The former head of CBC News, Tony Burman, has snagged a major job as Managing Director of al-Jazeera’s English Television network.  Burman will be based at the Mideast network’s headquarters in Doha, Qatar.

The English network was launched in late 2006 and according to the Guardian report, Burman’s appointment signals a move by the network to expand further into the North American market.  (The original Arabic-language al-Jazeera started in 1996.)

Burman arrives as the network deals with turmoil amongst its staff with several leaving over working conditions.  It may seem like kids play to Burman after having to deal with the CBC’s difficult vice-president Richard Stursberg.  More about Stursberg in a future post!