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January 04, 2026 – General –
Jamil Azar, a pioneering journalist and long-time anchor whose career helped shape modern Arab broadcast media, has died in London at the age of 89, according to multiple reports and tributes from colleagues and media organisations. Azar passed away on January 3, 2026, concluding a life dedicated to journalistic excellence that spanned more than five decades across the BBC and Al Jazeera.
Born in 1937 in al-Husn, Jordan, Azar began his career at the BBC Arabic Service in 1965, where he worked for over thirty years as a news translator, presenter, producer, and editorial leader on a range of programmes covering politics and regional affairs. His work at the BBC laid the foundation for his influence in Arabic journalism, where he became known for his linguistic precision and editorial discipline.
In 1996, Azar joined Al Jazeera at its launch, becoming one of the network’s founding anchors and a senior editorial presence. At Al Jazeera, he hosted flagship news programmes such as The Week in the News and was widely credited with authoring the network’s enduring editorial motto, “The opinion and the other opinion,” a phrase that has become synonymous with the channel’s commitment to balanced and diverse perspectives. His leadership and professional standards helped establish Al Jazeera’s reputation as a major media institution in the Arab world.
Colleagues and media institutions described Azar as a revered mentor and a “living school of journalism,” whose influence extended beyond his on-air roles to training and inspiring generations of journalists across the region. Al Jazeera Director-General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani highlighted Azar’s profound impact on the network, praising his integrity, commitment to high editorial standards, and generosity in guiding younger media professionals.
After stepping down from regular broadcasting duties in 2011, Azar remained a respected reference in media circles for his contributions to both television presentation and newsroom leadership. His honours and tributes reflect recognition of his role in enhancing professional discourse and expanding the reach of independent journalism throughout the Arab world.
His passing has prompted reflections on the breadth of his career and the principles he championed, from linguistic excellence to editorial balance, leaving behind a legacy in which rigorous reporting and thoughtful engagement with diverse viewpoints were core tenets. Azar’s death marks the loss of one of Arab media’s most influential figures, remembered by peers and audiences alike for his distinguished contributions to journalism.
Reference –
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260105-veteran-al-jazeera-broadcaster-jamil-azar-dies-at-89/?amp
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/37806247/bbc-radio-presenter-al-jazeera-anchor-dies-colleagues-tribute/
