LONDON, Jan 5 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) — Former Al Jazeera news anchor and BBC Arabic Service journalist Jamil Azar has died aged 88, reported PA Media/dpa.
Azar spent 31 years at the BBC and more than 20 years at Al Jazeera, where he was at one point among the longest-serving news anchors in the world, and authored the news outlet’s motto “the opinion, and the other opinion.”
In a tribute following the channel’s confirmation of Azar’s death, Al Jazeera director-general Sheikh Nasser Bin Faisal Al Thani said on Sunday: “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.
“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.”
Sheikh Nasser added that Arabic media had lost “one of its most respected figures” and one of Al Jazeera’s “brightest and most influential stars”.
With the BBC, Azar worked as Arabic news editor, translator and current affairs presenter, reporting on the state visit of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom (UK) in 1967, and producing programmes such as “Politics Between The Questioner And The Respondent” and “Arab Affairs In The British Press.”
At Al Jazeera, he served as chief anchor, editor-in-chief and an editorial board member, having hosted “The Week In The News,” one of the channel’s first post-launch programmes.
Azar began his career teaching biology, mathematics and constitutional studies in 1954, before being invited to join the BBC World Service Arabic Radio in London in 1965.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
–BERNAMA-PA Media/dpa