The Qatar-based Al Jazeera media network has announced that it is cutting 500 jobs.

It said the job reduction would affect posts worldwide but most of the losses would be in Qatar.

Acting director general Mostefa Souag said the decision was "difficult" but the group was "confident it is the right step".

Al Jazeera, funded by the Qatari government, was founded in 1996 and has more than 70 bureau worldwide.