The Voice of a Nation: Jamil Azar, Al Jazeera Pioneer, Dies at 89
Jamil Azar, the Al Jazeera pioneer who authored the 'The opinion and the other opinion' motto, has passed away at 89. Discover the legacy of this journalism giant.
A giant of Arab journalism has left the newsroom for the last time. Jamil Azar, a founding member of Al Jazeera and the linguistic architect of its identity, has passed away at the age of 89. Director-General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani confirmed the news on Sunday, hailing Azar as a "distinguished linguist" and a pioneer who shaped the network's professional standards over three decades.
Remembering Jamil Azar: The Man Behind the Al Jazeera Pioneer Legacy
Azar's most enduring contribution to global media isn't just his reporting, but the philosophy he codified. He's credited with authoring the network’s iconic motto, "The opinion and the other opinion." This principle challenged the status quo of Middle Eastern media at the time. Sheikh Nasser noted that Azar was a "living school of journalism" whose integrity and excellence influenced generations of journalists across the globe.
From the BBC to Global Prominence
Born in Jordan in 1937, Azar spent the first chapter of his career at the BBC’s Arabic Service between 1965 and 1996. There, he honed his skills as a news translator and presenter. He was among the elite group that joined Al Jazeera at its launch on July 30, 1996. During his tenure, he hosted flagship programs like 'The Week in the News' before stepping down in 2011.
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