Julie Zann is a Washington producer for Al Hurra Television.
What is Al Hurra?
Al Hurra is a 24/7 Arab language news and information television network, funded by Congress, that is broadcast by satellite to 22 countries in the Middle East and Europe. It’s like something between Fox and PBS. We also do programs on sports, technology, lifestyle and documentaries.
What is the purpose of the network?
When I was in Iraq over the summer, I discovered that unlike the United States, they do not have objective news reporting in the Middle East region at all. And so that is what Al Hurra attempts to do – provide a moderate voice of news to the Middle East, without bias. I think that’s an invaluable service and it’s why I really believe in working here.
Describe your duties.
My job is book high-profile American analysts and diplomats to provide an American, moderate perspective to share with our Middle East viewers.
What’s the best part of your job?
The freedom to do hard news that really matters is a really cool opportunity that Al Hurra gives me.
The biggest challenge?
Al Hurra cannot be seen in the United States, due to congressional mandate, so I’m undergoing a process of having to really teach people about Al Hurra.
What do you like about living in D.C.?
I love D.C. Gosh, there are so many things that I love about it. I love that it has a small-town feel and that everyone speaks the same, you know, political language. And that no one’s from here, so it forces people to be friendly.
What don’t you like?
People can be shallow. The first question that anyone asks you is: What do you do? That’s what I hate about D.C. I hate the term “networking” worse than anything else in the world, and I hate that that is some people’s goal in creating a relationship with someone.
