U.S.-Funded Arabic Network Alhurra Ends Broadcasts Following Aid Cuts

Alhurra, the U.S.-funded Arabic-language television network established in 2004 to offer an alternative perspective to outlets like Al Jazeera, has ceased its broadcasts and laid off most of its staff following the Trump administration’s decision to halt its funding. The network, which reached over 30 million viewers across 22 countries, will maintain a minimal online presence with a significantly reduced team. Jeffrey Gedmin, president of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), criticized the funding cuts as “irresponsible and unlawful,” attributing them to a broader cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk and overseen by Kari Lake, head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media. Gedmin expressed concern that the shutdown would leave a void in the region’s media landscape, potentially allowing adversarial narratives to dominate.