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Al Jazeera 360: A new era in digital news streaming
A groundbreaking launch in the digital landscape
Al Jazeera Media Network has unveiled its latest innovation, Al Jazeera 360, a streaming platform that promises unrestricted access to its news content. This Qatar-based network is positioning this launch as a significant digital milestone, especially amidst the ongoing tensions surrounding its coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Impressive early metrics
Since its debut on September 15, Al Jazeera 360 has garnered over a million views in its first week and achieved more than 300,000 app downloads. Jamal Elshayyal, the network’s digital content manager, highlighted these figures, emphasizing the platform’s rapid growth. He described AJ360 as “the fastest growing” streamer in the Arab World, while also acknowledging that it is still in its early stages.
A treasure trove of content
The Al Jazeera 360 platform offers a comprehensive array of the network’s news channels, along with exclusive content created specifically for the platform. Notably, it includes up to 50,000 hours of news programs and documentaries from Al Jazeera’s archives, dating back to its inception in 1996. This extensive library provides viewers with a rich historical context and a deep dive into various global events.
Challenges and resilience
The launch of Al Jazeera 360 coincides with significant challenges. Recently, Israeli troops stormed Al Jazeera’s offices in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, ordering the shutdown of its bureau. This follows the May decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet to cease Al Jazeera’s operations within Israel. The network has condemned these actions as “an affront to press freedom and the very principles of journalism.”
Elshayyal pointed out that information related to the Gaza conflict is being heavily restricted. He noted that Al Jazeera’s Gaza-related news content has faced censorship on various platforms, including YouTube, where the network’s Arabic page, boasting nearly 20 million subscribers, has seen its content removed or shadow-banned.
A declaration of independence
Elshayyal described the launch of Al Jazeera 360 as “essentially a declaration of independence for Al Jazeera.” He emphasized that this platform allows the network to bypass third-party platforms like YouTube, which have previously restricted its content. This move is seen as a strategic step to ensure that Al Jazeera’s news reaches its audience without external interference.
A unique offering in the global market
Elshayyal also claimed that Al Jazeera 360 is “the first-of-its-kind streaming platform, not just in the Arab world, but globally.” He contrasted it with the CNN+ subscription-based streaming hub, which was shut down within a month of its launch in 2022. This comparison underscores the ambitious nature of Al Jazeera 360 and its potential to reshape the digital news landscape.
Future plans for global reach
Looking ahead, Al Jazeera plans to launch an English-language version of the Al Jazeera 360 platform by the end of 2025. Elshayyal described this as “the next phase in our evolution,” expressing confidence that the platform, even in its initial Arabic form, could attract a global audience. He believes that Al Jazeera 360 will continue to build on the network’s legacy, which began 28 years ago, and establish itself as a global brand in the digital age.
Conclusion
Al Jazeera 360 represents a bold step forward for the network, offering a new way for audiences to access its content without restrictions. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it promises to provide a valuable resource for viewers seeking comprehensive and uncensored news coverage.
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