From CJR: Al Jazeera Media Network, the Qatar-based channel once described by the George W. Bush administration as a “terror network,” announced on January 2 that it acquired Current TV, launched by former Vice President Al Gore and entrepreneur Joel Hyatt in 2005, in a deal reportedly worth $500 million. In doing so, it will debut a new US-based channel, paving the way for Al Jazeera to potentially reach some 40 million American viewers — up from the current 4.7 million.
Al Jazeera America — the network’s new name — will be headquartered in New York City and plans to use existing Al Jazeera bureaus in addition to opening several new offices in key US locations. With this revamped network, Al Jazeera will double its US-based staff to more than 300 employees.