Al-Jazeera to close U.S. branch

Al-Jazeera America logo (Twitter photo)

LOS ANGELES – Al-Jazeera America will shut down its cable TV and digital operations by April 30, the company announced Wednesday.

The decision was “driven by the fact that our business model is simply not sustainable in light of the economic challenges in the U.

S. media marketplace,” said Al-Jazeera America CEO Al Anstey.

In an email to all employees, Anstey said the decision was no reflection on the work of the staff. “You are the most talented team any organization could wish for,” he said.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Al-Jazeera Media Network said in a statement that it will expand its digital content and distribution services, including in the United States.

“As audiences increasingly turn to multiple platforms, including mobile devices, for news and information, this expansion will allow U.

S. and non-U.S. consumers alike to access the network’s journalism and content wherever and whenever they want,” the network said on its website.