Australian-Media.com.au News

• New Managing Director for Al Jazeera English

  May 16 2008 6:36pm (UTC+8)  -  Article by Kevin

  
  Former Canadian Broadcasting Corporation news editor Tony Burman has joined Al Jazeera English, replacing Nigel Parsons as Managing Director. The move comes as the broadcaster tries to expand into North America where there is a high level of resistance towards the channel.
  
  "There's no reason for anyone at Al Jazeera to be defensive, in spite of the baggage that it carries with some of its American stereotypes," Burman said.
  
  He continued by saying that the stereotypes aimed at Al Jazeera in North America are "incomprehensible" to people outside of the region "because Al Jazeera is one of the world's most popular, well known brands".
  
  His appointment comes at a time where internal issues are continuing to cause problems for the broadcaster. Some employees in Doha are reportedly upset over "working conditions and benefits" which has resulted in a number of high profile departures.
  
  "I think most of the issues - I know this to be true - are being dealt with," Burman said.
  
  Parsons, who left the Associated Press to join the then new Al Jazeera English channel, has now moved to a "business development position" within the Al Jazeera network.
  
  "This is, far and away, the biggest challenge I've taken on and probably the last of its kind", Parsons said prior to the channel's launch in 2006. "Throughout my life I've always been prepared to leap into the unknown. You can't live without risk. That's what makes life exciting".
  
  Al Jazeera English is reported to reach 110 million homes across the world, with world news presented live from news centers in Doha, Kuala Lumpur, London and Washington DC.
  
  Australian-Media.com.au

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