Al Jazeera announced an “optimization initiative” Sunday that will result in about 500 layoffs, beginning Monday. The impacted positions are worldwide, but the network reports most are in Qatar.
“Over the past few months, we have carefully evaluated every option available to the Network in order to ensure that we are best positioned in light of the large-scale changes under way in the global media landscape,” said Mostefa Souag, the acting director general of the Al Jazeera Media Network.
In recent months, the Qatar-based network has suffered from a worldwide drop in oil prices.
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In the U.S., Al Jazeera America will end production April 12.