The U.S. cable news network belonging to Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera today announced that it would shutter its U.S. newsroom, ceasing all U.S. news and digital operations by April 30.
The announcement was made this afternoon, during a staff meeting held by Al Jazeera America management.
In a memo circulated to staff after the meeting, Al Jazeera America CEO Al Anstey wrote that the decision to shutter operations was “driven by the fact that our business model is simply not sustainable in an increasingly digital world, and because of the current global financial challenges.”
“I know this will be a massive disappointment for everyone here who has worked tirelessly for our long-term future,” Anstey continued. “The decision that has been made is in no way because AJAM has done anything but a great job. Our commitment to great journalism is unrivaled. We have increasingly set ourselves apart from all the rest. And you are the most talented team any organization could wish for."
The U.S. network employs approximately 400. Politico today reported that severance packages and outplacement services would be prepared for employees.
Call it a failed experiment. Al Jazeera, which is owned by the Qatar government and is among the largest news organizations in the world, established its U.S. presence in late 2012 with its $500 million acquisition of cable news network Current TV, which was co-founded by Al Gore.
The company leased a Midtown Manhattan studio, brought in top talent from CNN and ABC and launched in August 2013, intending to fill a void in the U.S. market by offering global news in a media landscape rife with pundits and partisan talking points.
Poor ratings and dwindling profits hurt the cable news network, however; while more than 61 million households receive Al Jazeera America, a New York Times report on the closure today claimed that viewership often struggled to surpass 30,000.
Things got worse last year, when key Al Jazeera America staff — including executive communications VP Dawn Bridges — resigned from their posts, and a series of lawsuits by former employees who alleged management engaged in sexual discrimination and anti-Semitism resulted in the May ouster of CEO Ehab Alshihabi.
The cable news network said it has plans to expand its digital presence in the U.S. after its newsroom closes.
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