Al Jazeera Balkans reemerges with new digital focus

The relaunch, which occurred on Sunday, November 1, represents a significant shift for Al Jazeera Balkans (AJB). The network aims to leverage its established reputation, regional knowledge, and unique perspective while adapting its journalistic approach for contemporary digital users.

AJB initially launched in 2011 and ceased channel operations in 2025.

Prior to the official launch, AJB began sharing content on social media, engaging with audiences through coverage of events like elections in Serbia and demonstrations in Albania. This preliminary content garnered nearly 100 million views across various social media platforms.

Jamal Elshayyal, Al Jazeera’s Director of Digital News Content and Languages, emphasized the importance of this digital relaunch. “The Balkans is a region whose stories, struggles and suffering have too often been seen only when they become impossible for the world to ignore. Yet behind the headlines are societies in transformation, communities shaped by extraordinary resilience, and people asking to be heard,” he said.

He added, “The launch of Al Jazeera Balkans in this new digital form is a reaffirmation of what has always been at the heart of Al Jazeera: going where the story matters, listening to the voice of the voiceless, and giving people the space to tell their own stories.

At a moment when the region needs greater attention and deeper understanding, we want Al Jazeera Balkans to be a window from the Balkans to the world, and from the world back to the Balkans.”

The new AJB features an expanded editorial focus encompassing the entire Balkan region. A dedicated “Balkans” section is now available on the website, alongside country-specific news coverage for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and others.

AJB is expanding its social media presence with short-form videos, explanatory content, and podcasts. The network will also broaden its journalistic scope to include the Balkan diaspora in countries like Germany and the United States.

Audiences can now access Al Jazeera Balkans content on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X, Threads, and its digital portal at balkans.aljazeera.net.