QatarOwnership & classification
Founded: 1996
Ownership
Al Jazeera (the Arabic network launched on 1 November 1996; the English channel in 2006) is part of the Al Jazeera Media Network, founded by Qatar's then-Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. It is legally structured as a Qatari private foundation for public benefit, but it was created and is controlled by the State of Qatar, with the ruling Al Thani family holding the chairmanship of its board since launch.
Funding
The network is primarily funded by the government of Qatar, which seeded it with an initial state loan of about QAR 500 million and transitioned it to permanent state financing because advertising could not cover its global operations; it also earns some advertising revenue.
Affiliation & stance
Al Jazeera claims editorial independence and produces wide-ranging international journalism, but it is created, owned and funded by the Qatari state and is widely regarded as an instrument of Qatari soft power. Because it is a state-founded and state-funded broadcaster, it is classified STATE.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1496
82/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
1730
Articles
1700
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Nordic nations ‘have lost confidence in Infantino’, demand FIFA reforms
Six Nordic football associations, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands, have expressed a loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and called for his resignation amid ongoing governance concerns. The group issued a unified statement supporting calls for Infantino's departure and demanding sweeping reforms within FIFA. They specifically criticized his proposal to sell a stake in major tournaments like the World Cup to private equity, which was abandoned due to global backlash. The Nordic nations also endorsed an independent investigation into the proposal and urged FIFA to ensure transparent governance. Infantino faces pressure from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF to step down, with Denmark planning to seek an alternative candidate for the upcoming presidential election. He remains in the Dominican Republic, where his participation in a youth tournament drew criticism from local officials.
Iran grants permission for some Iraqi oil tankers to pass through Hormuz
Iran has permitted some Iraqi oil tankers to transit through the Strait of Hormuz after repeated requests from Baghdad, according to Iranian state media. Iraqi President Nizar Amidi emphasized that Iraq will not allow its territory to be used for attacks against other nations, stating that such actions have 'no justification.' He noted the impact of regional tensions on Iraq and highlighted the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global interests. Al Jazeera reporter Tohid Asadi described the situation as a 'holding pattern' with no resolution yet, noting ongoing talks between Iran and Oman to reopen the strait. The U.S. naval presence is seen by Iran as a factor in maintaining the closure. Iranian academics suggest allowing Iraqi tankers may be part of broader geopolitical strategies involving regional alliances and responses to U.S. influence.
Chelsea preview: Five key talking points for 2026-27 Premier League season
This article previews the 2026-27 Premier League season for Chelsea, highlighting the club's recent struggles. It notes that Chelsea has experienced a poor run of Premier League finishes, including positions as low as 10th, marking their worst performance since 1996. The club has seen seven permanent managers since winning the Champions League in 2021, indicating significant instability. The departure of owner Roman Abramovich in 2022 added to the turmoil. Under former manager Enzo Maresca, despite high possession stats, the team struggled with predictability and inconsistency, winning just one of their last seven matches. New manager Xabi Alonso, known for his varied tactical approaches at Real Madrid, is expected to implement a 3-4-3 formation at Chelsea.
Israeli strikes kill two and injure others as Gaza attacks continue
An Israeli drone strike in Deir el-Balah, Gaza, killed one person and injured others, according to Al Jazeera. The Health Ministry of Gaza reported at least two Palestinian deaths in the past 48 hours, with many victims still trapped under rubble due to ongoing Israeli attacks. Four injured individuals were taken to hospitals. The report describes Israeli forces conducting demolition operations and advancing into civilian areas, including the eastern parts of Gaza City and Khan Younis. Attacks have intensified in designated 'humanitarian zones,' where over two million people reside. Despite a supposed ceasefire agreement from October 2025, the ministry confirmed 1,285 Palestinian deaths since then, with the overall death toll reaching 73,419 since the conflict began in October 2023.
Dozens of attacks in southern Thailand wound three people
Dozens of coordinated arson and incendiary attacks occurred in southern Thailand on Saturday, damaging multiple local government offices and vehicles, with at least three people injured. The attacks took place primarily in Narathiwat province, with additional incidents reported in Yala and Pattani provinces. Authorities imposed an overnight curfew in Narathiwat and investigated damaged infrastructure, including a local government office and telecommunications towers. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which are part of a longstanding low-level conflict between Buddhist-majority Thailand and Muslim separatist groups seeking greater autonomy. The national railway operator temporarily suspended part of its route due to suspected bomb damage.
AI fraud costing victims millions of dollars
The article discusses the growing threat of AI-powered deepfake scams, which are increasingly being used by criminals to impersonate officials and public figures. It highlights a case in Singapore where a victim reportedly lost nearly $4 million through such a scam. Researchers are also warning that the technology required to create these deepfakes is becoming more accessible. The report emphasizes the challenges faced by individuals in identifying and preventing these sophisticated frauds.
Zelenskyy says wartime elections could ‘destroy’ Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed calls from former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov for holding wartime elections, warning that such a move would pose a 'huge risk' and potentially 'split' the country. Fedorov, who was removed from his position in July, argues that Ukraine's democracy cannot be controlled by Russia and urges the nation to reclaim its sovereignty through voting. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian law prohibits elections during wartime, a rule that has remained intact despite Fedorov's recent challenge. Experts note that conducting elections under current conditions, marked by ongoing conflict and logistical challenges, would be nearly impossible, a view shared by many Ukrainians. The article also highlights recent Russian attacks across various regions of Ukraine, underscoring the volatile security environment.
DR Congo miners risk Ebola to make a living
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, miners continue their work despite the ongoing Ebola outbreak, citing economic necessity as their main concern. The continuous movement of miners complicates containment efforts by health authorities. Miners express that they have no alternative but to work, highlighting the challenges faced by communities affected by the epidemic. The situation underscores the tension between public health measures and livelihoods in regions impacted by disease outbreaks.
Real Madrid’s Mourinho condemns bullying of Vinicius after La Liga win
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho criticized the bullying faced by young star Vinicius Junior by opponents and fans, despite acknowledging the player's imperfections. The team secured a 2-1 victory against Espanyol, marking a successful start to their La Liga campaign. Vinicius contributed significantly to the win with key attacking plays. Mourinho's comments highlight concerns about the treatment of young athletes in football, emphasizing the need for respect and support.
US Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed rebuts criticism from JD Vance
Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate nominee, responded to criticism from US Vice President JD Vance by rejecting attempts to associate his personal identity and religious background with issues facing the Trump administration. In a statement, El-Sayed emphasized that his personal attributes should not be linked to the challenges encountered by the administration. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between political figures regarding personal characteristics and their perceived impact on governance.
Iran says new US sanctions violate sovereignty of other states
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned U.S. sanctions against Iran as a violation of the sovereignty of other nations, calling them a return to 'classic colonialism.' The comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose severe economic penalties on any country engaging in trade with Iran. Baghaei emphasized that no nation should be compelled to abandon commerce with Iran, warning that such actions would erode the sovereignty upon which the UN-based international system relies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supported Trump's stance, asserting that the sanctions would 'collapse' Iran and force other countries to choose between aligning with the U.S. or opposing it. Iranian officials noted that Iran has endured similar sanctions for years and expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the new measures. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as the U.S. maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports and restricts oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, though some limited commercial activity has resumed with Iraqi tankers permitted to transit under special arrangements.
Sydney Marathon organisers not running away from ‘unfortunate’ medal error
The Sydney Marathon organizers addressed a branding error in the race medals, which incorrectly featured the Allianz Arena in Munich instead of Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. The mistake was noted when the medals were unveiled, sparking discussion on social media. Organizers acknowledged the error as 'unfortunate' but emphasized it added a humorous element to the event. Around 40,000 runners are expected to participate in the August 30 race, which is described as the 'biggest and best.' The medal design, created by First Nations artist Ambrose Killian, celebrates Sydney’s global presence and athletic achievements, though Killian stated he had no role in the error-prone reverse side. The marathon is part of the World Major Marathon series, following races in Tokyo, Boston, and London.
Explosion injures 13 in Taiwan
A powerful explosion occurred during firefighting operations at a waste collection site in Tainan, Taiwan, resulting in injuries to at least 13 firefighters and residents. The incident highlights safety concerns associated with hazardous materials handling and emergency response procedures. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast and assessing the extent of damage. No immediate information has been provided regarding casualties beyond those injured. The event underscores the risks faced by first responders in industrial and environmental contexts.