Riz Khan, the Atlanta, USA-based former BBC and CNN journalist, is all set to joint Al Jazeera International, the 24-hour English news and current affairs channel that is set to go live in early 2006.
Khan, who is credited with having pioneered the interactive Q&A format on CNN since joining it in 1993, with his shows Q&A with Riz Khan and Q&A-Asia with Riz Khan, will host a live daily show from Washington, DC, that will feature world leaders, newsmakers and other celebrities. What will set this show apart from others of its kind is the view participation from across the globe.
About his move, Khan, who quit CNN in 2001, was quoted as saying, 'I think we are at a turning point where viewers across the world are looking for a fresh approach to news and information.'
Al Jazeera International will be the world's first English language news channel to be based in the Middle East. Headquartered in Doha, Qatar, the channel was in the news following accusations of biased reportage on Afghanistan and Iraq.
This line of thinking clearly does not faze Khan, who has been quoted as saying, 'Al Jazeera brings together all the pieces to provide a complete picture on global issues. I'm incredibly excited to have this rare chance to build something so new and influential from the ground up.'
'Al Jazeera International is all about revolutionising viewer choice. I've now got the chance to offer viewers around the globe a much-needed voice on the world stage. Imagine, a person at any level in society, in almost any country, having the chance to talk directly with a President or a Prime Minister, or even a global celebrity. It's a wonderfully honest and equal opportunity for people something still uncommon in broadcasting.'
Nigel Parsons, managing director of Al Jazeera International, has called the development 'the most exciting television news and current affairs project in decades -- one which will revolutionise the global news industry by offering viewers across the world a fresh perspective on news.'
The new channel that will launch in early 2006, is said to be hiring staff for its broadcast centres.
Parson said the channel will establish broadcast centres in, Kuala Lumpur, London and Washington, DC, and bureaus worldwide.
