“Al Jazeera” literally translates into English as "the island" although in the context of "Al Jazeera Media Network" it is meant as the "Arabian Peninsula". Al Jazeera's calligraphic logo design spells "Al Jazeera" in Arabic. The logo was created via a design competition and has become one of the world's most widely recognized brand marks.

Al Jazeera Media Network is a Private Foundation or Public Benefit under Qatari law, meaning that it receives funding from the government of Qatar, but maintains its editorial independence. Critics have accused Al Jazeera of supporting the positions of the Qatari government, although content that has been critical of Qatar has been published and Al Jazeera’s editorial independence has been affirmed by journalism associations and organizations including the National Press Club and Reporters Without Borders.

One of the largest news organisations in the world, with 80 bureaus around the globe, producing extensive news coverage online and via TV channels in many countries and languages, Al Jazeera has a large audience and has never been far from controversy. A particularly controversial time was in late 2001 when it broadcast video statements by al-Qaeda leaders.

All Al Jazeera channels are obliged to abide by the same corporate Code of Ethics in interconnecting local and global news. Prior to the arrival of Al Jazeera, many Middle Eastern citizens were unable to watch TV channels other than state-controlled national TV stations.

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