best Comment by
hibeam: The Kin folks said..."Al move away from there... they Said....
Kuwait is the place ye otter be...so they loaded up
their prayer rugs and moved to Abdali"
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