followthemedia.com - a knowledge base for media professionals
Reaching Out - Media Development International Broadcasting Public Diplomacy

A Family That Broadcasts Together Stays Together

There are many survival rules for media executives. One is never embarrass the boss or his wife. Another, more important, is never upstage the boss. There are no cultural exceptions.

Qatar EmirAl Jazeera Network board chairman Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer al-Thani replaced General Director Wadah Khanfar (September 20) in what some believe is fallout from a Wikileaks disclosure. It could be bigger than that. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, like Sheikh Hamad a member of the Qatari royal family, was named successor.

Mr. Khanfar became Al Jazeera’s managing director in 2003, then general director in 2006. Before taking a management role he’d been the channel’s Baghdad bureau chief, notably ruffling the feathers of then US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and others. During his tenure Al Jazeera has grown from one Arabic language satellite channel to a regional and, arguably, broader power in international broadcasting.

“I think everyone will agree that Al Jazeera is stronger than ever,” said Mr. Khanfar, quoted by Arabian Business (September 20). “Our coverage has been exceptional and is now widely viewed.”

A US diplomatic cable from October 2010 released by Wikileaks in August suggests Mr. Khanfar promised to “tone down items on the station’s website” in response to “US complaints of negative coverage.” No doubt it was a bit embarrassing.  The “Arab street” continues to view the United States government negatively even though many Gulf State rulers take a more pragmatic approach, at least informally. The “utterly over-the-top, enthusiastic cheerleading for the rebels” in Al Jazeera’s coverage of the revolution in Libya, said one commentator, coincided with Qatar’s rulers open support – with fighter jets – of Muammar Qaddafi’s ouster.

Much about Al Jazeera, and indeed Wadah Khanfar, has been controversial in one corner or another. “From the first day of the Wadah Khanfar era, there was a dramatic change, especially because of him selecting assistants who are hardline Islamists,” said former Washington bureau chief Hafez Al-Mirazi, quoted by the Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication (2010). Lebanon bureau chief Ghassan Bin Jiddo resigned last April in a disagreement over “Arab Spring” coverage.

Controversy aside, Mr. Khanfar’s star rose conspicuously along with Al Jazeera. In 2010 Arabian Business voted him the 13th most influential Arab. Lucky number, yes? The same year Interbrand ranked Al Jazeera among the world’s top media brands.

Wadah Khanfar’s downfall surprised many, largely because of his high profile and the network’s success. It might, however, be part of a bigger picture within the Qatari government and ruling family, suggested Reuters Breakingviews Middle East correspondent Una Galani. “The quiet frenzy of speculation surrounding the departure of the man widely credited for putting the outspoken broadcaster on the map underscores Qatar's awkward membership of the Kings’ club,” she wrote (September 21).

“By consolidating the ruling family’s power at the top, it will now be even harder for Al Jazeera to claim it is free from bias, and more difficult to dismiss the complaints of foreign governments,” Ms Galani continued. “The reshuffle (at Al Jazeera) may be in the best interests of Qatar, which has recently discovered that its immense wealth gives it international clout independently from its broadcaster.”

In a statement emailed to the Al Jazeera staff (September 20), Mr. Khanfar said he’d been “discussing my desire to step down with the chairman of the board. He has kindly expressed understanding and has accepted my decision.”

Incoming general director Sheikh Ahmed has lots of experience in the oil and gas business, starting with engineering degrees and on to COO for engineering at Qatargas, according to Gulf Times (September 20).


See also in ftm Knowledge

International Broadcasting - Platforms and Politics

International broadcasting is more than voices across borders. It's moved to television and the Web. Legacy broadcasters are reducing their footprint while newcomers are expanding. This ftm Knowledge file looks at all sides. 55 pages PDF (July 2011)

Order here


related ftm articles:

Some Television Networks Just Have That Edge
Media development in post-conflict zones isn’t for the faint of heart. Each region has their own challenges and no single strategy guarantees success. Strong, persistent actors have an edge.

Egypt – What The 24-Hour News Networks Were Made For
The Egyptian demonstrations were a perfect venue for the international cable news networks to unleash their mighty power of 24-hour continuous coverage, and the world has been well served. But who was best?

Will Gaza Do For Al Jazeera English What the First Gulf War Did For CNN?
Since our basically positive review 10 days ago of Al Jazeera’ English language news coverage of Gaza we’ve been watching with some amusement as other analysts on both sides of the Atlantic have caught up to the fact that if you really want comprehensive Gaza coverage then Al Jazeera English is the place to be.

ftm Resources


  • advertisement

    Media in Spain - Diverse and Challenged – new

    Media in Spain is steeped in tradition. yet challenged by diversity. Publishers hold great influence, broadcasters competing. New media has been slow to rise and business models for all are under stress. Rich in language and culture, Spain's media is reaching into the future and finding more than expected. 123 pages, PDF. January 2018

    Order here

    The Campaign Is On - Elections and Media

    Elections campaigns are big media events. Candidates and issues are presented, analyzed and criticized in broadcast and print. Media is now more of a participant in elections than ever. This ftm Knowledge file reports on news coverage, advertising, endorsements and their effect on democracy at work. 84 pages. PDF (September 2017)

    Order here

    Fake News, Hate Speech and Propaganda

    The institutional threat of fake news, hate speech and propaganda is testing the mettle of those who toil in news media. Those three related evils are not new, by any means, but taken together have put the truth and those reporting it on the back foot. Words matter. This ftm Knowledge file explores that light. 48 pages, PDF (March 2017)

    Order here

    More ftm Knowledge files here

    Become an ftm Individual or Corporate Member to order Knowledge Files at no charge. JOIN HERE!

    copyright ©2004-2012 ftm partners, unless otherwise noted Contact UsSponsor ftm