The Trump administration has decided to halt funding for Alhurra, the Arabic-language television network established by the US government after the 2003 invasion of Iraq. As a result, the network announced it would shut down its broadcasts and lay off most of its staff.
Alhurra, which launched in 2004, aimed to counter media outlets like Al Jazeera and offer a US-backed perspective on Middle Eastern affairs. However, despite reaching over 30 million viewers weekly across 22 countries, the network struggled to compete with the dominance of Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya, and Sky News Arabia.
The funding cut is part of a broader initiative to reduce costs within US government-funded media. In March, the Trump administration officially announced that it would cease financial support for US-backed outlets, including Voice of America (VOA), which has also challenged the decision in court. Alhurra, operated by Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), has long been critical of the media’s portrayal of the US in the region.
Jeffrey Gedmin, president of MBN, expressed his frustration with the funding cut, emphasizing that it “opens the field to American adversaries and extremists” and harms US interests in the region. He also noted that while traditional broadcasts will cease, the network plans to maintain a digital presence with a significantly reduced staff.
The decision marks the latest in a series of cuts to US-funded media outlets. Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia have also faced funding cuts, though some have secured alternative financial backing, such as promises from the Czech government.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE