Overview
The Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is a non-profit organization funded by the United States Congress through a grant from the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), an independent federal agency. [1] Including MBN, there are four other networks under the USAGM umbrella: Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio y Television Marti, and Radio Free Asia.
MBN's mission is to provide accurate and objective information on the MENA region, American policies, and Americana, as well as in-depth analysis focusing on topics not found in other Arab media outlets to encourage transparency and democracy. [2] After airing an investigative report alleging corruption within Iraq's Sunni and Shiite religious establishments, Iraqi authorities suspended the license of MBN's Alhurra television channel for three months. [3] [4]
Former U.S. diplomat, Ambassador Alberto Fernandez was appointed as head of MBN in 2017. [5] [6] [7] On November 4, 2018, MBN relaunched and introduced innovative new programming across all platforms. [8] [9]
In October 2024, Jeffrey Gedmin was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), following a period as acting head beginning in April 2024. [10] 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. [11] His appointment was unanimously supported by the board to support MBN’s journalists and expand its impact throughout the Middle East and North Africa. [12]
History and funding
The purpose of launching MBN and its networks was to counter perceived anti-American bias promoted by the leading Arab and international television networks and the effect these channels were having on Arab public opinion regarding the U.S. [13] MBN and its networks are 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. [14] [15]
Norman Pattiz, founder and chairman of mass-media company Westwood One, was the driving force behind the launch of Radio Sawa in 2002, a USAGM-administered Arabic-language radio network that broadcasts a mix of music and news. [16] Pattiz served as a board member of the then BBG, currently the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the U.S. independent federal agency that oversees all foreign non-military radio and TV broadcasts. [17]
The idea to launch Alhurra in 2004 stemmed from the success of Radio Sawa 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 envisioned that by presenting a wider range of perspectives on these conflicts and other U.S. policies, as well as 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 pursuit of Pattiz's vision, the Bush administration requested appropriations for the channel from Congress and obtained $62 million in funding for the channel's first year of operation (including start-up costs). In the fall of 2003, construction began to renovate an existing TV station 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 on February 14, 2004. [18]
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. [19] As a result, MBN was forced to furlough over 90% of its staff and drastically reduce its programming. [20] [21] 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. [22] 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. [23] [24]
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. [25] [26]
The organization and its staff defied the executive order and initially remained on the air while considering legal action to challenge the presidential directive. [27] After ceasing television broadcasts, MBN’s remaining digital platforms — including its website (Alhurra.com) 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. [28]
Notable Programs
Alhurra has increasingly emphasized digital-first, multimedia content tailored for online and mobile audiences in the Middle East and North Africa. [29] The network produces original short-form video features, social-first series, and investigative content distributed across platforms such as YouTube and other digital outlets. [30]
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 provocative and 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. [31]
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. [32]
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. [33]
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.. [34]
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. [35]
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