Global station launch boasts tartan tinge

AT least two Scots were involved in the launch, yesterday, of the much-anticipated English language version of the global news TV station, Al-Jazeera.

Former stv reporter, Alan Fisher, was involved in a story – in his capacity as senior correspondent (London) – while former head of news and current affairs, Paul McKinney, was one of the main programme editors.

Fisher was previously the chief news correspondent at GMTV.

Events in the Gaza Strip dominated the opening day of yesterday’s broadcasts, as the station tries to take on Sky, the BBC and CNN.

Funded by the Qatar royal family, it is being reported that the station aims to provide news from a non-Western perspective.

It boasts some familiar names, including Sir David Frost and former BBC reporter, Rageh Omar.

Riz Khan, a former CNN anchor, is also among the line-up.