Al-Jazeera America debuts as cable’s newest news network, pledging harder news than its rivals

CP24589601
Al-Jazeera America editorial newsroom staff prepare for their first broadcast on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013 in New York. The Qatar-based Al-Jazeera Media Network launched its U.S. outlet only eight months after announcing the new venture, which on Tuesday replaced Al Gore\'s Current TV in more than 45 million TV homes. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Al-Jazeera America has entered the cable-news fray long dominated by CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Channel.

The Qatar (GUH’-tur)-based news organization launched its U.S. network at 3 p.m. Eastern time with a one-hour preview before settling into a regular schedule. It replaces Al Gore’s Current TV in more than 45 million TV homes.

At the same time, the Al-Jazeera English network was suspended. It had been available since 2006 online and in a smattering of cable systems.

Al-Jazeera announced this new American channel in January, claiming an instant foothold with the purchase of Current TV and that network’s cable distribution. Al-Jazeera America is also available from satellite providers DirecTV and Dish Network.

Al-Jazeera America is headquartered in New York and vows to provide unbiased, in-depth domestic and global news.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles