Veteran Al Jazeera journalist Jamal Rayyan dies at 73

Sunday 15 March 2026 - 14:56

Veteran Palestinian journalist Jamal Rayyan, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in Arab broadcast journalism, has died at the age of 73 after a long and distinguished career in the media industry.

Rayyan was born in 1953 in Tulkarem, in the Palestinian territories, and later held Jordanian nationality. Over several decades, he became a respected voice in Arabic-language news, contributing significantly to the development of modern television journalism in the region.

Before joining the Qatari network Al Jazeera, Rayyan worked for the international broadcaster BBC, where he gained experience in radio and television journalism. His work there helped establish the professional reputation that later defined his role in Arab media.

Rayyan made history in 1996 when Al Jazeera launched its satellite news channel. He became the first journalist to appear on screen, presenting the network’s inaugural news bulletin. The moment marked the beginning of a new era for Arabic-language television news and positioned him as one of the channel’s most recognizable figures.

Throughout his career, Rayyan hosted several political and current affairs programs and contributed to the coverage of major developments across the Middle East. His calm presentation style and analytical approach helped shape the editorial identity of Al Jazeera during its formative years.

His passing marks the loss of a pioneering voice in Arab television journalism. Many colleagues and viewers remember him as a professional who played a key role in the expansion of satellite news broadcasting across the Arab world.