Al Jazeera, an international media organization headquartered in Qatar, has become a global news network since its inception in 1996.
The channel’s achievements can be credited to its diverse team of journalists and anchors, including female presenters who have become influential figures in global journalism.
Here is a list of talented female Al Jazeera presenters to look out for.
1. Folly Bah Thibault
Folly Bah Thibault is a principal presenter for Al Jazeera English. Born in 1978 in Conakry, Guinea, Thibault’s journey in media has been marked by academic excellence and professional achievements.
She holds a master’s in international relations from Paris’s Sorbonne University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Howard University in the United States.
Thibault began her career at Voice of America in Washington, D.C. She later worked for Radio France Internationale in Paris before becoming an anchor at France24, where she honed her reporting and presenting skills.
She joined Al Jazeera in 2010 and has become a key presenter known for amplifying marginalized voices and shaping global news coverage.
Folly Bah Thibault has hosted major broadcasts, including the UN Secretary-General candidates’ debate, the Nobel Peace Prize Interview from Oslo, and comprehensive U.S. election coverage.
Her program, Talk to Al Jazeera, features interviews with prominent figures such as former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Despite her public role, Thibault maintains a private personal life. She is married to Bruna Thibault, and they have three sons together.
2. Laila Al Shaikhli
Iraqi-born Laila Al Shaikhli has decades of journalism experience.
She began her academic journey by obtaining a computer science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, USA.
Although her initial focus was technology, her career took a significant turn when she ventured into the media field.
Al Shaikhli started her career in 1991 at ANA-USA in Washington. She later worked for BBC Arabic and MBC in London before joining Al Jazeera in 2006.
She is known for her exceptional interviewing skills and understanding of complex social and political issues.
Al Shaikhli is recognized for her coverage of political events and her ability to engage with high-profile guests, including politicians and activists.
Her work often involves moderating live discussions, allowing viewers to interact with guests.
She has hosted notable programs, including Dialogue with the West (MBC), Agenda (MBC), Dunnia (ADTV), and Panorama (ADTV).
Al Shaikhli is married to Jasim Al-Azzawi, another Al Jazeera host from Iraq. She balances her demanding career with a dedication to her family and cultural heritage.
3. Maryam Nemazee
Maryam Nemazee is a prominent British-Iranian broadcast journalist and television presenter who has significantly contributed to international news coverage over the past fifteen years.
Born in London to Iranian parents, she has worked across multiple continents, including Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia.
Maryam studied politics and history at Durham University before pursuing journalism. She began her career at Bloomberg, covering international markets and financial news.
She initially worked as a news anchor for Al Jazeera English in London. Following the closure of that office, she relocated to Doha, where she now presents Newshour.
Nemazee is recognized for her comprehensive coverage of global events, international relations, and humanitarian issues, especially in the Middle East.
She has reported on significant news, including the global financial crisis, the conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, her reporting includes insights into current and emerging climate change, health, and technology trends.
Nemazee is known for her thorough and reliable reporting. However, she maintains a low profile outside of work.
4. Elizabeth Puranam
Elizabeth Puranam, an Indian native, studied media and political science at Auckland University of Technology.
She started her career at Television New Zealand before moving to TV3, where she developed her reporting and news presentation skills.
Her proficiency in Arabic, Hindi, and Telugu has enabled her to report on various topics, especially those concerning South Asia.
In 2012, Puranam joined Al Jazeera English, where she has advanced to senior presenter.
Her coverage has included major international events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the protests by Indian farmers, and the emergence of Hindu nationalism.
Puranam is married to French sports agent Alexandre Bernard. She keeps her personal life private and enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures.
5. Malika Bilal
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Malika Bilal developed an early interest in journalism, influenced by programs like NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition.
She graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She began her career at her university station and local news organizations before moving to international news.
Malika began her tenure at Al Jazeera English in February 2009. She is recognized for her work in interactive journalism and social media-driven news.
She co-hosted The Stream on Al Jazeera English and currently hosts the The Take podcast. Her innovative approach and engaging style have earned her industry recognition.
In 2021, The Take podcast, which she hosts, achieved the Online Journalism Award for Excellence in Audio Digital Storytelling.
This podcast includes interviews with Al Jazeera correspondents and provides perspectives on significant global issues.
While Bilal’s precise income remains undisclosed, her significant contributions to interactive journalism and her prominent position at Al Jazeera suggest a competitive salary.
In addition to her career, Malika Bilal is married and the mother of twin girls. She is also known for her involvement in social issues and volunteer work.
6. Khadija Benganna
Algerian-born Khadija Benganna studied media and communication at the University of Algiers. In 1989, she enhanced her expertise at the CFJ Institute in Paris.
Before her 1996 tenure at Al Jazeera, she was an editor and presenter at Swiss Radio in Bern and the lead news presenter for Algerian television.
Benganna is known for her in-depth reporting on Arab political and social issues. She hosts Al Jazeera News Hour, conducting in-depth interviews with notable people and offering thorough commentary.
Khadija Benguenna’s impact on journalism has been significant and recognized widely. In 2006, Forbes honored her as one of the Ten Most Influential Women in the Arab World.
Additionally, in 2015, CNN awarded her the title of Inspirational Arab Journalist, underscoring her influence on the media landscape in the Arab region.
While her income is not public, Benganna’s extensive experience and prominent position at Al Jazeera suggest she receives a high salary.