The focus on reporting from regions that are often overlooked is what makes the channel different from other news networks, noted Dareen Abughaida, principal presenter at Al Jazeera English Channel.
“The breadth of our coverage, and our emphasis on reporting from regions that are often overlooked is what distinguishes us from other news networks. We have challenged mainstream Western media domination by being the voice of the voiceless,”Abughaida told Gulf Times.
Abughaida joined Al Jazeera in 2010 in the news department as the Arab Spring was beginning to unfold in the region.
“As a journalist and an Arab, I couldn’t have joined at a better time – as we were there to cover every angle and we were fortunate enough to witness history unfold hour after hour, and day by day. Having grown up in the region, and being of Palestinian/Lebanese descent, I understood the challenges, and the demands of people who were fighting for freedom, justice, dignity and economic opportunities. And Al Jazeera was, and still is, the go to channel when it comes to the Middle East,” she said.
According to Abughaida, her job mainly is to question the status quo and provide the viewer with an honest assessment of news stories they need to be well-informed.
She said: “We wouldn’t be doing our jobs as journalists if we didn’t ask challenging questions to everyone involved, and hold decision makers to account. And despite the pressures exerted on the network and its journalists, Al Jazeera will always continue to respect people’s rights to be heard by covering stories from all around the globe and ensuring that our reporting and storytelling maintains integrity in the face of scrutiny and these challenges.”
Abughaida believes that through the channel’s storytelling and news bulletins, the viewer walks away truly informed on the day’s events. “We explore how the impact of decisions made in world capitals directly affect people on the ground. Our reporting gives a voice to those often neglected. We go to them.We make the effort, we care, we stay,” she said.
“Our newsroom is an incredibly diverse and multicultural environment, and the diversity extends right across the network and transcends departments. People come from different cultures, and different backgrounds, and they speak different languages. And all are bound by the passion of storytelling and curiosity about the world around us. As a presenter, I learn from everyone here, it enriches me both personally and professionally when I am exposed daily to other cultures and other ways of thinking,” she said.
The presenter is of the view that as Al Jazeera continues to deliver groundbreaking TV news content, the global media landscape is facing an ever increasing set of challenges during the digital transformation. “However, challenges quite often present opportunities! Al Jazeera’s journey will continue into the digital space as the network looks towards the future and expands into other types of media and platforms while simultaneously continuing to maintain its original principles and commitment to being fearless in the pursuit of truth wherever it may be. Keep watching this space,” she added.