Al Jazeera to cut 500 staff

Al Jazeera Media Network says it’s to reduce its workforce as part of what it describes as an “optimisation initiative”.

500 positions will be withdrawn around the world, principally at the broadcaster’s headquarters in Qatar.

“Over the past few months, we have carefully evaluated every option available to the Network in order to ensure that we are best positioned in light of the large-scale changes under way in the global media landscape,” said Mostefa Souag, the acting director general of the Network.

“While our decision is consistent with those being made across the media industry worldwide, it was difficult to make nonetheless. However, we are confident it is the right step to ensure the Network’s long-term competitiveness and reach.”

Earlier this year Al Jazeera said it would close its US channel at the end of April, instead developing its international digital services into the market.