Jamil Azar, a pioneering journalist who authored Al Jazeera’s motto and spent decades shaping Arabic-language broadcasting, passed away at 89 years old. The longtime Al Jazeera anchor died on Sunday, January 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that influenced generations of journalists across the Arab world.
Azar created Al Jazeera’s enduring motto, “The opinion and the other opinion,” which became a defining principle for the network’s approach to journalism. Director-General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani honored the veteran broadcaster in a statement following his death, describing him as a “distinguished linguist” who left an indelible mark on Arabic media.
“Jamil Azar leaves behind a remarkable and lasting media legacy, a reputation defined by integrity and excellence, and a deep influence on generations of journalists who learned from him at Al Jazeera and other institutions where he served and helped shape professional standards,” Sheikh Nasser said.
Born in 1937 in al-Husn, Irbid, Jordan, Azar began his professional life far from the broadcast booth. He started his career in 1954 as a biology and mathematics teacher, spending more than a decade in education before transitioning to journalism. His shift to media would ultimately reshape Arabic-language news broadcasting and establish new standards for journalistic integrity in the region.
Azar joined the BBC Arabic Service in 1965, marking the beginning of a distinguished 31-year tenure with the British broadcaster. During his time at the BBC from 1965 to 1996, he worked as a news translator and presenter, helping to deliver international news to Arabic-speaking audiences across the Middle East and North Africa.
His responsibilities at the BBC expanded beyond translation and presentation. Azar served as Arabic news editor and worked as a current affairs presenter, demonstrating versatility that would later serve him well at Al Jazeera. He reported on significant international events, including the 1967 state visit of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom, a diplomatic milestone that drew considerable attention in both British and Arab media.
During his three decades at the BBC, Azar produced several notable programs that examined Arab political affairs and international perspectives. He produced “Politics Between the Questioner and the Respondent,” a program that featured dialogue and debate on political issues. He also produced “Arab Affairs in the British Press,” which analyzed how British media covered events in the Arab world, providing Arabic-speaking audiences with insight into Western perspectives on regional affairs.
Azar joined Al Jazeera at its launch on July 30, 1996, as the network began operations that would transform Arabic-language news broadcasting. The Qatari-based channel launched with ambitious plans to provide independent journalism to Arabic-speaking audiences, and Azar became a central figure in establishing the network’s editorial voice and professional standards.
At Al Jazeera, Azar hosted “The Week in the News” programme, one of the network’s flagship broadcasts that provided comprehensive coverage of regional and international events. His role extended far beyond on-air presentation. He served as chief anchor, editor-in-chief, and editorial board member during his more than 20 years with the network, shaping its journalistic approach and mentoring younger journalists who would carry forward his commitment to balanced reporting.
Azar stepped down from Al Jazeera in 2011, concluding a career in broadcasting that spanned nearly five decades. His departure marked the end of an era for the network, which had grown from a regional startup to a global media organization with significant influence on how news from the Middle East reached international audiences.
Sheikh Nasser emphasized Azar’s role as an educator and mentor within the journalism community. “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 guidance and advice, he was known for his humility and openness, and remained steadfastly loyal to Al Jazeera, deeply committed to its values, standing and reputation,” the director-general stated.
The director-general noted that with Azar’s passing, Arab media “loses one of its most respected figures and Al Jazeera bids farewell to one of its brightest and most influential stars.” The statement reflected the widespread recognition of Azar’s contributions to elevating standards in Arabic journalism and his influence on broadcasting practices across the region.
Azar’s career coincided with dramatic transformations in Middle Eastern media. When he joined the BBC in the 1960s, radio dominated Arabic-language news delivery, with state-controlled outlets providing most coverage. His work at the BBC helped establish professional standards for Arabic broadcasting during a period when international news organizations were expanding their coverage of the Middle East.
By the time Azar joined Al Jazeera in 1996, satellite television was beginning to break state monopolies on news broadcasting across the Arab world. Al Jazeera’s model of providing diverse perspectives and challenging official narratives represented a significant departure from traditional media approaches in the region. Azar’s motto, “The opinion and the other opinion,” encapsulated this philosophy of presenting multiple viewpoints rather than adhering to a single official narrative.
The motto Azar created for Al Jazeera became a touchstone for the network’s identity and a shorthand for its commitment to presenting varied perspectives on controversial issues. This approach sometimes generated controversy and diplomatic tensions, but it also attracted audiences seeking alternatives to state-controlled media outlets that typically reflected government positions.
Azar is survived by his wife and two children. His family and colleagues remember him as a journalist who maintained professional standards while demonstrating humility and openness to others in the field.
Throughout his career, Azar maintained a reputation for linguistic precision and editorial judgment. His background as a teacher informed his approach to broadcasting, where he sought to educate audiences while delivering news. Colleagues noted his commitment to accuracy and his careful attention to language, qualities that made him a respected figure among Arabic-language journalists.
His influence extended beyond his on-air work and editorial decisions. Many journalists who worked with Azar at the BBC and Al Jazeera credit him with shaping their understanding of journalistic ethics and professional standards. His willingness to mentor younger journalists helped establish practices that continue to influence Arabic-language broadcasting today.
Azar’s death represents the loss of a pioneering figure who witnessed and participated in the transformation of Arabic media from state-dominated radio broadcasts to satellite television networks with global reach. His career spanned an era that saw fundamental changes in how news reached Arabic-speaking audiences and how journalists approached their craft in the Middle East.
