Kat Carney / Mike Chinoy / Connie Chung
Linda Ciampa / Sharon Collins / Alisha Davis
Patty Davis / Dalijt Dhaliwal / Charles Feldman

CNN Pressroom - Headline News’ Glenn Beck, the nightly topical talk show featuring radio and TV personality Glenn Beck, presents a special that aims to deflate what Beck perceives as the media hype surrounding global warming and to ask questions about the causes of a warmer planet and possible solutions. The hour-long special report, “Exposed: Climate of Fear,” airs during Beck’s Headline Prime program on Wednesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. (ET).

“If you believe the mainstream media hype, you’d think that every time you drive your SUV, the Earth’s temperature rises six degrees,” Beck said. “The reality is that many respected climatologists have questions about both the problem and the solution. We should understand both positions more fully before committing to any solutions that could do more harm than good, both to our environment and our economy.”

During this special report, Glenn Beck questions the accuracy of Al Gore’s claims in the Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth of 20-foot sea level rises and the disastrous effects of increased carbon dioxide levels. The program examines the criticism some esteemed scientists, climatologists and academics have faced for even raising questions about the “scientific consensus.”

The special report also offers a look at the history of what Beck sees as the media hype involving the climate, recalling the “global cooling” scare of the mid-1970s and the transition to the latest round of warnings about global warming.

Finally, Glenn Beck considers solutions and examines the Kyoto Treaty, a current guiding principle for the nations of the world to fix the problem of global warming. Beck himself offers his own ideas suggesting innovation – not government regulation – is the answer to solving this problem.

Beck’s first “Exposed” special about Islamic extremism won the night on cable news and garnered the second highest ratings in the history of Headline Prime in the critical P25-54 demographic.

Headline News, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, updates viewers constantly, 24 hours each day, with a complete and concise national newscast every half-hour through the day and a compelling slate of legal, entertainment and news programs during Headline Prime at night. The “Need to Know” network delivers fast-paced, lively and engaging news, using the best resources of CNN Worldwide. Headline News is designed especially for viewers who want relevant and comprehensive news in a way that suits the urgency of their schedules.

CNN/I programming was originating from London tonight as scheduled, starting with World Business Today presented by Todd Benjamin.

from a friend:

A serious fire has forced live programming from CNN's London HQ, Turner House, to be suspended until further notice. The fire, above a clothing department store on the adjacent Oxford Road - London's busiest shopping district - started just before 1900 bst (1800 gmt) Thursday. Half an hour later, World Business Today went on-air from the adjacent Turner House. However, this was quickly pulled off air as Atlanta took over live programming for the rest of the evening. Jim Clancy and Colleen McEdwards took turns with World Business Today, World News Europe and the evening edition of Business International.

Thirteen hours on, and fire crews are still on the scene tackling the blaze. All morning programming from Turner House in London has been suspended. CNN Today came from CNN Center this morning, with Michael Holmes and Jonathan Mann hosting. Mann also hosted Business International at 0700 gmt.

A large part of West-Central London has been cordoned off, with a quarter-mile exclusion zone in place until Saturday morning, according to Westminster City authorities. This area generally attracts between 250,000 to 500,000 shoppers a day. If the exclusion zone is a quarter-mile in each direction, then a large portion of Great Marlborough Street, where CNN London is based, is also included. Therefore, there is a chance that Turner House is currently empty. It is not known if the other networks to broadcast from Turner House, including the Cartoon Network and TCM, are affected.

There are fears that the building on fire may collapse. So far, there have been no reports of any injuries.

More here on CNN Observations as soon as it is available.

Update: I'm also hearing that the CNN London newsroom starting filling with smoke shortly after the fire started last night, and was therefore evacuated. I would imagine they'd have to turn off the air-conditioning/distribution in there to stop the smoke from coming in.

Additionally, Jonathan Mann is putting in quite a shift! He was live on Your World Today yesterday at around 12pm Eastern (1600 gmt). And then he was doing CNN Today at 12am Eastern (0400 gmt) this morning! He's still on right now, doing Business International until 7am Eastern (1100 gmt)!! I wonder if he's slept...

From a friend:

There appears to have been some kind of problem at the CNN London bureau, as CNN International programming from there was interrupted tonight. At 1830 gmt Max Foster kicked off the first of the night's editions of World Business Today from London. I actually left the house to go to the store just after that. However, when I returned Jim Clancy was hosting the show from CNN Center. At 1900 gmt, rather than coming from London (with Fionnuala Sweeney or Becky Anderson), World News Europe also came from CNN Center with Colleen McEdwards, who made a point of stressing the show was coming from there.

Jim Clancy was hosting World Business Today again live from CNN Center between 1930 and 2030 gmt.

Suzanne Malveaux has been filling in for Kyra Phillips on CNN Newsroom this week. Based on what you've seen, should CNN use more of their correspondents as substitute anchors? Yes No Haven't seen CNN Newsroom this week Current Results

Feel free to leave your comments below.

CNN Pressroom - Anderson Cooper, Top CNN Correspondents Investigate Solutions to Strengthen Nation’s Soft Targets

In the latest CNN: Special Investigations Unit documentary, anchor Anderson Cooper and homeland security expert Stephen Flynn not only show the nation’s vulnerabilities to a range of natural and man-made catastrophes but discuss real solutions. We Were Warned, Edge of Disaster, a one-hour documentary, will premiere on Saturday, April 28, and Sunday, April 29, at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. All times Eastern.

Flynn, author of Edge of Disaster: Rebuilding a Resilient Nation, asserts that resiliency is America’s most valuable asset and offers his top security recommendations. CNN’s top investigative journalists uncover weaknesses in protecting the nation’s food supply, ports, and power grids. Security experts reveal the government’s preparedness to protect citizens against the threats of biological warfare and dirty bombs. CNN’s Justice Department correspondent Kelli Arena, national correspondent David Mattingly, homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve and special correspondent Frank Sesno also examine possible threats to the nation’s urban centers and suburban neighborhoods.

“A smallpox attack would kill one-third of all exposed. A major earthquake could leave thousands homeless and without access to even basic medicines or water. Unfortunately these issues are top of mind for Americans in this day and age,” said Mark Nelson, vice president and senior executive producer of CNN Productions. “Our goal is to offer thoughtful, realistic solutions to help viewers understand what they can do to protect themselves.”

Edge of Disaster was co-executive produced by Jeffery Reid and Claire Brinberg.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

CNN Pressroom - CNN International’s Michael Holmes Offers Reporter’s Perspective in Month of Mayhem

Only 10 minutes after arriving at CNN’s Baghdad bureau on Jan. 9, 2007, CNN International anchor Michael Holmes began reporting as a full-scale battle raged nearby in an upscale Sunni neighborhood. Thus opens Holmes’ intensely personal, behind-the-scenes account of life in Iraq through the eyes of a journalist. His resulting hour-long documentary, CNN: Special Investigations Unit – Month of Mayhem, will premiere on Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. All times Eastern.

Throughout this assignment, Holmes and CNN photographers film what life is like for them working and living at CNN’s bureau outside of Baghdad’s Green Zone. This assignment marks Holmes’ eighth in Iraq since the onset of war there in 2003. In January 2004, Holmes survived an ambush on a two-vehicle convoy that left two CNN staffers dead and one wounded.

Putting human faces on the casualties of war, Holmes reports on the bombings in markets and at universities, the kidnapping and torture of Iraqi civilians, and attacks on military troops that occasionally come across as “routine” to viewers of nightly newscasts.

“One thing that annoys me about my own profession sometimes is that we sanitize things a little bit,” Holmes says in the documentary. “Necessarily, too. A lot of people don’t want to see these, or know these horrific things, but some things people need to know.

“It’s not pleasant to know, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t know,” he says later about the victims of torture and insurgent violence.

Holmes sensitively recounts the personal and professional difficulties of reporting on daily violence and despair, and how these challenges have intensified since the war began. He marvels at the bravery of the troops, describing how teenaged troops with a bit of downtime play video games indoors and how their demeanor rapidly matures when they must perform their official duties. Holmes also reveals the dignity and hospitality of Iraqi civilians trying to live and work under trying circumstances.

During the second day of Holmes’ current assignment, U.S. President George W. Bush announced a troop increase in Iraq. During what turned out to be one of the bloodiest months since war began in Iraq, more than 2,000 people were killed in hostile fighting or sectarian violence; of these causalities, 113 total coalition troops were killed, 108 of these were U.S. troops.

CNN: Special Investigations Unit – Month of Mayhem was produced by Sheri England and Jenni Watts. The vice president and senior executive producer of CNN Productions is Mark Nelson.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

CNN Pressroom - CNN anchor Rick Sanchez guides listeners through the shifting maze of rules, red tape and protocol involving adoption for the network’s latest hour-long program, “The Baby Market.” Along the way, CNN Radio listeners discover how new bureaucratic delays cause children to suffer and to remain in orphanages or foster care for even longer periods of time.

This program will be available to affiliates on Friday, April 27, at 10 a.m. (ET) and will be produced by CNN Radio supervising producer Sherri Maksin.

In “The Baby Market,” the people most intimately involved in the adoption process – adoption lawyers, agency representatives, adoption advocates and parents – explain the differences between domestic and international adoption, debate the issue of whether adopted children should have access to their birth records and if reunions with birth parents are a good idea. They also help explain the latest changes in adoption procedures, including:

· China’s stricter policies on international adoptions, going into effect on Tuesday, May 1, which forbade obese and single people from adopted Chinese children;

· Lengthy delays facing Americans wanting to adopt from Russia; and

· A recent U.S. government recommendation that Americans not adopt children from Guatemala due to rampant corruption and fraud in that country.

Guests include CNN correspondent John Vause, who reports about the adoption market from Beijing; Aaron Britvan, an adoption attorney and co-chair of the New York State Bar Association’s adoption committee; Tom DiFilipo, president of the Joint Council on International Children’s Services; Adam Pertman, executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute; and a number of adoptive parents.

“The Baby Market” also will be available on CNN.com’s podcasting page, which can be found at http://www.CNN.com/podcasting, and at CNN’s dedicated space on iTunes. Additionally, CNN Radio programming, including long-form programs, can be heard streamed for the Web on the CNN.com home page.

CNN Radio is a full-service network, providing its approximately 2,000 worldwide affiliates with the latest information in news, sports and business. Utilizing CNN’s 36 bureaus worldwide, CNN Radio offers an unmatched menu of actualities and reports through satellite feeds and an affiliate-accessible Web site. CNN Radio is based in CNN’s world headquarters in Atlanta, with personnel, including radio-only correspondents, located at the CNN bureau in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and New York. CNN Radio programming is distributed exclusively for radio broadcast in the United States by Westwood One. CNN Radio audio can also be heard via a link on the www.CNN.com Web site.

Don Lemon

Anyone know anything about this? He has been removed from the Anchors and Reporters page at CNN.com. Let us know via a comment or via the box at right. Thanks!

Suzanne Malveaux is in for Kyra Phillips today on CNN Newsroom. Is this her first "fill-in" from Atlanta? I know she's filled in on The Situation Room before.

Betty Nguyen was in for Heidi Collins this morning on CNN Newsroom.

CNN Pressroom - CNN’s Lou Dobbs has put forth an unprecedented offer to the presidential candidates—two minutes of uninterrupted airtime to address the substantives issue facing the country.

In a series, “2008: Time for Answers,” Dobbs will invite presidential candidates to appear on Lou Dobbs Tonight to explain specifically how they would tackle the most pressing issues facing American families including healthcare, illegal immigration, public education, the war in Iraq, border and port security, and trade policy. A candidate would be granted two minutes for each topic, followed by discussion with Dobbs on that issue. CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight airs at 6 p.m. (ET).

“People want to know about a candidate’s positions on issues that affect their lives, not just fundraising and horserace politics,” Dobbs said. “I welcome a substantive dialogue in this important election season, and I believe our viewers will too.”

Dobbs is an award-winning journalist and bestselling author of Exporting America and War on the Middle Class.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

CNN Pressroom - CNN.com has created an online memorial which honors the 32 victims of last week’s tragedy at Virginia Tech. The tribute, located at www.CNN.com/victims, also features profiles, photos and video of the individuals as well as thoughts and memories from family and friends.

"We recognize the need to enable our audience to learn who these men and women were, as well as to reveal how profound our shared loss truly is," said Mitch Gelman, senior vice president and executive producer at CNN.com. "By providing a place for friends, family and colleagues to share their memories, we hope that we can contribute to the national healing and honor those who were felled in this mindless and horrible tragedy."

Online users may submit their own videos, photos or comments to honor the Virginia Tech victims through CNN's I-Report at www.cnn.com/vtechireport.

As the first Internet site dedicated to 24-hour news coverage, CNN.com attracts an average of more than 24 million unique users each month. Launched in 1995, CNN.com draws from the resources of CNN Worldwide to provide relevant, up-to-the minute news and information. CNN.com features the latest multimedia technologies, from video streaming and user-generated content to audio packages and searchable archives of news features and background information.

CNN Pressroom - Network’s First-Ever Awards Gala to Air Worldwide in December; Online Submissions, Voting Kick off May 1

CNN has launched a global initiative to showcase “CNN Heroes,” ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary deeds in areas ranging from the environment to civil rights, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. Culminating in a year-end awards gala, the network will honor the most outstanding of viewer-submitted nominees from around the world. The “CNN Heroes” initiative is the first of its kind for the network.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, along with an array of notable co-hosts to be announced later this year, will present the winners of “The CNN Hero Awards” during a special live global broadcast on CNN/U.S. and CNN International on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 9 p.m. (ET). The gala will include musical performances and documentary tributes to those being honored as well as to their accomplishments and continued work.

“Our journalists come across these individuals every single day on the job, but they do not always get to tell these inspiring stories,” Walton said. “With the help of our global audience, we turn the spotlight on those people who serve as an example of how a single person can make a difference.”

Beginning Tuesday, May 1, and through September 2007, CNN networks and services, including CNN, Headline News and CNN.com, will feature examples of “everyday heroes” and encourage viewers to submit and nominate people in their own communities whom they find deserving of a CNN Hero Award. CNN International and CNN en Español will begin airing the profiles in June. Nomination forms will be available online at www.CNN.com/Heroes. A blue-ribbon panel will select the winners.

Awards will be given in the following categories: “Defending the Planet,” innovative efforts to preserve and protect the environment; “Fighting for Justice,” advancing the cause of civil or equal rights; “Community Crusader,” creating solutions to a local program or social issue; “Medical Marvel,” dedication to the enhancement of human health; “Championing Children,” commitment to the welfare of young people; and “Young Wonder,” outstanding achievement by a person under the age of 18. Prize details will be announced soon.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

Jennifer Westhoven was live with her "Your Money" segments from Atlanta on Robin & Company last week and is in Atlanta this week. Is this a permanent move for her? I missed In The Money this Saturday, was she on from Atlanta?

Edit (4/25/07): Jennifer is back in New York today.

I picked up Larry King Live: The Greatest Interviews DVD on Tuesday and I've watched 2 of the 3 DVD's and it's a great collection. It really is packed full of Larry's best moments and he narrates through it at various points from a "Virtual Set". It is a great collection.

There are 3 DVD's included in slimline cases inside a cardboard package. The DVD's are separated into 3 categories, 1 being "Hollywood Film Stars & Legends", 2 being "Presidents & First Ladies, News Events & Scandals" and 3 being Television Stars, Broadcast News Icons, Comedians & Unforgettable Moments". I've watched the second and third DVD and they've both been great.

Just by seeing 2 of the 3 DVD's, I would highly recommend this collection. You can order it from Amazon.com below.

CNN/US covered this on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer anchoring, reports from Miles O'Brien, commentary from Lou Dobbs. It will continue into Lou Dobbs Tonight at the top of the hour.

You've had a chance to preview, what do you think of CNN's new American Morning team? Love them! Bring back Miles and Soledad I miss Carol Costello! I think I'll stick with Robin and Company There's a new American Morning team? I'm a International/En Español/etc. viewer, I don't get American Morning I haven't seen them yet. Current Results

CNN Launches ‘Fit Nation Challenge’ at Finish Line of Tour de Georgia on Sunday, April 22, in Atlanta

Harvard researchers revealed recently that for every hour of regular exercise Americans add to their regimen, they add two hours to their life. With that in mind, CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta this week encourages Americans to take his “Fit Nation Challenge” and pledge to gain one million hours of life. Related “Fit Nation” segments and materials will appear across CNN/U.S. and Headline News programming, including Anderson Cooper 360º, American Morning and Robin & Company, as well as on CNN.com.

CNN’s cross-country “Fit Nation Challenge” launches on Sunday, April 22, in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park at the finish line of the Tour de Georgia, a seven-day state-wide bicycle race. Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and Olympian and world class runner Jeff Galloway will also be on hand to support the challenge.

This year, the Fit Nation tour includes a custom-designed airstream trailer that serves as a venue where visitors can share their health lifestyle choices through video, online interaction and on-site activities such as a fit photo, health trivia and cycling. Other tour stops this year include:

· April 27-29: French Quarter – New Orleans;

· May 5 – 6: Celebrate Culture Festival – Denver;

· June 2 – 3: Rock & Roll Marathon – San Diego; and

· June 29 – July 1: Taste of Chicago and the 5K Race to the Taste – Chicago.

After constant reporting on the obesity epidemic, Gupta launched Fit Nation in 2006 as an ongoing multi-platform initiative to stop obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles. With former President Bill Clinton, Lance Armstrong, Maria Shriver and others, Gupta traveled across the country engaging people in their own communities to get more active and develop local programs to meet the challenges of being overweight.

Fit Nation segments are featured on House Call with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, which airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30 a.m.; American Morning, which airs every weekday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.; Headline News’ Robin & Company, which airs every weekday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.; the afternoon edition of CNN Newsroom, which airs every weekday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Anderson Cooper 360°, which airs each weeknight from 10 p.m. to midnight. All times Eastern.

In addition, an online report (www.CNN.com/fitnation) features tools for users to log their extra hours of life, podcasts from the Fit Nation events and user-generated iReports to allow users to share success stories and submit health tips.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta is chief medical correspondent for the health and medical unit at CNN. Gupta, a practicing neurosurgeon and an assistant professor of neurosurgery, plays an integral role in the network’s medical coverage, which includes American Morning, the weekend show House Call with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and coverage of breaking medical news. Based in Atlanta, he also co-hosts Accent Health for Turner Private Networks, contributes health news stories to CNN.com, writes a column for TIME magazine, is a contributor to CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, and authored his first book this year, Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

A couple of new faces have appeared behind CNN International anchor desks in recent weeks. This evening, Owen Thomas - previously with the UK's ITN - was presenting World Business Today from London. He has also co-presented CNN Today from London in the last week or so.

And not new to CNN at all, but (former?) vice-president of CNN Tim Lister has been seen presenting World Sport from Atlanta in recent weeks, usually during the weekends.

Those who are in Virginia for the Virginia Tech coverage include:

Updated: Reggie Aqui
Kiran Chetry
Heidi Collins
Anderson Cooper
Jill Dougherty
Deborah Feyerick
Lisa Goddard
Nancy Grace
Sanjay Gupta
Brianna Keilar
Kyung Lah
Ed McCarthy
Miles O'Brien
Soledad O'Brien
Keith Oppenheim
John Roberts
John Zarrella

(fron Anonymous)
Wolf Blitzer
Jim Clancy
Elizabeth Cohen
Carol Costello
Drew Griffin
John King
David Mattingly
Paula Zahn

(from Bill)
Jim Acosta
Sean Callebs
Jeanne Meserve
Ted Rowlands

I'm sure this will update at various points and I will update this post. If I left anyone out or missed someone, let us know. Thanks to everyone who have written in for their help!

CNN Pipeline's Richard Lui was back on Robin and Company this morning. This is the first I've gotten to watch the show this week so he may have been on since Monday.

During Renay San Miguel's last podcast at CNN.com, he had these final thoughts:

"This is my last Digital Life podcast for CNN.com. I am moving on to take another "step" in my communications career, and I wanted to thank everybody for tuning in to The Digital Life. I also wanted to encourage you to keep going to CNN.com to all the other podcasts--audio and video--that CNN is offering these days.

One of the things that I've enjoyed about podcasting is the fact that in an industry that favors and rewards brevity, this is much more of a chance to go in-depth and personal about a subject I have a lot of passion about, that being technology. It's been great to get into the new media and, for an old journalist dog like myself, to learn this new trick has been very rewarding."

San Miguel left CNN Headline News to head to Weber Shandwick where he will be a senior vice-president for their broadcast unit WCTV.

CNN Pressroom - Soledad O’Brien Provides Minute-by-Minute Account into Tragedy in Blacksburg, Va.

In what has become the worst mass shooting in American history, a lone gunman killed 32 people on the campus of Virginia Tech on an otherwise ordinary spring morning in Blacksburg, Va., before turning the weapon upon himself. Anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien will report on the tragic events for an hour-long CNN: Special Investigations Unit documentary. Massacre at Virginia Tech will air on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22, at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. All times Eastern.

O’Brien will provide a minute-by-minute account of the campus rampage as she discusses how and why the events happened and whether they could have been prevented. CNN investigative correspondent Drew Griffin has investigated the nation’s gun laws in previous reports and will trace how the shooter acquired his weapons and exploited vulnerabilities in campus security to inflict maximum damage.

“The stunning events at Virginia Tech on April 16 are devastatingly shocking,” said Mark Nelson, vice president and senior executive producer of CNN Productions. “CNN will use its investigative resources to help put these terrible events into context and reveal the lessons to be learned from our current gun laws.”

Steve Robinson is the executive producer of this documentary. Robert Howell, Kathleen Johnston, Emily Probst, Brian Rokus and Michelle Rozsa are the field producers.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

At 1059 gmt, Adrian Finighan in London introduced a live simulcast of CNN American Morning for continuing coverage of the Virginia Tech shooting massacre. John Roberts and Kiran Chetry were live on-location at Virginia Tech.

CNN/I continued with CNN Newsroom as well.

CNN Pressroom - CNN’s Reliable Sources will air a special edition titled, “After Imus: The Media Fallout,” this Sunday, April 15, in which host Howard Kurtz and guests turn a critical lens on radio host Don Imus’ controversial remarks and the subsequent media firestorm.

For the special edition, guests will include Ana Marie Cox, Washington editor for TIME.com; Callie Crossley, media commentator on WGBH; and Clarence Page, a columnist for the Chicago Tribune. The panel will discuss what led up to Imus’s firing and what to expect next in the media. Tony Kornheiser, ESPN commentator, columnist for The Washington Post and frequent Imus guest, questions whether Imus has been treated fairly. Stephanie Miller, a nationally syndicated talk show host, and Roland Martin, a nationally syndicated columnist and CNN contributor, will discuss new parameters for shock talk on the radio.

CNN’s Reliable Sources airs Sundays 10 a.m.-11a.m. (ET). Laura Ellsworth is the program’s senior producer. Lucy Spiegel is the senior executive producer and vice president of weekend public affairs programming. A transcript of the program will be available at http://www.CNN.com/transcripts and from the Federal Document Clearing House.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

CNN Pressroom - RTNDA to Honor Christiane Amanpour with Prestigious Paul White Award for Lifetime Achievement

As the electronic journalism community descends upon Las Vegas for RTNDA@NAB next week, CNN will showcase its prominence and expertise in such areas as burgeoning journalism trends, new technologies, security coverage and online and digital ventures. In addition, the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) will present Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international correspondent, with its Paul White Award for lifetime achievement in broadcast news.

RTNDA@NAB, which will take place at the Las Vegas Hilton from Sunday, April 15, to Wednesday, April 18, stands as the premier conference and exhibition for radio, television and online news.

For the entire event, CNN Newsource, the network’s syndicated news service, will operate a booth for its affiliates at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Silver Parking Lot, exhibit No. S100.

During a ceremony on Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., RTNDA will present Amanpour with the Paul White Award, an honor established in 1956 to honor the broadcast news pioneer who served as the first news director at CBS. The award recognizes an individual’s lifetime contribution to electronic journalism. Past recipients include Charles Gibson, Charles Osgood, Ted Koppel, Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw, Barbara Walters, Ed Bradley, Bob Schieffer, Jane Pauley, Pauline Frederick and Edward R. Murrow, as well as CNN’s own Tom Johnson, Bernard Shaw and Ted Turner.

Amanpour becomes the first full-time international correspondent to receive the award.

CNN journalists participating in panel discussions for the week include:

·Miles O’Brien, technology and environment chief correspondent, as moderator of panel “News 2.0: Surviving and Succeeding in the New Journalism World,” a strategic discussion of how news organizations adapt to burgeoning technologies and changing audiences so they can continue to be relevant tomorrow. Sunday, April 15, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A.

·Jamie McIntyre, senior Pentagon correspondent, as panelist for “Global, National, Local: Connecting the Security Dots,” a discussion on the best ways for the electronic news media to inform its audience about security issues at all levels. Monday, April 16, 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom D.

·Sandy Malcolm, executive producer for CNN.com Video, as panelist for “Super Session: Getting Your Audience Involved,” a session to examine user-generated content online and on-air and other efforts to step away from “one-way” relationships to true interactive ones. Tuesday, April 17, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A;

·Sandy Malcolm as panelist for “Your New Job in the Digital World,” a discussion on the skills and staffing needed for new media ventures. Tuesday, April 17, 2 to 3:15 p.m.Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom G;

·Tyler Moody, senior producer for CNNRadio as panelist for “Go Ahead. You Can Touch It,” a hands-on session that explores the latest in radio technology. Wednesday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom F.

In a related forum sponsored by the American Bar Association, the National Association of Broadcasters and the Federal Communications Bar Association, Johnita Due, senior counsel for CNN Worldwide, will serve as a speaker for “The Long and Winding Road to Live at Five,” a session about the latest legal issues related to newsgathering. That session is scheduled for Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bellagio.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

John Roberts and Kiran Chetry have new photos on the CNN.com Anchors and Reporters pages.

The American Morning website has been revised as well.

CNN Pressroom - Sen. Jon Kyl, Sen. Jim Webb Among Others Slated as Guests for Sunday, April 15, Program

Former Vice President Walter Mondale will appear on the Sunday, April 15, edition of CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer. In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview, Mondale will discuss the war in Iraq, the struggle between Congress and President George W. Bush over troop funding and the race to the White House for 2008.

Also joining anchor Wolf Blitzer will be Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), who will discuss the threat of a nuclear Iran and the continuing conflict in Iraq. Additionally, Richard Perle, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former member of the Defense Policy Board, will weigh in on the fight for Iraq and the threat of Iran.

CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer airs Sundays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (ET). Linda Roth is the executive producer of the program. Lucy Spiegel is the senior executive producer and vice president of weekend public affairs programming. A transcript of the program will be available at http://www.CNN.com/transcripts and from the Federal Document Clearing House.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

CNN Pressroom - New Morning Team to Appear on Monday, April 16, with Edwards Interview, ‘Children of War’ Series

Kiran Chetry and John Roberts mark their debut as the new co-anchors of CNN's flagship morning program American Morning on Monday, April 16. The program, which offers the most news in the morning on political, domestic and international stories, airs on CNN/U.S. each weekday from 6 a.m. to 9 am (ET).

With Chetry based in New York and Roberts anchoring from both New York and Washington, D.C., the new anchor team will offer a heavy dose of political news each morning. On Monday, American Morning will launch with an extensive interview with John and Elizabeth Edwards from the presidential candidates childhood home in Seneca, S.C. On Tuesday, April 17, American Morning will focus on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee with live interviews with newsmakers prior to the hearings.

As part of American Morning’s ongoing coverage of the war in Iraq, Chetry will kick off a new series, “Children of War,” featuring an in-depth look at the lives of children with parents serving in Iraq. This look at the impact of war at home will continue throughout the week.

Roberts joined CNN in February 2006 after 14 years with CBS News as chief White House correspondent, chief medical correspondent and anchor of the Sunday edition of the CBS Evening News. Roberts had been serving as CNN's senior national correspondent, reporting extensively for CNN on politics and from the front lines in Iraq and last summer’s Middle East conflict, and as anchor of This Week at War.

Chetry joined CNN in February and immediately began anchoring various CNN programs including American Morning, Anderson Cooper 360º and CNN Newsroom. Previously, Chetry was the anchor of Fox & Friends First and Fox & Friends Weekend for the Fox News Channel. She has covered major breaking news stories including reports from the field during the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, the invasion of Baghdad and Hurricane Katrina.

American Morning, providing the most news in the morning on television, broadcasts weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (ET) on CNN/U.S. Ed Litvak is the show’s executive producer.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

New:
Kiran Chetry
John Roberts

Revised:
Miles O'Brien (moved from Anchors to Reporters M-Z)
Soledad O'Brien (stayed in Anchors)

FishBowlDC is reporting that Bob Franken's contract with the network is not being renewed. He will definitely be missed.

New Bios:

Jim Acosta

New Photos:

Frederik Pleitgen

Looks like CNN Pipeline's Richard Lui hasn't been on Robin & Company this week so he may be done with the show, or if his "TV Time" in his contract is up... who knows. I'll keep you updated if I hear anything.

Many of the world's rolling news channels are joining togetherlater today in an act of solidarity, in support of the BBC's Gazacorrespondent Alan Johnston who was kidnapped one month ago to the day.

BBC World, BBC News 24, Al Jazeera English and Sky News will allsimulcast a BBC-produced special programme at 1330 gmt today, presentedby Jeremy Bowen in Ramallah. CNN will also be contributing to this liveprogramme, and will likely cover it on CNN/I.

CNN Pressroom - As award-winning broadcaster Larry King marks his 50th anniversary in broadcasting, CNN.com has launched an extensive online tribute to this unrivaled master of the interview. This special section, located at www.CNN.com/LarryKing50, includes an interactive timeline depicting key moments in King’s life as well as a video archive of his most famous interviews on Larry King Live.

The CNN.com tribute coincides with CNN Worldwide’s multi-platform celebration of King, which includes an anniversary week of Larry King Live with Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Bill Clinton and Bill Maher as well as a two-hour special presentation, CNN Presents: Larry King – 50 Years of Pop Culture on Wednesday, April 18, at 9 p.m. (ET)

In addition to the timeline and the interviews, the special Larry King section includes several galleries and features offering trivia and statistics about King; an audio quiz that invites users to listen to King ask some of his famous questions and then guess the guest who answers; and a behind-the-scenes look at King’s career as he talks about the evolution of broadcasting over the past 50 years and reveals his tips for a successful interview and the secret to a long career.

As the first Internet site dedicated to 24-hour news coverage, CNN.com attracts an average of more than 24 million unique users each month. Launched in 1995, CNN.com draws from the resources of CNN Worldwide to provide relevant, up-to-the minute news and information. CNN.com features the latest multimedia technologies, from video streaming and user-generated content to audio packages and searchable archives of news features and background information.

CNN Pressroom - Journalist and news executive Tony Maddox has been named to head CNN International, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. As executive vice president and managing director of CNN International, Maddox assumes oversight responsibility for a news and information portfolio that includes five CNN services in English; CNN en Español; CNNj; CNN.com International; CNNArabic.com; the joint ventures CNN+, CNN-IBN and CNN Turk, as well as international newsgathering and editorial and programming oversight. Maddox is based in Atlanta at CNN world headquarters and reports to Walton.

“Tony brings to his new role a combination of professional skills and personal qualities that is increasingly rare in our industry,” said Walton. “He is a veteran journalist with broad and direct knowledge of the complexities of the world CNN covers. He is a businessman who understands the unique value of CNN’s brand and capabilities, and how to leverage them. And he is a leader who inspires teamwork, loyalty and individual excellence. Tony will guide a news business of extraordinary importance to extraordinary growth and influence.”

“CNN International is better placed than ever to deliver industry-leading standards of service to audiences around the world,” said Maddox. “The opportunity to lead the great CNNI team is a privilege.”

Formerly senior vice president of news operations for CNN International, Maddox was responsible for operational and administrative oversight of CNN’s 26 international bureaus and integrating international newsgathering activity into the larger CNN Worldwide organization. In addition, he managed the international news desk in Atlanta and supervised recruiting, training and development of newsgathering staff.

Maddox joined CNN in 1998 as managing editor for the organization’s Europe, Middle East and Africa coverage, based in London. While posted there, he directed wide-ranging reporting of world news events; developed CNN-branded shows for the international marketplace including Biz News, International Correspondents, Design 360 and CNN Business Traveller; was instrumental in executing the successful regionalization strategy of CNN’s newsgathering process that has resulted in coverage that is more local and in-depth; and oversaw the build-out of state-of-the-art studio facilities.

Previously, Maddox spent 13 years with the BBC as a reporter, producer, editor and news executive, posted in Belfast, Plymouth and Leeds.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

Anderson Cooper has joined the list of CNN Podcasters. Visit the CNN Podcasting Page to subscribe to the "Anderson Cooper 360° Daily" Podcast. The "Daily" features highlights from the show.

Check out the new wallpapers added to our Downloads section on the right of your screen. We hope you like them!

Karen Bryant / Bruce Burkhardt / Chris Burns
Jack Cafferty / Margaret Carlson / Tucker Carlson

I just noticed while browsing Amazon.com that the Larry King Live: The Greatest Interviews DVD seems to only be scheduled for release in a Region 1 format. Amazon.co.uk doesn't have it listed at all. This is not that good for the international fans who are awaiting this release. CNN/International is really talking up Larry's 50th Anniversary in Broadcasting, so maybe this will change closer to the release date.

More information can be found at www.kingoftalkdvd.com.

Available April 17th.

CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta sifts through hyperbole and facts as he details for CNN Radio listeners the latest therapies and regimens designed to slow down the aging process. For the hour-long “Chasing Life” program, Gupta and CNN Radio take a hard look at dietary supplements, human growth hormones, stem cell treatments and calorie-restriction diets.

The program, available to affiliates beginning Friday, April 6, serves as a companion piece to the CNN: Special Investigations Unit documentary, set to premiere on Saturday, April 14, at 8 p.m. (ET) on CNN/U.S. and to Gupta’s first book, Chasing Life, scheduled to be released by Warner Books on Monday, April 9.

CNN Radio’s “Chasing Life” will be produced by CNN Radio supervising producer Sherri Maksin.

Guests for “Chasing Life” include Dr. Andrew Weil, a Harvard-trained physician who introduced alternative medicine to the United States; Dr. Nir Barzilai, professor of medicine and molecular genetics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Dan Buettner, an explorer and founder of bluezones.com; Dr. Jay Olshansky, the School of Public Health for the University of Illinois; Dr. Jacqueline Springer, a Kansas doctor who faced scrutiny for prescribing human growth hormone; and Dr. Eric Ravussin, professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

“Chasing Life” also will be available on CNN.com’s podcasting page, which can be found at http://www.CNN.com/podcasting/, and at CNN’s dedicated space on iTunes. Additionally, CNN Radio programming, including long-form programs, can be heard streamed for the Web on the CNN.com home page.

CNN Radio is a full-service network, providing its approximately 2,000 worldwide affiliates with the latest information in news, sports and business. Utilizing CNN’s 36 bureaus worldwide, CNN Radio offers an unmatched menu of actualities and reports through satellite feeds and an affiliate-accessible Web site. CNN Radio is based in CNN’s world headquarters in Atlanta, with personnel, including radio-only correspondents, located at the CNN bureau in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and New York. CNN Radio programming is distributed exclusively for radio broadcast in the United States by Westwood One. CNN Radio audio can also be heard via a link on the www.CNN.com Web site.

Rea Blakey / Mike Boettcher / Michelle Bonner
Rym Brahimi / Mike Brooks / Andrew Brown

Steve Kastenbaum's profile has been updated with a photo.

Warner Bros./CNN has launched a site for the Larry King Live: The Greatest Interviews DVD. Visit it today at www.kingoftalkdvd.com.

Available April 17th.

What do you think about Kiran Chetry and John Roberts on American Morning... will it work? Yes No We'll see I'll elaborate in a comment Current Results

View Trailer

Click below to watch clips from the following interviews

George and Laura Bush
Richard Nixon
Bill Clinton
Ronald Reagan
John F. Kennedy, Jr.
Oprah Winfrey
Jerry Seinfeld
Anna Nicole Smith
Angelina Jolie
Johnny Cash
George Clooney
Frank Sinatra
Paul McCartney
Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owen
Marlon Brando

Head over to TVNewser.com for a live blog of Jon Klein's press conference about the CNN morning changes.

CNN Pressroom - Kiran Chetry and John Roberts will debut as the new co-anchors of CNN's flagship morning program American Morning on Monday, April 16, it was announced today by Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. Soledad O’Brien and Miles O’Brien will remain at the network as featured special correspondents. American Morning airs on CNN/U.S. each weekday from 6 a.m. to 9 am (ET).

An award-winning veteran journalist, Roberts joined CNN in February 2006 after 14 years with CBS News as chief White House correspondent, chief medical correspondent and anchor of the Sunday edition of the CBS Evening News. Roberts has been serving as CNN's senior national correspondent, reporting extensively for CNN on politics as well as from the front lines in Iraq and last summer’s Middle East conflict, for which he recently won a prestigious National Headliner award.

Roberts reported from Baghdad and anchored the acclaimed CNN: Special Investigations Unit documentary, “Death Squads,” which examined the sectarian violence plaguing Iraq. Roberts anchors CNN’s This Week at War, the only weekly program focusing on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and America’s confrontations around the globe. He is also a main substitute on CNN programs including American Morning, Anderson Cooper 360º and Paula Zahn Now.

Chetry joined CNN in February and immediately began anchoring various CNN programs including American Morning, Anderson Cooper 360º, Paula Zahn Now and CNN Newsroom. Previously, Chetry was the anchor of Fox & Friends First and Fox & Friends Weekend for the Fox News Channel. She has covered major breaking news stories including reports from the field during the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, the invasion of Baghdad and Hurricane Katrina.

Chetry began her journalism career at News 21 in Rockville, Md., in 1995 before moving to WICU-TV in Erie, Penn., to become an anchor and health reporter. She then served as a morning anchor and reporter for KXTV in Sacramento, Calif., before joining Fox News in 2001. Chetry received her bachelor of arts in broadcast journalism from the University of Maryland.

“I’ve admired John’s journalistic chops since we worked together at CBS more than a decade ago, and it’s not surprising that he’s now recognized as one of the premier broadcasters in the business,” Klein said. “As for Kiran, we’ve watched her light up the screen for years, and we are thrilled that she was able to join our team. She’s a breath of fresh air and a delight to work with, and it’s no wonder she’s already been embraced by CNN viewers.”

Soledad O'Brien will become anchor and special correspondent for CNN: Special Investigations Unit, reporting hour-long documentaries throughout the year and filing in-depth series on the most important ongoing and breaking news stories for all major CNN programs.

O’Brien has co-anchored CNN’s flagship morning program, American Morning, since she joined the network in July 2003 and distinguished herself by reporting from the scene on the transformational stories that broke on her watch. Her efforts following Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Phuket, Thailand, have earned her numerous awards and critical acclaim, further establishing her as a television journalist of the first rank. Earlier this year, the NAACP honored her with its President’s Award in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and journalistic excellence.

In recent months, O’Brien served as CNN’s point person for President George W. Bush’s visit to Mexico, delivering a series of eye-opening reports on conditions south of the border that fuel illegal immigration to the United States. She also anchored and reported a highly acclaimed CNN: Special Investigations Unit documentary featuring a never-before-seen look at Martin Luther King Jr.’s private writings, notes and teachings, which represent the foundation of King’s life’s work as a preacher and human rights activist; and her ongoing initiative entitled “Children of the Storm,” which provides video cameras to young Hurricane Katrina survivors so that they can tell their stories of trial and triumph in their own words and images.

“We are thrilled to be able to match Soledad’s passion and reporting instincts with our desire to create more long-form, investigative journalism,” Klein said. “She is the perfect person to lead our national coverage of major news stories and provide in-depth investigative reports that are the hallmark of CNN.”

Miles O’Brien becomes CNN’s chief technology and environment correspondent. O’Brien began anchoring American Morning in June 2005 and has served as the network’s space and aviation correspondent. Previously, he co-anchored the weekday newscast Live From with Kyra Phillips and anchored various other newscasts for CNN and Headline News.

Most notably, Miles has covered the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina with live reports across the region and in February 2003, O'Brien led CNN's coverage of the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy, offering viewers exclusive information and uniquely insightful context based on his years of professional experience with and study of NASA and space exploration.

“As viewers’ concern about the environment and fascination with technology grows, there is no better guide than Miles O’Brien to separate fact from fantasy,” Klein said. “He lives and breathes this stuff and is able to explain these pressing subjects in a way that captivates and informs Americans at a critical moment in our history.”

American Morning, providing the most news in the morning on television, broadcasts weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (ET) on CNN/U.S. Ed Litvak is the show’s executive producer.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

CNN Pressroom - CNN’s Soledad O’Brien has been named anchor and special correspondent effective immediately, it was announced today by CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein. She will join CNN: Special Investigations Unit, reporting in-depth on the most significant stories across the country and around the world. O’Brien will anchor and report hour-long CNN: Special Investigations Unit specials throughout the year and will file special reports on important ongoing and breaking news stories across all major CNN programs.

“Soledad has delivered some of the most memorable reporting on some of the most historic stories of our time,” Klein said. “Her passion for real news, her feel for real people, and her insistence on getting real answers from newsmakers mesh perfectly with CNN’s commitment to providing even more hard-hitting, in-depth journalism to America.

O’Brien has co-anchored CNN’s flagship morning program, American Morning, since she joined the network in July 2003 and distinguished herself by reporting from the scene on the major stories that broke on her watch. Her reports following Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Phuket, Thailand, have earned her numerous awards including a Gracie Allen Award, George Foster Peabody Award and an Alfred I. duPont Award, further establishing her as a premier television journalist. Earlier this year, the NAACP honored her with its President’s Award in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and journalistic excellence.

In recent months, O’Brien served as CNN’s point person for President George W. Bush’s visit to Mexico, delivering a series of eye-opening reports on conditions south of the border that fuel illegal immigration to the United States. She also anchored and reported a highly acclaimed CNN: Special Investigations Unit hour featuring a never-before-seen look at Martin Luther King Jr.’s private writings, notes and teachings, and launched an ongoing initiative entitled “Children of the Storm,” which provides video cameras to young Hurricane Katrina survivors so that they can tell their stories of trial and triumph in their own words and images.

O'Brien came to CNN from NBC News where she had anchored the network’s Weekend Today since July 1999. During that time, she contributed reports for the weekday Today Show and weekend editions of NBC Nightly News, and covered such notable stories as John F. Kennedy Jr.’s plane crash and the school shootings in Colorado and Oregon. In 2003, she covered the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and later anchored NBC's weekend coverage of the war in Iraq. Additionally, in 1998, she traveled to Cuba to cover Pope John Paul II’s historic visit.

Before Weekend Today, O'Brien anchored MSNBC’s award-winning technology program The Site and the cable network’s weekend morning show. O’Brien joined NBC News in 1991 and was based in New York as a field producer for Nightly News and Today. Prior to this, she served three years as a local reporter and bureau chief for the NBC affiliate KRON in San Francisco. O’Brien began her career as an associate producer and news writer at the then-NBC affiliate, WBZ-TV in Boston.

She has been named to PEOPLE magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful” in 2001 and PEOPLE en Espanol’s 50 most beautiful in 2004. O’Brien was also included in Crain’s Business Reports’ “40 under 40”, Essence magazine’s “40 under 40” and Black Enterprise “40 Under 40”. O'Brien has been named several times to Irish American Magazine's “Top 100 Irish Americans.” O’Brien earned the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award from the National Association of Minorities in Cable in 2006 and has received honorary degrees from Siena College and Mercy College.

She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

O’Brien is a graduate of Harvard University with a degree in English and American literature.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.

CNN Pressroom - CNN Anchor Don Lemon Reveals Life of ‘The Godfather of Soul’ in Program Premiering Saturday, May 5

Over the weekend of what would have been James Brown’s 74th birthday, CNN will document the rise from poverty to prosperity and from petty criminal to musical icon of the man known by many titles: “The Godfather of Soul,” “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business” and “Soul Brother Number One” among them. CNN’s Don Lemon reports the story of the James Brown that most people never knew for CNN: Special Investigations Unit – James Brown, Say it Proud premiering on Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6, at 8 p.m. and 11p.m. All times Eastern.

Through interviews with the Rev. Al Sharpton, music legends Little Richard and Bootsy Collins, bandmate Bobby Byrd and superstar Usher – as well as Brown’s family members, business manager Charles Bobbit and biographer Bruce Tucker, Lemon reveals the sensitive and complicated character behind the cultural legend. Usher, who considered Brown one of his mentors, recounts how much Brown’s personal advice meant to him .

Although Brown’s remains were recently interred in a temporary mausoleum, his family is making plans for a Graceland-like final resting place, James Brown-style. In death, as in his life, Brown’s inimitable style seems unstoppable.

Raised in a brothel and with an early life of petty crime, Brown dropped out of school in the seventh grade but had a lifelong commitment to counseling young people to stay in school. He was a strong financial booster for educational causes and inspired “Black Pride” and self-reliance in generations of music lovers and fans of his motivational “up-by-the-bootstraps” achievements.

Brown was deeply affected by the prejudice he endured as a child of the deep South and as a performer in the segregated “chitlin circuit,” where he reigned as one of the most popular acts yet was refused accommodations and was humiliated by white policemen. Brown is partially credited with keeping the peace in Boston following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., counseling his audiences to keep calm.

The documentary reveals the conflicting passions of a man who demonstrated extraordinary dedication to civil justice and political activism, yet wrestled with periods of serious self-destructive behavior including substance and spousal abuse leading to repeated clashes with the law.

Brown’s politics, like his life, were complicated. Many African-Americans were surprised when he endorsed Richard Nixon for president in 1972. He was impressed by Nixon’s message of self-reliance but also appreciated Nixon’s verbal declaration that Brown was a “national treasure” and so should not have to pay taxes. According to Frank ‘SuperFrank’ Copsidas, president of Intrigue Music, Brown’s last management agency, Brown’s continual tax problems may have been related to his taking this “promise” of tax exemption to heart.

Brown’s personal jealousies and grievances would often influence his professional decisions. He made a practice of fining band members whose behavior or costumes did not meet his exacting standards, and he feuded with bandmate Bobby Byrd when they both fell for the same woman. Brown once summarily replaced his entire band for complaining about late pay. The young and cocky Bootsy Collins and his band the Pacesetters were brought in as replacements.

“James Brown led a remarkable life for what he accomplished personally, but even more so because he impacted the times in which he lived,” said Mark Nelson, vice president and senior executive producer of CNN Productions. “His risked his success for civil rights and poor people’s issues when doing so was unpopular and dangerous. His troubles offer a warning against personal excess, but he was a living legend who remains iconic of cultural pride, self-reliance and generosity.”

The producers for this program are Kate Albright-Hanna, Kate Andrews, Nadia Kounang and Emily Probst; the executive producer for this program is Kathy Slobogin. Don Lemon anchors CNN Newsroom weekdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with Kyra Phillips and reports breaking news for other broadcasts.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live news video service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.