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500 positions will be withdrawn around the world, principally at the broadcaster’s headquarters in Qatar.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

Al Jazeera America is closing down

Al Jazeera America will cease operation by April 30, 2016, the broadcaster announced.

Al Jazeera said that “the economic landscape of the media environment has driven its strategic decision to wind down its operations and conclude its service.”

Al Jazeera America was launched in August 2013, after taking over Al Gore’s Current TV. The channel currently reaches 60.8 million cable homes.

“I have witnessed and worked alongside some of the most talented people any organisation could wish for,” said Al Anstey, CEO of Al Jazeera America, in a statement.

“Since its launch in 2013, the work done by the team at Al Jazeera America has been recognised with nearly every major award an American news organisation can receive. I greatly respect the unrivalled commitment and excellent work of our team, which has created great journalism. We have increasingly set ourselves apart from all the rest, and the achievements of the past two-and-a-half years should be a source of immense pride for everyone.”

At the same time, Al Jazeera said it is to expand digital services in the US, “Al Jazeera Media Network today announced from Doha its intention to expand its existing international digital services to broaden its multi-platform presence in the United States.

“As audiences increasingly turn to multiple platforms, including mobile devices, for news and information, this expansion will allow US and non-US consumers alike to access the Network’s journalism and content wherever and whenever they want.”

Over the coming months the network intends to provide more details around the forthcoming expansion of its multi-platform digital services to the US.

Al Jazeera set to buy Digiturk

Al Jazeera’s BeIN Media Group is close to buying Digiturk, according to Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the talks currently taking place between the two parties.

The negotiations are at an advanced stage and could be finalised in the next couple of weeks, with the deal being the acquisition of the whole of the Turkish company.

Digiturk is currently 53% owned by Turkey’s Çukurova Holding, with the remaining 47% held by the US private equity group Providence Equity Partners.

However, Çukurova’s stake in Digiturk was seized in 2013 by Turkey’s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) due to its debts to the state agency.

Digiturk holds the lucrative rights to premier football league (Spor Toto Super League) until the end of the 2016-17 season.

BeIN Media Group operates beIN sports channels in Europe, Asia and the US.