Sun Jan 04 11:26:06 UTC 2026: Summary:

Jamil Azar, the 89-year-old author of Al Jazeera’s motto “The opinion and the other opinion,” has died. A pioneer of Al Jazeera since its establishment, Azar was a respected journalist, linguist, and anchor who played a crucial role in shaping the network’s editorial practices and training generations of journalists. Prior to Al Jazeera, he worked at the BBC Arabic Service for over three decades.

News Article:

Jamil Azar, Author of Al Jazeera’s Iconic Motto, Dies at 89

DOHA, Qatar – Jamil Azar, the renowned journalist and linguist credited with crafting Al Jazeera’s influential motto, “The opinion and the other opinion,” has passed away at the age of 89. Azar, a cornerstone of Al Jazeera since its launch, was lauded by Director-General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani as a “distinguished linguist” who left behind a “remarkable and lasting media legacy.”

Born in Jordan in 1937, Azar began his career at the BBC Arabic Service, where he spent over 30 years as a news translator and presenter. He joined Al Jazeera in 1996, playing a pivotal role in the network’s early success as a news anchor and presenter, hosting the popular program “The Week in the News.” He retired from the network in 2011.

Sheikh Nasser emphasized Azar’s profound impact on Arab media. “Arab media loses one of its most respected figures and Al Jazeera bids farewell to one of its brightest and most influential stars.” He added that Azar served as “a living school of journalism and a trusted reference” for countless journalists, emphasizing his commitment to Al Jazeera’s values and reputation. Azar’s legacy of journalistic integrity and dedication to presenting multiple perspectives will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of media professionals.

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