In brief
Al Jazeera Balkans has relaunched on a digital‑first basis after closing in 2025, targeting audiences across the Balkans and diaspora with a dedicated web portal, podcasts and a suite of short‑form videos. The relaunch follows a week‑long social‑media campaign that drew nearly 100 million views, and is overseen by Director of Digital News Jamal Elshayyal. The new format aims to amplify regional voices through a BALKANS section covering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and more.
Al Jazeera Balkans has relaunched on Sunday, November 1, 2026, returning to audiences across the Balkans with a digital‑first platform after a 2025 shutdown.
In preparation for the relaunch, AJB published content on its social media platforms, covering major regional developments such as the elections in Serbia and protests in Albania. The content accumulated nearly 100 million views across those channels, according to the network.
The relaunch is led by Director of Digital News Jamal Elshayyal, who said the new format 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.”
“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.”
Elshayyal added, “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 platform features a dedicated “Balkans” section on its website, where users can follow news from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and other countries. Short‑form videos and explanatory content will provide quick context on regional and global developments.
