Al Jazeera America plans an ambitious expansion that will include more bureaus and staff, more hours of coverage, wider distribution and a greater emphasis on investigative reporting, the network said Tuesday.
The news outlet, which launched Aug. 20, is expanding because it has been well-received since its August debut, said Interim CEO Ehab Al Shihabi.
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“The critical acclaim, increased distribution and online interest in Al Jazeera America’s unbiased, objective and in-depth coverage of the news has convinced us that we should fast-track our plans to meet the projected increased demand,” he said in a statement.
Network president Kate O’Brian said the expansion will “help us keep the promise we made to our viewers about always providing the highest possible quality journalism.
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The six components of the growth plan include:
>>Twelve new bureaus in the next six months to a year
>>A new morning news program, weekly sports program, weekly culture show, and documentary series, as well as more investigative reporting
>>A new New York City headquarters
>>More hiring for reporting, web, creative and business staff
>>Better distribution under a new carriage agreement with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, especially in the New York, Los Angeles and Dallas markets
>>More marketing and advertising
Only about 45 million homes carry Al Jazeera America — less than half the number that carry Fox News, MSNBC and CNN — but the new Time Warner deal will add the network to 10 million more.