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"IslamOnline.net has proved its commitment to function as a media organization targeting a universal audience," said Mr. Zidan. |
WASHINGTON — In an effort to reach out to its wider audience and larger readership, IslamOnline.net [IOL] opened a new media office in the American capital Washington.
"IslamOnline.net has proved its commitment to function as a media organization targeting a universal audience," said Mr. Muhammed Zidan, Managing Director of IOL English section.
"This new office stands as a step forward in realizing part of the aims and objectives of IOL, that is, promoting awareness about important events in the Arab, Muslim and larger world, in addition to providing services to Muslims and non-Muslims in several languages."
The office is located in the historic National Press Building, which also hosts the National Press Club.
"Today, one of our dreams has come true, and I believe it is very important to have an office in an important country like America," said Kamal Badr, IOL English website editor-in-chief.
"We will be equipping the new office with competent staff and proper resources."
Two full-time employees have already been hired while several others across the country will be contributing as freelancers.
Ossama El-Shamy, the Acting Bureau Chief, has promised to put all his efforts into guaranteeing the success and growth of IOL presence in and coverage of the US.
Shamy has previously worked in Bridges TV, ABC, IBN and several other media organizations.
Ms Ibtihal Ahmad will be covering issues related to women and art and culture.
"'I'm quite optimistic to come up to the high expectations of our Muslim and non-Muslim audience," she said.
Established in 1999, IOL is currently operating from Cairo, where its media content is managed.
More than 2000 writers and correspondents, both Muslims and non-Muslims, counselors and Muslim scholars contribute to IOL.
The organization's administrative headquarter remains in the Qatari capital Doha.
Growing Demand
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| Shamy (R), who has worked in Bridges TV, ABC and IBN, will be the Acting Bureau Chief. |
The new office will help allow IOL to meet the growing demand of its US audience, which is at the forefront of its global audience according to an audience analysis.
"[It] will serve our audience and will allow us to meet the universal demands of the media production," said Mr. Badr.
"In a true sense, America can be called a multicultural and multi-ethnic society. It is full of activities with interests to Muslims," he noted.
"Here in Washington D.C., one has direct access to important activities and personalities that will definitely enhance our coverage.
"Washington office is a step in a proper direction for the English website in a sense that it will further provide it a solid media ground in the strategic areas for its international coverage."
IOL also aims to contribute to projecting the much-needed true image of Muslims "without any bias to any nation, religion or creed."
"US President-elect Barack Obama has proved that if there are persistent efforts, there can be a change," said Mr. Zidan.
Change has been the main theme for the campaign of Obama, America's first ever African American president.
"Islam has a universal appeal. We invite all the people, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, to come forward and express their views from IOL platform." |
