End of an Era: Al Jazeera Balkans Ceases Operations After 14 Years
Al Jazeera Balkans (AJB), the Sarajevo-based regional arm of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera Media Network, has officially ceased broadcasting after 14 years. Launched in 2011, AJB was a significant voice in the Balkan media landscape, known for its high editorial standards, original documentary content, and cross-border news coverage. Its closure marks a notable shift in regional journalism.
A Legacy of Impact
AJB was a pioneering venture, being the first Al Jazeera station to broadcast in a language other than Arabic or English. It served audiences across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, North Macedonia, and the diaspora, offering a mix of local news, documentaries, debates, and more. The network’s commitment to balanced, multilingual reporting stood out in a region often characterized by nationalist narratives.
Key takeaways:
- First Al Jazeera station to broadcast in a language other than Arabic or English.
- Known for original documentary content and high editorial standards.
- Covered a wide regional market with offices in major Balkan cities.
From NTV Studio 99 to AJB DOC
Al Jazeera Balkans established its presence in Sarajevo in mid-September 2010 by acquiring the local TV station NTV Studio 99. Over its 14-year tenure, AJB became a respected media player. In 2018, it further solidified its cultural impact by establishing AJB DOC, a documentary film festival held annually in Sarajevo.
The Farewell Broadcast and Unanswered Questions
The final news broadcast of Al Jazeera Balkans aired at 12:25 p.m. with anchor Dalija Hasanbegović Konaković thanking viewers for their trust over nearly 14 years. While previously recorded content will continue to air until the end of the month, the signal will then be permanently turned off. Although no official reason for the closure has been provided by Al Jazeera’s management, reports suggest the decision was a business one, likely due to financial pressures from Doha. The closure is seen as a significant blow to media pluralism and freedom of expression in the region.
Regional Reach and Editorial Stance
Al Jazeera Balkans maintained a broad regional presence with offices in:
- Belgrade
- Zagreb
- Podgorica
- Skopje
- Ljubljana
- Pristina
The network prided itself on being "the voice of those whose voices are not heard, an island of truth, a culture of dialogue and ethical journalism."
Sources
- After 14 Years, Al Jazeera Balkans to Cease Broadcast – Regional News Network Signs Off, Sarajevo Times.
- End of an Era: Al Jazeera Balkans Shuts Down After 14 Years, connectingregion.com.
- Al Jazeera Balkans Officially Shuts Down After 14 Years of Broadcasting, Sarajevo Times.
