As more news organizations are moving their broadcasts to streaming media, Al Jazeera has made what many may see as a backward step. Al Jazeera has pulled the plug on their English-language Internet livestream as they launch their own channel on American cable channels. Killing the English-language livestream means that Al Jazeera is no longer available on Roku.
According to Reuters, an Al Jazeera America spokesperson confirmed the discontinuation of its livestream of Al Jazeera English to American online audiences, reportedly due to cable provider-imposed restrictions. The Al Jazeera America cable channel will premier on cable TV systems on August 20. Al Jazeera has agreements Comcast, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-Verse, DirecTV and Dish Network Corp. Al Jazeera will be reportedly be available in half the number of American homes as CNN.
