Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Al-Jazeera replaces Director General in major shakeup: Shaikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani succeeds Wadah Khanfar

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Al Jazeera leadership transition outlined

Doha, Qatar, 20 September, 2011 - Al Jazeera has announced the departure of its Director General of eight years, Wadah Khanfar.

Speaking to staff today, he said that he had served for a substantial period of time, and the Network’s current success offered him the opportunity to leave having accomplished the vision he had set for Al Jazeera to be a globally recognized media institution.

Khanfar had approached Al Jazeera’s chairman with his intentions in July. His replacement, Shaikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani was identified one month ago, ensuring a smooth transition. The new Director General will take over responsibilities from tomorrow.

Since Khanfar took over the reins at Al Jazeera in 2003, Al Jazeera became a media network from being a solitary Arabic news channel. It now includes Al Jazeera English, Al Jazeera Sport, Al Jazeera Mubasher and Al Jazeera Documentary. The Arabic and English news channels have been widely acclaimed for their coverage of the Arab awakening.

Khanfar said:

“Upon my appointment I set a goal to establish Al Jazeera as global media leader. This target has been met and the organization is in a healthy position.

“This Network is great not because of me or any other individual, it is great because of its mission which carries on with all of its outstanding staff.

“My successor has the skills and attributes to maintain and build upon the quality journalism that Al Jazeera has become renowned for.”

[ENDS]


Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com