NEW YORK — Al Jazeera America will shut down operations at the end of April after only a little more than two years on the air.

Cable news channel Al Jazeera America debuted in 2013 when it promised to cover U.S. stories without the sensationalism of other cable news outlets.

In a memo to staff members, Al Jazeera America chief executive Al Anstey said 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. 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," he added.

Many are speculating that plunging oil prices ultimately led to the channel's demise as Al Jazeera is owned by energy-rich Qatar.

It didn't help that no one was watching, with prime-time ratings sometimes struggling to exceed 30,000 viewers.

Al Jazeera America also struggled with turmoil in the newsroom last year. Staff complained about a culture of fear, while several top executives quit.

According to Politico, employees were informed that operations would begin winding down and that separation packages were being structured to give them another 90 days on the payroll with benefits.

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