Al Jazeera has announced plans to launch two new sports channels in the US in August. The move follows the recent launch of French sports channels beIN Sport 1 & 2 through cable operator Numericable. The new channels will offer a mix of Spanish, French and Italian league football, as well as Copa America football. The channels will also broadcast qualifying matches ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. 

Al Jazeera English is to close its China bureau after authorities refused to renew its correspondent's press credentials and journalist's visa. Melissa Chan had been Al Jazeera English's China correspondent since 2007, covering stories about the rapidly growing economy, domestic and foreign policy as well as controversial topics including social justice as well as labour and human rights.

Al Jazeera has announced that the broadcaster's new sports channel beIN Sports will be available in the U.S. starting this August. Addressing football fans, the upcoming channel said it would be the “new home of the best football action from Europe.”  The channel, which will be carried on cable and satellite, will offer exclusive coverage of La Liga BBVA from Spain, as well as exclusive coverage of the Serie A from Italy and of Ligue 1 from France.

Al Jazeera has announced the appointment of Paul Johnson as the broadcaster's executive director of marketing and distribution. Johnson will oversee Al Jazeera's global marketing, communications and distribution. "Al Jazeera Media Network is one of the top ten media companies in the world with documentary, news, and sports in multiple languages. It's an honour to be part of this fast growing media organisation, " said Johnson.

Al Jazeera has officially introduced its upcoming sport channels named BeIN Sport. The broadcaster will launch two channels, 'Be in Sport 1' and 'Be In Sport 2', in France this summer. The broadcaster, which will have the channels commercialized at an estimated price of €11 per month, aims to have the channels carried on all pay-TV platforms.