AL JAZEERA ENGLISH TO AIR IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA

As of May 26, 2019 broadcast television viewers in The Central Valley will be able to watch award winning Al Jazeera English language channel seven days a week from 6pm to 8pm on KBID 31.1. This will be the newest addition to the Ventura Broadcasting Company (VBC) family of networks.
 
Vice President of Broadcast Operations for VBC Todd Lopes stated, “Having Al Jazeera English’s award-winning news and programs on VBC platform is not only appealing to the Valley’s diverse audience, but truly provides in-depth and informative coverage of pressing global issues. We are proud to be associated with one of the world’s most trusted news sources.”
 
Al Jazeera English broadcasts a variety of high-impact news and programs including popular shows such as Witness, Upfont, Earthrise, The Stream and more. 
 
Giles Trendle, Managing Director of Al Jazeera English said: “Our partnership with VBC will provide audiences in the Valley a great opportunity to view our award-winning content with its broad range of in-depth journalism. We offer an important and nuanced perspective on the world rooted in our editorial ethos, the diversity of our coverage and the multicultural make-up of our talented teams of journalists. We see VBC as a natural partner.”
 
Commenting on inclusion of Al Jazeera English news and programs Mark Shirin, President of Ventura Broadcasting Company said: “In a world that is dominated by headlines, opinions and disinformation, a trusted source for international news and reliable information is critical.  Al Jazeera English offers diverse perspectives on global matters through high quality news and programming.”
 
“We are proud to be the Central Valley affiliate of Al Jazeera English.  Their reputation for unbiased and fair reporting is known throughout the globe and Al Jazeera’s programming will offer our audience an in-depth, outside perspective that is not seen in other media in the Valley.  We believe that viewers will embrace this new addition on global perspectives.” Shirin further stated.
 
Al Jazeera English brings the Valley’s audience, news and programs presented by a team of award-winning anchors and correspondents from around the world reporting on top international stories with in-depth analysis. Programming that covers culture, current affairs and socio-political issues, add to the rich variety of content relevant for North American audiences. 
 
Al Jazeera English highlighted programs to be aired on KBID 31.1 include: 
 
Witness
An inspiring documentary series that brings world issues into focus through compelling human stories.
 
UpFront
With the thrust and parry of rigorous debate, Mehdi Hasan cuts through the headlines to challenge conventional wisdom, highlight contradictions and uncover double standards.
 
Earthrise
Al Jazeera's award-winning environmental show exploring the most significant threats to our planet by highlighting eco-friendly solutions from around the world. Earthrise brings you the stories of those who strive to improve our quality of life and reduce our negative impact on the earth.


The Stream
The Stream is an aggregator of online sources and discussion, seeking out unheard voices, new perspectives and untold angles.
 
About Al Jazeera English
 
Since launching in 2006, Al Jazeera English has garnered international praise for its impartial and fact-based reporting, winning prestigious awards from journalism’s most respected institutions including the Peabody Awards, the George Polk Awards, and Emmys. Headquartered in Doha, Qatar and with correspondents in more than 80 bureaus around the world, Al Jazeera English offers a fresh perspective on global news providing viewers with international news and current affairs that places people at the heart of the story, rooted in the belief that everyone has a story worth hearing. From developed nations to developing markets, it adds local context through an on-the-ground presence. As of 2018, Al Jazeera English reaches more than 310 million households in over 150 countries, delivering in-depth reporting that informs, empowers and challenges perceptions.
 
About Ventura Broadcasting Company.
 Launched in June 2011, Ventura Broadcasting Company (VBC) became the first retailer-owned television broadcasting company in the United States.  VBC’s channel lineup features its flagship network, MeTV, which is currently ranked the #1 classic TV network in the country per 2018 Nielsen ratings.  Additional VBC stations in the Fresno DMA include KVHF 4, for men, KVBC 13, general interest, and KBID International.  Since April 2014, VBC has continuously expanded its broadcast operations to include over two dozen networks of diverse content appealing to multicultural groups and delivering previously unavailable niche programming to the general public in the Central California and Idaho markets.