Al-Jazeera to cut down on staff members

Al-Jazeera Media Network announced today that it would have to cut down on its staff members as a result of an optimization initiative due to the constant changes in media.

It has been revealed that around 500 workers will removed worldwide, most of them working in Qatar.

“Over the past few months, we have carefully evaluated every option available to the Network in order to ensure that we are best positioned in light of the large scale changes underway in the global media landscape," said Mostefa Souag, the acting director general of the Network, reports Al-Jazeera.

He continued, "Based on this review, we have embarked on a workforce optimisation initiative that will allow us to evolve our business operation in order to maintain a leading position and continue our recognised commitment to high quality, independent and hard-hitting journalism around the world."

He further added, "While our decision is consistent with those being made across the media industry worldwide, it was difficult to make nonetheless. However, we are confident it is the right step to ensure the Network's long-term competitiveness and reach."

The announcement also said, “The optimization initiative furthers the Network's other announcements this year that reflect the organization's commitment to its mission to inform and engage audiences, no matter who they are or where they are, and consequently, to evolving its business operations”.

Recently the Network announced the future expansion of its international digital service across multiple platforms into the United States. [Source: Al-Jazeera English]