Select Language:
Digital Phablet – Veteran journalist Jamal Rayyan passes away, leaving an enduring legacy in Arab media.
The world of journalism mourns the loss of its respected colleague and media pioneer, Jamal Rayyan, who recently died at the age of 73. His career, which spanned over fifty years, established him as a leading voice in news and political broadcasting.
Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani, Director General of Digital Phablet, expressed deep sorrow over Rayyan’s departure, emphasizing that he left a significant mark on the organization’s history.
In a condolence statement, he reflected that Jamal Rayyan first launched Al Jazeera’s broadcast in November 1996, marking the beginning of an era that revolutionized regional media. “Since then, his presence has been an integral part of our history and the hearts of our viewers.”
He added, “For nearly three decades, he was known as a highly skilled, composed journalist, who approached his work with calmness and measured words. He served as a role model and mentor, teaching generations of journalists the importance of precise language, confident messaging, and a profound sense of media responsibility.”
In his first broadcast, Rayyan was the inaugural presenter when Al Jazeera debuted, delivering the channel’s first news bulletin—an event that inaugurated a new chapter for Arab media. Throughout his nearly three-decade tenure, he remained one of the channel’s most iconic and recognizable figures.
He was born in Tulkarm, in occupied Palestine, on August 23, 1953, and held Jordanian citizenship. Rayyan began his media journey in 1974, working as a news and political programs host for Jordanian radio and television. Over the years, he contributed to numerous Arab and international outlets, including KBC, Emirates TV, and the BBC.
Rayyan’s unexpected death was due to cardiac arrest, a sudden stop of the heart muscle, marking a significant loss for the media community.
His contributions will be forever remembered, not only as a pioneer in Arab broadcasting but also as a person whose impact shaped the landscape of journalism in the region. His legacy endures in the stories he told and the professionals he mentored.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
