Veteran Al Jazeera Journalist Jamal Rayyan Passes Away at the Age of 72
- Veteran journalist Jamal Rayyan, a founding voice of Al Jazeera, has passed away at the age of 72 years old
- Jamal Rayyan was instrumental in shaping modern Arab journalism and Al Jazeera's identity since its launch in 1996
- His death marks the end of an era for a generation of journalists who helped redefine Arab media in the late 20th century
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Veteran broadcaster Jamal Rayyan, and a founding voice of Al Jazeera, has died at the age of 72 after a media career spanning more than fifty years.
Jamal Rayyan was widely recognised as a pioneering figure in modern Arab journalism and was pivotal in shaping Al Jazeera's identity following its launch in 1996.
Source: Instagram
He was the first presenter to appear on the network, delivering the inaugural news bulletin that saw the beginning of a new era in Arab media.
Jamal Rayyan became one of Al Jazeera's most recognisable personalities. He presented news and political programmes that reached millions around the world.
Jamal Rayyan was born in Tulkarm, in the occupied West Bank, on 23 August 1953, and held Jordanian citizenship.
His early life in Palestine shaped a career that would later span multiple countries and major media institutions. He started as a journalist in 1974, anchoring news and political programmes on Jordanian radio and television.
The veteran journalist later moved between several Arab and international media outlets, including the Korean Broadcasting System, Emirates Television and the BBC.
When Jamal Rayyan worked with Al Jazeera for nearly thirty years, he remained a defining presence on the network.
His death signifies the end of an era for a generation of journalists who helped redefine Arab media in the late 20th century.
Netizens mourn Al Jazeera journalist
YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the post shared on social media. Read them below:
Bashie Gagoomang said:
"R.I.P. big guy. Indeed you laid the foundation of a formidable news network. Your works suffice for us to confidently say; you ran your race, you acted on your purpose & Now its time to find eternal rest."
Pa Malick Saidy wrote:
"May Allah SWT forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus."
Yussif Suhuyini said:
"Rest in peace, but where is Riz Khan. One of the news anchors in the past."
Abdirashid Abdiwahab wrote:
"Jamal great veteran Journalist may the almighty have mercy upon him."
Musa Abdullahi said:
"May the gentle soul of Mr. Jamal Rayan rest in perfect peace. When ours' comes, may AlLah Subhanahu waTa'ala make it easy for us."
CEO of Dofopa FM, Samuel Awatey dead
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Accra-based Dofopa FM, Samuel Awatey has allegedly died after joining the Russian Army.
In a post on X, it was disclosed that Samuel Awatey died in a drone strike alongside other soldiers who were on the battlefield.
Samuel Awatey's close friend, Emmanuel Ayirebi Woyome, is said to have confirmed the Ghanaian FM CEO's death. According to Emmanuel Ayirebi Woyome, his friend's wife told him of Samuel Awatey's demise.
Source: Instagram
Radio Univers' Station Manager passes away
In another story, YEN.com.gh Abubakari Sidick Ahmed, the longest-serving station manager at Radio Univers, has passed away after a short illness.
The deceased mentored many rising journalists who got employed at top media houses in Accra.
Some social media users have commented on the viral post, which Radio Univers shared on their Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
