Al Jazeera leadership transition outlined
Doha, Qatar, 20September, 2011 - Al Jazeera has announced the departure of its DirectorGeneral of eight years, Wadah Khanfar.
Speaking to staff today,he said that he had served for a substantial period of time, and the Network’scurrent success offered him the opportunity to leave having accomplished thevision he had set for Al Jazeera to be a globally recognized mediainstitution.
Khanfar hadapproached Al Jazeera’s chairman with his intentions in July. Hisreplacement, Shaikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani was identified onemonth ago, ensuring a smooth transition. The new Director General will takeover responsibilities from tomorrow.
Since Khanfar tookover the reins at Al Jazeera in 2003, Al Jazeera became a medianetwork from being a solitary Arabic news channel. It now includesAl Jazeera English, Al Jazeera Sport, Al Jazeera Mubasherand Al Jazeera Documentary. The Arabic and English news channels have beenwidely acclaimed for their coverage of the Arab awakening.
Khanfar said:
“Upon my appointment Iset a goal to establish Al Jazeera as global media leader. This target hasbeen met and the organization is in a healthy position.
“This Network is greatnot because of me or any other individual, it is great because of its missionwhich carries on with all of its outstanding staff.
“My successor has theskills and attributes to maintain and build upon the quality journalism thatAl Jazeera has become renowned for.”
[ENDS]
Distributed by the www.ArabAmericanNewsWire.com
