The Quatar-based television network Al-Jazeera will start broadcasting from Sarajevo at the beginning of next year and is rumoured to be looking for seasoned journalists from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia who will cover the region.

Local press has been speculating which "star" journalists will fill the ranks of the world-renowned Arab network that is expected to hire around 100 new staff members, forty of which would be reporters, the daily Jutarnji List writes. The network is especially interested in having three known television personalities to help attract viewers.

According to unofficial sources quoted in the paper, the network is also looking to open an office in Zagreb where, in addition to journalists, they will take on TV presenters who will be trained in Qatar.

While many networks are cutting costs and staff, Al-Jazeera is expanding, opening 10 more foreign desks in addition to its current 70.

Al-Jazeera has 180 million viewers worldwide.