BBC and Al Jazeera broadcaster Jamil Azar has died aged 88, with tributes flooding in from colleagues who remembered him as a journalist who helped shape professional standards
Renowned BBC and Al Jazeera broadcaster Jamil Azar has sadly passed away at the age of 88, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues who hailed him as a journalist who “helped shape professional standards”.
The broadcaster first started his career as a maths and biology teacher in 1954, then embarked on journalism and joined the BBC World Service Arabic Radio in 1965. Azar went on to spend 31 years at the broadcaster and then two decades at Al Jazeera, where he became one of the longest-serving news anchors in the world, reports the Express.
Azar was also the author of Al Jazeera’s well-known motto: “The opinion, and the other opinion”. Following the confirmation of Azar’s passing, Al Jazeera’s director-general Sheikh Nasser Bin Faisal Al Thani paid tribute, stating: “Jamil Azar leaves behind a remarkable and lasting media legacy.
“A reputation defined by integrity and excellence, and a deep influence on generations of journalists who learned from him at Al Jazeera and other institutions where he served and helped shape professional standards. He was, in every sense, a living school of journalism and a trusted reference in editorial practice, the Arabic language, television presentation and newsroom leadership.
“Always generous with his guidance and advice, he was known for his humility and openness, and remained steadfastly loyal to Al Jazeera, deeply committed to its values, standing and reputation.” Sheikh Nasser further remarked that the media industry had lost “one of its most respected figures”, and described Azar as one of Al Jazeera’s “brightest and most influential stars”.
During his tenure at the BBC, Azar worked as the Arabic news editor, as well as a translator and presenter for current affairs. He notably covered the 1967 state visit of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom.
Azar was also responsible for producing several programmes, including Politics Between The Questioner And The Respondent, and Arab Affairs In The British Press. Azar joined Al Jazeera at its inception on July 30, 1996, where he served as chief anchor, editor-in-chief, and a member of the editorial board.
He hosted The Week In The News, which was the channel’s first programme following its launch. He eventually retired from the network in 2011.
He is survived by his wife and two children. Since the news of his death, viewers have taken to social media to honour the legendary broadcaster.
One tribute read: “A gracious and thoughtful remembrance. Jamil Azar’s legacy is indelibly woven into the fabric of modern Arabic journalism. To author a motto that champions ‘The opinion and the other opinion’ is to affirm the very essence of meaningful discourse—a principle that remains as vital today as it was decades ago.
“May his contributions continue to inspire integrity and balance in journalism. Our condolences to his colleagues, family, and all who valued his work.”
Another mourner wrote: “May Allah bless him and grant him the highest of the heavens”, while a third added: “May Allah pardon him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.”
Someone else commented: “Jamil Azar; his demeanour, his voice was an indelible mark, and his culture a weapon. He broke the vulgarity of television and restored the dignity of information.
“One of the founders of Al Jazeera. May God have mercy on you.”
Born in al-Husn, Irbid, Jordan, in 1937, Azar came from one of the oldest Christian families in the region. At just two years old, he survived a life-threatening infection.
He later moved to the United Kingdom in the same year he was invited to join the BBC.
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