The Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), the parent company of U.S. government-funded Arabic language broadcaster Al Hurra, has implemented significant changes in response to a congressionally mandated budget reduction. The organization has been forced to cut 160 jobs, representing a 21% reduction in its workforce, and is merging its Iraq channel with the main Al Hurra TV network.
Jeffrey Gedmin, Acting President and CEO of MBN, addressed the situation in a note to staff, describing it as a "sad day" for the company. The budget cut, amounting to nearly $20 million, has necessitated these drastic measures to reduce costs.
Al Hurra, which means "The Free One" in Arabic, began broadcasting on February 14, 2004, as part of a U.S. initiative to engage with Middle Eastern audiences. The network was established in the aftermath of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, aiming to counter rising anti-American sentiment in the region. Currently, Al Hurra broadcasts to 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
The recent layoffs have affected 30 staff members in Iraq and 130 in other parts of the region and the United States. Despite these cuts, MBN has emphasized that Iraq remains a priority within its regional focus.
In response to these changes, MBN is adapting its operational strategy. The company is moving away from a costly physical presence and shifting towards prioritizing multimedia journalism. Additionally, MBN is exploring new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance its broadcasting capabilities.
Al Hurra, headquartered in Springfield, Virginia, is overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The network's mission is to "accurately represent America, Americans, and American policies" while engaging in independent journalism. However, it has faced challenges in attracting viewers and establishing credibility in the region, often competing with other Arabic-language news networks such as Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya.
Throughout its history, Al Hurra has covered major events in the Middle East, including the Arab Spring and the rise of ISIS. The network has produced various programs, including news, documentaries, and talk shows, aiming to provide diverse content to its audience.
As MBN navigates these changes, the future of U.S. government-funded broadcasting in the Middle East remains uncertain. The network's ability to adapt to budget constraints while maintaining its mission and relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape will be crucial in the coming years.
[[Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin, MBN Acting President and CEO]]
"Today is a sad day. We've said goodbye today to 160 of our colleagues. We've reduced our workforce by 21%. The moves we are making are obligatory. Congressionally mandated budget cuts have forced us to reduce company costs by nearly $20 million."