Talking Points Memo gets a hold of a memo sent by Al Jazeera English managing editor Al Anstey, outlining the channel’s new U.S. strategy. As part of the changes, the channel will be downsizing in Washington D.C., instead using more reports from bureaus across the country. In addition, it will be moving its show “Empire” from Washington to New York.
This change is part of the wider restructure which began over two years ago in order to enhance one of our core strengths of news gathering and reporting from the field. We recently started up our bureau in Chicago. We are soon to formally open our office in Los Angeles. And we are now fully operational from Miami. These bureaux add to our existing presence and strength in Washington DC, and New York, and our bureaux across Latin America.
TVNewser hears that around 75% of staffers in Washington will be let go as a result of the moves. Update: AJE says that only two dozen staffers will be affected, far fewer than 75%. Read Anstey’s full memo over at TPM.