ALBAWABA - Veteran journalist Jamal Rayyan dies, leaving lasting legacy in Arab media.
Al Jazeera Media Network mourns the passing of its esteemed colleague and journalist, Jamal Rayyan, who died today, Sunday, at the age of 73, after a media career spanning more than five decades, during which he became a prominent figure in news and political programming.
Al Jazeera Media Network Director General Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani said that Jamal Rayyan passed away after a long and distinguished career, leaving an indelible mark on Al Jazeera's journey.
In his message of condolence, he noted that Jamal Rayyan "was the broadcaster who inaugurated Al Jazeera's broadcast in November 1996, heralding the birth of a media experiment that transformed the landscape of media in the region. Since that day, his presence has remained an integral part of the channel's history and the hearts of its audience."
He added, "For nearly three decades, we knew him as a highly skilled journalist, calm in his presence, and measured in his words. He was a role model for his colleagues and a professional mentor for generations of journalists who learned from him the precision of language, the confidence in delivering the message, and the responsibility inherent in the media."
He emphasized that Al Jazeera has lost one of its most prominent figures, a figure deeply connected to its beginnings and history. His impact will remain in the memories of his colleagues and in the legacy of the profession he loved and dedicated himself to.
The deceased was one of the founders of Al Jazeera and the first presenter to appear on the channel when it launched in 1996, delivering the inaugural news bulletin that marked the beginning of a new era in Arab media. For nearly three decades, Rayyan remained one of the channel's most iconic and recognizable personalities.
Journalist Jamal Rayyan, one of the most recognizable anchors of Al Jazeera Media Network, died after a sudden cardiac arrest (sudden stoppage of the heart muscle).
Jamal Rayyan was born in Tulkarm, in occupied Palestine, on August 23, 1953, and held Jordanian citizenship.
The late journalist began his media career as a news and political program presenter on Jordanian radio and television in 1974. He went on to work for various Arab and international media outlets, including the Korean Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Emirates TV, and the BBC.
