I think it’s pretty safe to say that Peyton Manning is not the biggest fan of Al Jazeera. So when Al Jazeera America announced on Wednesday that they would be shutting down their doors less than three years after they first came on the air, I can’t imagine he was all that upset.
And he wasn’t.
Peyton Manning on news Al-Jazeera America shutting down: "I'm sure that's just devastating to all their viewers." Yes, he was sarcastic.
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) January 13, 2016
And he wasn’t the only one to give his opinion on the abrupt closure of the news outlet.
Peyton Manning is now 1-0 when facing Al-Jazeera.
— Noam Blum (@neontaster) January 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/D2_Derpinator/status/687373509509656577
Peyton Manning after hearing Al Jazeera America is shutting down: pic.twitter.com/bCbOhgic3T
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) January 13, 2016
According to the New York Times, while Al Jazeera America faced backlash for their documentary detailing the use of HGH in professional sports, the reason for the decision was purely financial.
Al Jazeera America’s chief executive, Al Anstey, explained as much in his memo to the staff:
“(The) decision by Al Jazeera America’s board is driven by the fact that our business model is simply not sustainable in light of the economic challenges in the U.S. media marketplace.”
“I know the closure of AJAM will be a massive disappointment for everyone here who has worked tirelessly for our long-term future,” he continued. “The decision that has been made is in no way because AJAM has done anything but a great job. Our commitment to great journalism is unrivaled.”