It was reported this week that BBC newsreader Darren Jordon is joining Al Jazeera's English Language station. He joins several other high profile figures that have left senior positions in British news organisations to join the Arab broadcaster, including David Frost, Rageh Omaar and ITN's Shiulie Ghosh. Is this simply a case of journalists embracing a new more dynamic employer, who provides greater focus on the Middle East, or does it reflect a loss of faith in the editorial policies of established newsrooms?

Many people are troubled by the fact that Al Jazeera is utilised by terrorists to broadcast their messages of hate and evidence of their attrocities. Does the Qatar based network represent anything other than a propoganda outlet for the 'enemy in the war on terror?' Leaked memos from the time of the Iraq war reveal that George Bush considers Al Jazeera offices legitimate military targets. However, a growing list of journalists believe it offers something far more interesting and with the launch of an English language service, it seems likely that many more people will be tuning in to an Arab broadcaster for their news about the Middle East.

Shareen Al Feki from Al Jazeera will also be coming to the conference.