Internationally-renowned journalist, Riz Khan, is to host the worlds most interactive interview show for Al Jazeera International the new 24-hour, English-language news and current affairs channel set to broadcast globally from early 2006. Khans new show, live daily from Washington DC, will feature world leaders, newsmakers and celebrities in a question and answer format led by viewer participation.
The Managing Director of Al Jazeera International, Nigel Parsons, made the announcement as part of the on-going development of what he called, “The most exciting television news and current affairs project in decades – one which will revolutionise the global news industry by offering viewers across the world a fresh perspective on news.”
Riz Khans show aimed at being the worlds most interactive interview programme will allow viewers to directly talk to newsmakers with their questions. “I think we are at a turning point where viewers across the world are looking for a fresh approach to news and information,” says Khan, “Al Jazeera brings together all the pieces to provide a complete picture on global issues. Im incredibly excited to have this rare chance to build something so new and influential from the ground up.”
After an extensive journalistic career at the BBC, Khan helped to launch BBC World Service Television News in 1991, hosting the very first show as the channel went on air. He was then head-hunted by CNN in 1993, where he became a senior anchor and launched his world renowned, interactive “Q&A” format. “Al Jazeera International is all about revolutionising viewer choice. Ive now got the chance to offer viewers around the globe a much-needed voice on the world stage,” says Khan, “Imagine, a person at any level in society, in almost any country, having the chance to talk directly with a President or a Prime Minister, or even a global celebrity. Its a wonderfully honest and equal opportunity for people something still uncommon in broadcasting.”
Al Jazeera International will launch in early 2006, and is already hiring staff for its broadcast centres. Its senior management team includes internationally-experienced journalists and broadcast professionals who have worked with news organisations including the BBC, CNN, MBC, APTN and a number of top independent channels in a variety of countries. Managing Director, Nigel Parsons, describes Al Jazeera International as uniquely positioned – being the only English language international network inside the Middle East looking out. He adds that while the channel may be headquartered in Doha, Qatar, it is establishing broadcast centres in, Kuala Lumpur, London and Washington DC, with supporting bureaux worldwide, giving it a true global spread with a decentralised news-making process. The channels Director of News, Steve Clark, adds, “Al Jazeera International will be the first English language alternative to Western news media, and will build on the strength of an established global brand with unprecedented access across the Middle East.”