Ehab Al Shihabi, interim CEO of Al Jazeera America who launched the news network in 2013, was replaced on Wednesday with immediate effect, according to a company statement.
He is being replaced by Al Anstey, who has served as managing director of Al Jazeera English since 2010.
The announcement comes a day after the New York Times reported on “turmoil” in the newsroom, including three employees’ resignations and a $15m lawsuit alleging that employees were forced to work in a hostile work environment.
“I didn’t want to be there any more because I didn’t like the culture of fear,” Marcy McGinnis, former senior vice-president for news gathering, told the New York Times. McGinnis resigned on Monday, along with Diana Lee, executive vice-president of human resources, and Dawn Bridges, executive vice-president for communications. “People are afraid to lose their jobs if they cross Ehab.”
“Al Jazeera America does not tolerate any discriminatory conduct and we take great pride in the diversity of our organization and its leadership. The recent attacks on us as being antisemitic, sexist and anti-American are absurd,” Al Shihabi said in a statement issued on Monday. “Al Jazeera America’s values are based on the highest ethical standards and professionalism. Integrity and respect guide our conduct internally and externally.”
The statement from the company announcing Anstey’s appointment made no mention of the lawsuit or the complains levied by the employees.
“I’m delighted to be leading Al Jazeera America into the next stage of its development,” Anstey said.
“I’m also very proud to be able to lead a fantastic team at Al Jazeera America who are dedicated to the highest quality storytelling. I am committed to engaging the team and uplifting our collective ambitions, as a much needed channel for American audiences.”
Mostefa Souag, the chairman of Al Jazeera America’s board of directors, said that he is “extremely pleased” at Anstey’s appointment.
