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Al Jazeera America names former ABC executive as president Al Jazeera America names former ABC executive as president
(2 months later)
Al Jazeera America has appointed a US broadcast news veteran as its president, less than a month before its launch.Al Jazeera America has appointed a US broadcast news veteran as its president, less than a month before its launch.
In a statement on Monday, it said Kate O'Brian, previously senior vice-president at ABC News, would have "full responsibility for defining and implementing the editorial strategy".In a statement on Monday, it said Kate O'Brian, previously senior vice-president at ABC News, would have "full responsibility for defining and implementing the editorial strategy".
The network also unveiled other members of it senior US leadership team, including the appointment of current executive director for international operations, Ehab al-Shihabi, as interim CEO. Al Jazeera America confirmed a widely anticipated launch date of 20 August.The network also unveiled other members of it senior US leadership team, including the appointment of current executive director for international operations, Ehab al-Shihabi, as interim CEO. Al Jazeera America confirmed a widely anticipated launch date of 20 August.
O'Brian is the latest news heavyweight being brought on board by Al Jazeera following its acquisition of Al Gore's Current TV and the unveiling of major plans to expand in the US.O'Brian is the latest news heavyweight being brought on board by Al Jazeera following its acquisition of Al Gore's Current TV and the unveiling of major plans to expand in the US.
The acting director general of Al Jazeera Media Network, Mostefa Souag, said he was "delighted" by O'Brian's appointment: "She is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist who fully understands what Americans want to see and hear when they watch the news. Kate has the vision, tenacity and integrity to ensure that Al Jazeera America will quickly become the success we expect it to be."The acting director general of Al Jazeera Media Network, Mostefa Souag, said he was "delighted" by O'Brian's appointment: "She is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist who fully understands what Americans want to see and hear when they watch the news. Kate has the vision, tenacity and integrity to ensure that Al Jazeera America will quickly become the success we expect it to be."
O'Brian, who leaves ABC after 30 years, predicted that Al Jazeera America would "demonstrate that quality journalism is alive and well in the United States".O'Brian, who leaves ABC after 30 years, predicted that Al Jazeera America would "demonstrate that quality journalism is alive and well in the United States".
She added: "Working alongside the talented journalists at ABC News has prepared me to take this step and I am deeply grateful for 30 years at that outstanding organisation."She added: "Working alongside the talented journalists at ABC News has prepared me to take this step and I am deeply grateful for 30 years at that outstanding organisation."
In an email to staff, ABC News president Ben Sherwood described O'Brian's departure as "bittersweet news". He wrote: "While we will miss Kate's insights, judgment and humor, we know that she is stepping into an important role and we wish her very best with this new challenge."In an email to staff, ABC News president Ben Sherwood described O'Brian's departure as "bittersweet news". He wrote: "While we will miss Kate's insights, judgment and humor, we know that she is stepping into an important role and we wish her very best with this new challenge."
Other appointments announced Monday by Al Jazeera America include naming David Doss – formerly senior executive producer at CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 – as senior vice-president for news programming.Other appointments announced Monday by Al Jazeera America include naming David Doss – formerly senior executive producer at CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 – as senior vice-president for news programming.
Meanwhile, Marcy McGinnis – who spent more than three decades at CBS News – was named as senior vice-president, newsgathering. Shannon Hugh-Bassalik will be joining Al Jazeera America from CNN to take up the role of senior vice-president, documentaries and programmes.Meanwhile, Marcy McGinnis – who spent more than three decades at CBS News – was named as senior vice-president, newsgathering. Shannon Hugh-Bassalik will be joining Al Jazeera America from CNN to take up the role of senior vice-president, documentaries and programmes.
With headquarters in New York, Al Jazeera America will operate with 12 bureaus across the US.With headquarters in New York, Al Jazeera America will operate with 12 bureaus across the US.
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