Longtime Al Jazeera anchor and journalist Jamil Azar passes away

Jamil Azar, a veteran Al Jazeera Arabic journalist and journalist, has passed away. He had been a force behind the network since its founding three decades ago.

Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani, the network’s director-general, praised Azar, 89, as a “distinguished linguist” and author of the phrase “the opinion and the other opinion” in a statement released on Sunday.

Sheikh Nasser said, “Jamil Azar leaves behind a remarkable and lasting media legacy, a reputation built on integrity and excellence, and a profound impact on the generations of journalists who learned from him at Al Jazeera and other institutions where he served and contributed to the development of professional standards.”

In every way, he served as a reliable reference for editorial practice, television presentation, and newsroom leadership. He was known for his humility and openness, remained unwaveringly loyal to Al Jazeera, deeply committed to its values, standing, and reputation, and was always generous with his advice and guidance.

Sheikh Nasser remarked that the Arab media lost one of its most revered figures and that Al Jazeera bids adieu to one of its most influential and bright stars with the passing of Azar.

Azar began his journalism career at the BBC’s Arabic Service in Irbid, Jordan, in 1937 as a news translator and presenter. Between 1965 and 1996, he worked there as a news translator and presenter.

Azar held a variety of positions at the BBC, including producing programs like Arab Affairs in the British Press and Politics Between the Questioner and the Respondent.

Azar started working for Al Jazeera in 1996, where he was a key player in the network’s early years as a news anchor and presenter, and as host of the television program The Week in the News.