The Al Jazeera Network, and more specifically, the original Arabic-language satellite news channel, turns 15-years-old on November 1.

The network has timed numerous events to coincide with the anniversary, not the least of which is the launch of a new 24/7 sports news channel, being billed as the “first of its kind.”  Al Jazeera Sports News Channel will be characterized by a mix of hourly news bulletins and daily/weekly sports new programs. 

It officially launches on Tuesday, November 1, at  6pm (3pm GMT) on Nilesat frequency 12245 Vertical.

Festivities

As part of the network’s celebrations, the Al Jazeera Theatre group, comprised of employees and friends, will also be putting on a performance of their new “Marmara” production, based on the story of the flotilla that sailed to Gaza last year and then came under attack by Israeli forces. That production will be at the Qatar National Theatre from November 11-14.

An Operetta – a shorter, light-hearted opera – is also being coordinated and directed by the network’s staff, and featuring performers from across the Arab world. The nine-scene performance will be at Katara on the 16th, 17th and 18th of November.

Among the somewhat more vain celebrations, the Al Jazeera Studies Centre will be hosting a conference on October 31-November 1 to discuss the network’s impact on the Middle East and beyond.

Al Jazeera is also producing a book called The Al Jazeera Story, full of stories and anecdotes from their 15 years on air. Those stories, the network’s favorite video reports, academic research, and all the details of the 15th anniversary celebrations are being hosted on a new website: http://www.aljazeerastory.net

Credit: Images courtesy of Al Jazeera