From CNN to AJA: Soledad O'Brien Joins Al Jazeera America

 Al Jazeera America ("AJA") has added some star power to its August Prime-Time launch (see "TUOL" post 6/12/13) with the hiring of CNN and NBC veteran Soledad O'Brien, The Wrap reported yesterday.

O'Brien will be special correspondent for the America Tonight current affairs magazine program and also will produce documentaries through her Starfish Media Group production company for the Qatari government-funded news network.  O'Brien formerly anchored Weekend Today for NBC News before moving over to CNN where she co-anchored American Morning and later, Starting Point (see "TUOL" post 2/20/13).

                                                                                 

August Debut for Al Jazeera America Network

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Al Jazeera America ("AJA") will launch sometime during the week of August 24, Ehab al Shihabi, executive director of international operations for the Qatari government-funded broadcaster announced, according to Broadcasting & Cable magazine.

Based in New York City, AJA, which will feature 11 hours of rolling news programming, also unveiled some of its prime time lineup, including Real Money, hosted by Ali Velshi, a newsmagazine program styled after 60 Minutes and America Tonight, which will offer analysis of major issues. Al Jazeera acquired the Current TV cable network earlier this year (see "TUOL" 1/3/13) to broaden its reach to viewers across the nation through cable and satellite. Presently, Al Jazeera English's audience is  largely confined to New York City and Washington, D.C.

Also in development at AJA are sports and entertainment programming, as well as a morning show. The news operation has yet to name a president, according to the Broadcasting & Cable article.