Jamil Azar, Al Jazeera Anchor, Passes Away at 89

Jamil Azar, a Pillar of Journalism at Al Jazeera, Has Died

Jamil Azar, a long-standing journalist and news anchor at Al Jazeera, has passed away at the age of 89. He was a pioneer of the network since its inception three decades ago. General Director Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani praised Azar, highlighting that he was a "distinguished linguist" and the author of the network's motto, "The Opinion and the Other Opinion."

“Jamil Azar leaves behind a remarkable and enduring media legacy, defined by integrity and excellence, with a profound influence on generations of journalists who learned from him at Al Jazeera and other institutions where he worked, contributing to professional standards,” Sheikh Nasser stated. “He was, in every sense, a living school of journalism and a trusted reference in editorial practice, the Arabic language, television presentation, and newsroom leadership. Always generous with his advice, he was known for his humility and openness, remaining steadfastly loyal to Al Jazeera, dedicating himself to the values, prestige, and reputation of this network.”

With his passing, Sheikh Nasser emphasized that Arab media “loses one of its most respected figures, and Al Jazeera bids farewell to one of its brightest and most influential stars.”

Born in the city of al-Husn in Irbid, Jordan, in 1937, Azar began his journalism career at the BBC's Arabic Service, where he worked from 1965 to 1996 as a news translator and presenter. During his time at the BBC, Azar held various roles, including producing programs such as Politics: The Questioner and the Answerer and Arab Affairs in the British Press.

In 1996, Azar joined Al Jazeera at its launch on July 30, playing a key role in the network's early years as a news anchor and presenter, hosting the program Week in News. The Jordanian journalist retired from the network in 2011.