Alhurra
Alhurra is an American government-funded Arabic-language satellite television and digital media network that broadcasts news and current affairs programming to audiences in the Middle East and North Africa. It was launched on February 14, 2004, and is operated by the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, a non-profit grantee of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which also oversees Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and other international broadcasters.
The network initially focused on satellite television but has increasingly prioritized digital-first programming designed for younger and mobile audiences. Its content includes political analysis, investigative reports, and multimedia segments distributed through platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
History
The decision to launch Alhurra was prompted by frustration among U.S. government officials over perceived anti-American bias among the leading Arab television networks and the effect these channels were having on Arab public opinion regarding the U.S. Alhurra was intended to serve as an alternative to these channels by presenting the news in a more "balanced and objective" manner in an effort to improve the image of the United States in the Arab world.The driving force behind the launch of Alhurra was Norman Pattiz, a media executive and founder and chairman of broadcast industry giant Westwood One. While serving as a member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, currently the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the U.S. federal agency that controls all foreign non-military radio and TV broadcasts, Pattiz advocated strongly for the creation of a U.S.-funded television network specifically directed at Arab audiences. Pattiz had also previously been responsible for the creation of Radio Sawa, a USAGM-administered Arabic-language radio network which broadcast a mix of music, entertainment, and news. The idea to launch Alhurra stemmed from the success that Radio Sawa had exhibited in reaching young audiences in the Middle East.
Pattiz believed that Arab audiences' views of the United States were being negatively influenced by existing Arab news networks' focus on coverage of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He argued that by presenting a wider range of perspectives on these conflicts and other U.S. policies, as well as a coverage of a broader variety of regional and global issues of interest to Arab audiences, a U.S.-funded satellite TV channel could help improve America's image in the region.
In an appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes in May 2004, Pattiz described a powerful promotional video he helped produce which led to the successful launch of Alhurra:
As a result of Pattiz's efforts, the Bush administration requested funding for the channel from Congress, and obtained $62 million in funding for its first year of operation. In the fall of 2003, construction began to renovate an old TV channel building in Springfield, VA into a modern broadcast facility for the new channel. Construction was completed less than six months later, and Alhurra's first broadcast aired 14 February 2004.
In October 2024, Jeffrey Gedmin was appointed president and chief executive officer of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, following a period as acting head beginning in April 2024. Bringing decades of leadership experience, Gedmin initiated a significant transformation at MBN, emphasizing digital innovation and a comprehensive review of content to strengthen the organization's future. His appointment was unanimously supported by the board to support MBN's journalists and expand its impact throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In March 2025, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency imposed a 30-day total freeze on funding to MBN and other USAGM outlets, with the intention of making that permanent.
Organization and funding
is a non-profit organization financed through a grant from the U.S. Agency for Global Media, formerly the Broadcasting Board of Governors, an independent federal agency funded by the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Agency for Global Media oversees all U.S. public broadcasting outlets and is intended to act as a firewall to protect the editorial independence and professional integrity of the broadcasters.Alhurra's headquarters are in Springfield, Virginia. The network also maintains bureaus in Baghdad and Dubai, production centers in Beirut, Jerusalem, Cairo, Rabat, Erbil and Washington, D.C., as well as correspondents throughout the Middle East, North Africa, the United States and Europe.
On March 15, 2025, the United States Agency for Global Media terminated grants to the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia following a directive from the Trump Administration. As a result, MBN was forced to furlough over 90% of its staff and drastically reduce its programming. This abrupt funding cut, which was part of a broader executive order to dismantle USAGM, led MBN to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the termination violated congressional appropriations and the U.S. Constitution. The courts responded with a preliminary injunction to block the shutdown and restore some protections for international broadcasters like MBN, but ongoing appeals kept the organization's future uncertain and operations significantly curtailed.
The funding cuts received criticism from press freedom organizations, including the committee to Protect Journalists, which argued that the move undermined the United States’ stated commitment to supporting free and independent media in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The organization and its staff defied the executive order and initially remained on the air while considering legal action to challenge the presidential directive.
After ceasing television broadcasts, MBN's remaining digital platforms — including its website and official Facebook and YouTube channels — have provided real-time coverage of major events like the Israel–Iran conflict, drawing millions of online viewers even as the network's future remained uncertain.
Awards
In 2019, Alhurra's report Power of Forgiveness won the People's Voice Award in the category of Best Documentary.In 2016, Alhurra Television's documentary series "Delusional Paradise" won the Silver Award at the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards. And the promotional video for the "Delusional Paradise" won a bronze medal at the New York Festivals International Television & Film Awards.
In 2014, three Alhurra shows won the Special Jury Award at the CINE Golden Eagle Awards. Street Pulse, Where are We Going and a promotional clip for the project Syrian Stories, have won prizes in 2014.
Street Pulse won the prize of the best documentary in the Middle East for the year 2013, especially for the episode the Tragedy of Quarry Workers in Minya.
In 2023, Alhurra.com won the Web Excellence Award for Best Website: Media/News. The Arabic-language platform, managed by the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, was recognized for its news coverage, analysis, and fact-based digital content. The 9th Web Excellence Awards competition received over 1,350 entries from 29 countries and 38 U.S. states, with the Award of Excellence given only to entrants judged to represent the best on the web.
In May, 2024, Alhurra received two Telly Awards for its digital reporting. Alhurra.com's report, "Labaki’s Victims Speak Out," which focused on abuse allegations against Lebanese priest Mansour Labaki, won silver in the category of Online–Social Issues. Another Alhurra.com production, "Digital Twins," examined the evolution of artificial intelligence and the dangers of deepfakes, earning bronze in Online–Public Interest and Awareness.
Notable Programs
Alhurra has increasingly emphasized digital-first, multimedia content tailored for online and mobile audiences in the Middle East and North Africa. The network produces original short-form video features, social-first series, and investigative content distributed across platforms such as YouTube and other digital outlets.Notable segments include:
Debatable with Ibrahim Eissa, hosted by veteran journalist Ibrahim Eissa, is a multimedia segment available in both short- and long-form video formats, often accompanied by written articles. The segment features intellectually grounded discussions on topics such as faith, family, identity, and ideology. Known for his candid style, Eissa challenges guests with questions rooted in historical context and cultural nuance, encouraging open dialogue around sensitive and often controversial issues.
The Diplomat, hosted by Joe Kawly, is a podcast that offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at U.S. foreign policy. It features in-depth conversations with diplomats, policymakers, and experts as they discuss major global challenges, critical decisions, and the complex dynamics of war and peace. Through candid, accessible dialogue, the podcast aims to demystify diplomacy and explore the ideas and strategies that shape international relations.
Bitter Sweet, hosted by Rami El Amine, is a multimedia segment that uses satire and sharp wit to comment on political and social issues in the Middle East. Blending humor with critical insight, the program aims to engage a digital-savvy audience and highlight complex realities often overlooked in mainstream discourse. Through its satirical approach, Bitter Sweet seeks to revive political awareness among a younger, digitally connected generation.
What's the Story, hosted by Aya Elbaz, is a multimedia segment that offers a fresh, Gen Z perspective on social and cultural topics across the Middle East and North Africa. Known for her direct tone and engaging style, Elbaz brings a relatable and inquisitive voice to the screen, aiming to connect with younger audiences through short-form, digital-first content. The segment blends storytelling with contemporary issues to spark curiosity and conversation among a new generation of viewers.
Close Up, hosted by Randa Jebai, is a multimedia investigative segment that presents in-depth stories through both short- and long-form video formats, accompanied by written articles. The program is known for its compelling storytelling and detailed reporting, focusing on underreported issues and human-interest narratives from across the Middle East and North Africa. Jebai's approach combines journalistic rigor with a narrative style that brings complex topics to life for a broad digital audience.