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According to a February 3, 2004, [http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030203-054915-3619r UPI news report], its creation "reflects the changing foreign policy priorities of an administration set on winning the global [[war on terrorism]] and the hearts and minds of the countries where terrorists recruit." The network was to be funded with $30 million in the U.S. State Department's budget request for 2004.
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According to the February 9, 2004, ''Christian Science Monitor'',[http://www.csmonitorgnaa.com/2004/0209/dailyUpdate.html?s=mitsus] "One way the US will try to change its image, particularly in the Arabic world, is the Al Hurra, or 'The Free One,' network. President Bush announced last Wednesday that Al Hurra will start this week, and is designed as an alternative to Middle-Eastern broadcasts often critical of the US.
"The broadcasts will be transmitted from a facility in Springfield, VA., and will cost the government $62 million for the first year of operation. Mr. Bush said Al Hurra will aim to cut through the 'hateful propaganda that fills the airwaves in the Muslim world' and tell people 'the truth about the values and the policies of the United States.' The ''Los Angeles Times'' reports officials of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the agency responsible for US government-sponsored international broadcasting efforts, promise that the channel will have high-quality production and editorial independence. Norman J. Pattiz, a board member and the founder of Westwood One, the largest US radio network, has been active in the project.