United States Agency for Global Media

Reimagined: Middle East Broadcasting Networks

September 2, 2024

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) has taken significant steps towards aligning its digital and television networks, bringing enhanced content across all platforms in order to better serve its mission and audiences. Click here to read MBN Acting President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey Gedmin’s note to the MBN staff.

“MBN will be leaner, more efficient, more agile, and ultimately more effective,” said Gedmin. “MBN will continue to provide audiences with accurate, honest, and reliable reporting on the news they care most about.”

“MBN’s mission remains the same: to tell the American story; to cover governance and human rights issues in the region; and to counter the disinformation campaigns of Iran, China, and Russia. The company will ramp up its in-depth, on-the-ground reporting, with even greater emphasis on explanatory and investigative journalism,” said Gedmin. “MBN will provide a model for the highest standards of professional journalism.”

Highlights of the MBN restructure include:

• A lighter footprint in Springfield, VA where MBN’s headquarters is based
• A move away from brick-and-mortar presence in the region with a push toward a more agile, entrepreneurial posture on the ground
• An increase in multimedia correspondents across the company
• A renewed focus and vibrant relationship with younger audiences
• An alignment of MBN’s flagship Alhurra Television and Alhurra Iraq to provide viewers with the best of both networks, while integrating and preserving the two brands in one refreshed, streamlined channel
• A new company culture of constant learning and continuing education, where every manager becomes a mentor, collaboration and community are emphasized, and each and every employee has the opportunity to grow.

“I am constantly amazed by the talented, dedicated, and passionate people of MBN,” added Gedmin. “These new steps reinforce MBN’s commitment to world-class journalism — and to the stories others seem determined to distort or avoid altogether.”

“I am proud to be part of MBN,” said Interim Board Chair Ambassador Ryan Crocker; “these important changes will allow us to expand and enhance our reporting both in the U.S. and across the region in highly relevant, impactful ways.” Crocker added: “What happens in the Middle East is critical to U.S. national security and to core American values, including accountable government, tolerance, and pluralism.”

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