Al Jazeera Media Network has introduced a new streaming platform, Al Jazeera 360, which marks a significant digital evolution for the Qatar-based broadcaster. Launched on September 15, the platform offers unrestricted access to Al Jazeera’s extensive news content, resonating strongly with audiences during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Within its first week, Al Jazeera 360 attracted over a million views and achieved 300,000 app downloads.
According to Jamal Elshayyal, the network’s digital content manager, AJ360 has become “the fastest-growing streamer in the Arab World,” featuring news channels, exclusive content, and an archive of 50,000 hours of news programs and documentaries dating back to 1996.
The launch coincides with increased pressures on the network, including an incident where Israeli troops stormed Al Jazeera’s offices in the West Bank, leading to a shutdown mandated by Israeli authorities. This event underscores significant challenges in media freedom faced by the network.
Elshayyal highlighted issues with censorship, particularly related to coverage of the Gaza conflict on platforms like YouTube, where Al Jazeera’s content has faced restrictions. He described the launch of Al Jazeera 360 as “a declaration of independence,” aimed at overcoming reliance on third-party platforms and ensuring the free flow of information.
Looking ahead, Al Jazeera plans to expand the platform to include English-language content tailored to an international audience by the end of 2025. Elshayyal views this expansion as a continuation of Al Jazeera’s mission to influence global media from its roots in the Arab world, now venturing into new digital frontiers.
