Al Jazeera America to shut down cable network

Wajahat+Ali+speaks+to+students+in+the+journalism+room+during+a+Q%26A+session.+Ali+previously+worked+for+Al+Jazeera+America.

KJ Mulam

Wajahat Ali speaks to students in the journalism room during a Q&A session. Ali previously worked for Al Jazeera America.

by Neil Bai, Reporter

Al Jazeera America announced that it will close down its cable network on its website on Wednesday after experiencing a decrease in viewership leading to fewer profits.

Al Jazeera America is a cable network and television news channel that was founded on January 2, 2013. The company is owned by the government of Qatar, and the falling oil prices seemed to have influenced the decision.

CEO Al Anstey made comments on the website about the status of company.

“Our business model is simply not sustainable in light of the economic challenges in the U.S. media marketplace,” he said.

Wajahat Ali, who spoke at the Upper School last September, worked at Al Jazeera America and posted a series of messages on Twitter.

“AJAM employees, hold your head up high,” he said on Twitter. “You did amazing work. Be proud.”

Alexis Gauba (11) believes that Al Jazeera America is making the right economic decision.

“I believe closing down their television network is wise if they’re not receiving the optimal audience or profits,” she said. “News is moving far beyond television as more consumers prefer to intake information through mobile and web utilizing social media and quick notifications.”

Al Jazeera America plans to continue operation until April 30.