CNN Press Release - Erin Burnett will join CNN Worldwide as anchor and chief business and economics correspondent, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. Burnett will anchor a weekday general news program and will contribute to CNN’s coverage of national and international breaking news events and contribute reporting to CNN.com.
Burnett will begin in June and will be based in CNN’s New York Headquarters.
“Erin Burnett is a talented journalist and her perspective will add meaningfully to CNN’s coverage of the top national and international news stories we cover each day,” said Walton. “Erin is the kind of all-star player that knows how to connect-the-dots and translate events into relevant information for viewers.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the world’s preeminent news organization,” said Burnett. “I cannot wait to launch our new show: tackling serious issues and telling great stories. The experience I gained at CNBC and NBC News will be invaluable as I expand my focus. I began my journalism career at CNN, so this is like coming home for me.”
“We are thrilled to have Erin Burnett join our lineup,” said Ken Jautz, executive vice president of CNN. “In addition to her daily show, which will launch this summer, Erin will add depth and dimension to CNN’s ongoing reporting on the top stories facing the nation and the world.”
Burnett joins CNN from CNBC where she anchored the weekday programs Squawk on the Street and Street Signs. Her focus on global business news included her reporting from locations as varied as China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She has focused extensively on the Middle East, covering stories in Iran, Iraq, Libya and, most recently, the revolution in Egypt.
Burnett anchored several documentaries while at CNBC, including, “India Rising: The New Empire,” “City of Money and Mystery,” “The Russian Gamble,” “On Assignment: Iraq” and “Dollars & Danger: Africa, The Final Investment Frontier.” In addition, Burnett was a contributor to NBC’s Today and Meet the Press and MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
Burnett is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and was selected as one of Fortune Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2009.
CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source 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; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively-syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.
CNN Announces Interactive Integration For Royal Wedding Coverage
CNN has released details of ways they will integrate interactive features into their coverage of the Royal wedding on Friday. Details from CNN follow.
CNN Press Release:On-air integration of iReport, Facebook and Twitter places viewers at the center of CNN’s coverage
On Friday, April 29, beginning at 4 a.m., ET, CNN’s global coverage of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton will uniquely incorporate Facebook, Twitter and iReport, the network’s global participatory news community, into its television programming. These on-air integrations will enable consumers to share in the experience with their family and friends in real-time, as well as contribute first-person perspectives on the day’s events – all while witnessing the biggest royal wedding event since Charles married Diana.
“CNN’s three-screen coverage of the Royal Wedding is unique because it empowers the global audience to interact with each other and with our anchors, whose knowledge of the Royal Family is unparalleled,” said Janelle Rodriguez, director of programming for CNN/U.S.
The primary social media integrations on CNN’s and CNN International’s simulcast of the special coverage of the Royal Wedding will include:
Twitter: Utilizing the hashtag #CNNtv, CNN will solicit responses and reaction from viewers on Twitter during the live broadcast. Selected tweets from viewers will be displayed alongside the live video coverage in a “slow stream.” Additionally, CNN will curate tweets from relevant influentials, such as celebrities, fashion designers, politicians and friends of the Royal Family, which will appear in the lower-third banner of the broadcast.
Facebook: During the live broadcast, the lower third also will feature select Facebook Status Updates, providing a snapshot of sentiment on Facebook about different aspects of the Royal Wedding through real-time keywords analysis.
CNN Scan It: Special two-dimensional barcodes will appear throughout CNN’s special coverage of the Royal Wedding prompting viewers with smartphones to “scan” the code, which automatically loads the CNN Mobile Royal Wedding Planner – no typing required. This simple, point-and-shoot tool allows television viewers to seamlessly transition to CNN’s special coverage of the wedding available on smartphones.
Additionally, the winner of CNN’s Royal Wedding iReporter Contest, Jason Sauter of Orlando, Florida, will travel to London to join CNN’s Royal Wedding team, and will appear during the network’s special coverage beginning on Thursday. With more than 750,000 iReporters around the globe and an iReport submitted from every country in the world, CNN also is issuing an open invitation for people to share their Royal Wedding experiences via iReport, whether they are in London or simply celebrating at home by visiting http://on.cnn.com/fucnKE. Select vetted iReports about the Wedding will be featured throughout CNN’s television coverage of the wedding.
Finally, on GetGlue, the leading social network for entertainment where users can check-in and share what they are watching, listening to and reading with friends, people who watch CNN’s special coverage the week of the Royal Wedding can unlock exclusive CNN Royal Wedding stickers, including:
The New York Times' Brian Stelter reports that CNBC anchor Erin Burnett could soon be jumping ship to CNN. (via ICN)
The signing will represent a shift to general news anchoring for Ms. Burnett, who has shown interest in branching out beyond business news, CNBC’s specialty. It is unclear what time slot she will occupy at CNN.
Ms. Burnett, who was considered a rising star within CNBC and its parent, NBCUniversal MeLinkdia, held talks with two broadcast networks, ABC and CBS, before deciding to join CNN, according to two of the people. They insisted on anonymity because the deal had not been made public.
A spokeswoman for CNN, a unit of Time Warner, declined comment on Wednesday night.
You can read more from Stelter's article here and Inside Cable News' take on the situation here.
HLN Announces Royal Wedding Coverage & Special Programming
HLN has released details of their plans for coverage on Friday for the Royal wedding. Details from the press release folllows.
HLN Press Release:The Royal Wedding on Morning Express with Robin Meade 6 a.m. -12 noon ET
Airing of the Royal Wedding with frequent commentary from Robin Meade in Atlanta, Lisa Vanderpump (HLN Royal Wedding Contributor) in NY and reports from Showbiz Tonight co-host Brooke Anderson in London.
Royal Wedding Recap with Robin Meade 5-7 p.m. ET
Replay of wedding with commentary from HLN host Jane Velez-Mitchell, Anderson and Showbiz Tonight co-host, AJ Hammer.
“Joy Behar’s Royal Wedding After Party” 7 and 10 p.m. ET
Hosted by Joy Behar with special guests JOAN COLLINS, LISA RINNA, LISA VANDERPUMP (Bravo’s Real Housewife of Los Angeles and HLN Royal Wedding Contributor), NATE BERKUS (Designer and host, ‘The Nate Berkus Show’), JAY MANUEL (Fashion Expert) and COLIN QUINN (Comedian) will dish on every aspect of the Royal Wedding, and aren’t afraid to go there. Joined by a studio audience, Joy’s reception style after party will also include live shots from CNN’s Richard Quest in London who will provide colorful commentary on the big day.
Nancy Grace 8-9 p.m. ET
Full hour of highlights from London.
Showbiz Tonight 11 p.m. ET
Anderson will anchor a full hour of coverage from London, with Hammer in New York. The hour will feature the most memorable and unexpected moments of the wedding, the stars who were there, and the most talked-about fashion hits and misses.
Throughout the day, HLN will showcase viewer submitted love, wedding stories and pictures, and encourage viewers to post comments on Facebook and Twitter.
CNN has scored seven nominations in the 15th Annual Webby Awards, an international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including web sites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites.
CNN's nominations this year:
News/Handheld devices category - CNN Mobile Web/Radio/Podcast category - CNN Podcasts News & Politics: Individual Episode category - CNN Money Financial Services Category - CNN Money Online Film and Video/Video Remixes/Mashups - CNN Walk Around the World Web/Best Visual Design – Function - CNN Home And Away Best Navigation/Structure - CNN Home And Away
Voting in the 15th Annual Webby Awards is open now and closes on April 28. The winners will be announced in an online ceremony on June 13.
CNN says despite a slowing of breaking news events in the month of April, the network experienced viewer growth. Details from CNN follows.
CNN Press Release:CNN POSTS STRONG GAINS IN APRIL -- INCREASING 31% IN PRIMETIME VS. A YEAR AGO; TOPS MSNBC IN TOTAL DAY IN BOTH TOTAL VIEWERS & DEMO
In the Arena is Up 30%, Piers Morgan Tonight Increases 20% and Anderson Cooper 360 Grows 35%; While FNC declines Each Hour in Primetime
John King, USA is Up 58%, The Situation Room Grows 44% in Demo
As the breaking news cycle cooled in April, CNN continued to post big gains and grew more than any other cable news network compared to a year ago – increasing an impressive +31% in M-F primetime (201k vs. 154k), +25% in total day (154k vs. 123k) and +33% during dayside (162k vs. 122k) in the key demo adults 25-54. Also in April, CNN topped MSNBC in total day (6a-6a) among both total viewers (452k vs. 429k) and in the key demo (154k vs. 147k); FNC was down -6% (272k vs. 288k) in the demo.
While CNN saw a +31% increase in M-F primetime in April, MSNBC was up only 7% (273k vs. 256k) and Fox News declined -10% (543k vs. 600k) compared to last year among 25-54. In addition, each CNN primetime (M-F) program also saw substantial double-digit demo gains vs. a year ago.
CNN’s In the Arena was the only program at 8 pm to gain viewers compared to April 2010 – increasing +30% (157k vs. 121k), MSNBC’s Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell was down -5% (258k vs. 272k) and FNC’s O’Reilly Factor was off -9% (701k vs. 774k) in the demo 25-54. Since In the Arena launched (February 28) the program is up +72% among 25-54 vs. 4th quarter (232k vs. 135k), while MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell is down -14% since his launch (January 24) vs. Olbermann’s 4th quarter average (248k vs. 288k).
In April, Piers Morgan Tonight continued to grow and increased more than the other cable news networks at 9 pm in the demo vs. year-ago programming – up +20% (189k vs. 157k), MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show was up 13% (315k vs. 279k) and FNC’s Hannity was down -3% (525k vs. 541k). In addition, compared to CNN’s 4th quarter average Piers Morgan launch-to-date is up +61% in the demo (274k vs. 170k) and +30% among total viewers (856k vs. 657k).
AC 360 also grew the most compared to the other cable news networks at 10 pm vs. last year – increasing +35% (244k vs. 181k), MSNBC’s The Ed Show/Docs grew 22% (247k vs. 203k) while Fox News’s On the Record dropped double digits, losing -14% of its key demo audience in April (413k vs. 480k).
At 7 pm, John King, USA was also up this month, increasing +58% in the demo 25-54 (172k vs. 109k) and +23% in total viewers (523k vs. 426k) vs. April 2010.
At 5 pm, CNN’s Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer increased +41% in the demo vs. last year (173k vs. 123k), and topped MSNBC’s Hardball (156k). The Situation Room also increased +24% in total viewers (630k vs.509k) vs. a year ago. FNC’s Glenn Beck continued to experience declines in April compared to a year ago – decreasing -25% in the key demo 25-54 (455k vs. 609k) and declined -12% in total viewers (1.906m vs. 2.171m). In addition, the Situation Room at 6 pm was up +44% in the demo (179k vs. 124k) and increased +16% in total viewers (570k vs. 490k).
In April, CNN Newsroom (9am to 5pm) bested MSNBC every hour in both total viewers and the key demo 25-54, posting gains from 14%-53% each hour in the demo. In head-to-head comparisons with MSNBC’s daytime non-opinion programming, CNN had a +54% advantage in total viewers (531k vs. 344k) and a +74% lead among adults 25-54 (162k vs. 93k). Specifically, at 1 pm CNN Newsroom was up +51% in the demo 25-54 and at 4 pm, the Brooke Baldwin led-hour increased +53%.
State of the Union with Candy Crowley on Sunday at 9 am also grew compared to a year ago, up +17% (152k vs. 130k) and at noon increased +25% (175k vs. 140k). Fareed Zakaria GPS at 10 am grew +21% (156k vs. 129k) and Reliable Sources was up +34% (173k vs. 129k) in the demo 25-54.
CNN reached a cumulative audience of 93.7 million viewers in April, FNC lagged behind with 78.1 million and MSNBC averaged 73.7 million.
***
HLN's monthly ratings report was not provided to CNN Observations this month, but TV Newser has the details from HLN here.
India's Business-Insider.com looks at the challenges of news outlets going digital with Nick Wrenn, Vice President of Digital Services at CNN International.
Does digital/cross-platform content become easier to deliver if you have your own news gathering infrastructure like CNN?
Absolutely. I believe that traditional and new media platforms are collaborators, with each complementing the strengths of the other to provide a more holistic experience to consumers/viewers. CNN pioneered online news in 1995 and the website was re-launched in October 2009. Our content ownership strategy has allowed us to expand the depth and breadth of coverage on cnn.com and across other new media platforms.
For instance, we have recently launched CNN applications for the iPad and iPhone, allowing users to access news anytime, anywhere. For the first eight weeks after the launch, these apps were ranked number 1 or number 2 among all the available apps in countries across the world. This also means that programmes and anchors/correspondents have a strong presence on social networking platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, reaching out to consumers on a variety of platforms. Twitter and Facebook have also been key in reporting breaking news, whether in the case of natural calamities such as the Japan earthquake and tsunami or social and political upheavals such as those witnessed in Egypt and Libya.
CNN International’s user generated online community, iReport, invites audiences to participate in the storytelling. For instance, post the earthquake in Japan, one of our iReporters in Japan brought our global audiences worldwide perspective on the on-ground situation via Skype. Have a look at a new concept we’ve developed called Open Story, which allows us to present a wide range of content about one issue on one page. In the first 36 hours after the quake and tsunami in Japan, we received more than 700 iReports, which became an integral part of our network’s coverage of that appall-ing story.
Why does monetisation of digital remain such a challenge? From the CNN experience, how much does digital contribute to top line and bottom line for the brand?
I can’t disclose commercial figures but I can say that CNN’s digital businesses are profitable and have been for many years.
You can read more excerpts from the Q&A online here.
The AC360 blog has unveiled a new design. Featuring interactive features on CNN.com and GetGlue, the new look went live on Monday. CNN's notes on the new look and interactive features follows.
CNN Press Release: CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 today unveiled new interactive digital experiences for AC360 viewers, both on CNN.com and GetGlue, the leading social network for entertainment, where users can check-in and share what they are watching, listening to and reading with friends.
On CNN.com, the redesigned AC360.com presents users with a visually dynamic blog, keeping them informed of the latest stories being investigated by the AC360 team. The main page leads with a horizontal bar allowing users to scroll through the day’s top stories, and dive deeper into blog postings and clips from the previous night’s show. AC360.com users also can drill down into several categories, including Keeping them Honest, Raw Politics, Crime and Punishment, The Ridiculist, and AC361, a new daily online-exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the show told through videos and photos taken by the AC360 staff.
Along the right rail of AC360.com, users can access and retweet the latest tweets from Anderson’s Twitter feed, @andersoncooper, as well as the show’s, @AC360. Users also can subscribe to and watch the AC360 Daily Podcast, become a fan of AC360 on Facebook and access the transcripts of recent shows, all directly from the show blog.
This is our weekly round-up of the tidbits that didn't make it to a post of their own, but are worth noting, along with news items that we've covered that may need a second look.
- Stephanie Elam finished up at CNN on Friday. The former business news correspondent tweeted the news early Friday morning: "Today is my last day live on CNN -- I'm leaving to be with my family in California!"
- CNN sues Haiti broadcaster for using 'HLN' trademark.
- CNN’s Anderson Cooperreluctantly trains for his Royal Wedding adventure.
- Piers Morganon bad ratings: "It's been a pretty good four months".
CNN and CNN International will mark Earth Day with a 60 minute special this weekend. Details from CNN are below.
CNN Press Release: In observation of Earth Day, CNN photojournalists are pairing with Eatocracy – CNN's blog devoted to all things edible – to take a special look at problems facing our planet and people who are trying to make a difference. From a “wild man” foraging for food in a big city, to a band of beekeepers determined to rescue a disappearing pollinator, the latest installment of CNN’s award-winning "In Focus" photojournalist series, hosted by Tom Foreman, spotlights people’s efforts to save our planet and nourish a nation.
Green Solutions In Focus airs Saturday 3:00pm to 4:00pm ET on CNN and and Sunday 3:00pm to 4:00pm on CNN International. For more information on Green Solutions In Focus, visit www.eatocracy.cnn.com/infocus.
Soledad O'Brien's latest special debuts this weekend on CNN Domestic. Details from CNN follow.
CNN Press Release: CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien examines the lives of Catherine Middleton and Prince William in a documentary that explores how the future King and Queen have been influenced by the legacy of his mother, Princess Diana, and are forging a very modern royal marriage. O’Brien chronicles their friendship-turned-romance, and how they are preparing for an “ordinary” married life in North Wales following their nuptials.
CNN Presents: The Women Who Would Be Queen debuts Sunday, April 24 at 8:00pm ET & PT.
Speaking about young Prince William’s early life, Christopher Andersen, author of several books about the royal family, tells O’Brien that sometimes Princess Diana’s eldest son was a witness to his parent’s troubled marriage. Andersen suggests the prince’s early sad family experiences may yield insights into his deliberation for his own romantic life, and to what drew the prince to his fiancée.
“William became sort of ‘the fixer’ ... here’s this little boy when his mother locks herself in the bathroom after an argument with Charles, and she’s sobbing, and here’s little seven-year-old William slipping tissues under the door and saying, ‘I hate to see you sad, Mummy’ ... so ... he meets Kate and Kate exposes him to a happy family for the first time ...stability,” Andersen tells O’Brien in the documentary.
Young Diana and young Kate are described by friends as painfully shy. Princess Diana was said by many who knew her to have long nursed a crush on Prince Charles, and friends of Kate Middleton have related that, similarly Kate long admired William from afar. And in 2000, both Prince William and Katherine Middleton spent portions of their “gap” years, between secondary school and university, in volunteer service in Chile, though ironically, the two were on separate missions and never met.
Kate is said to have switched her initial selection of Edinburgh University to St. Andrews University shortly after the palace announced that Prince William would be attending university there, though later, it would be Kate who would encourage struggling student, Prince William, that he could indeed make it through their challenging courses. They both completed their studies in art history there.
After their graduations, their romance took on more public visibility – and became more complicated. Reminiscent of Princess Diana, paparazzi aggressively followed Kate, and Prince William worried about Kate’s safety. The prince entered his military training, and sometimes Kate was alone for long periods. Prince William broke off their relationship in 2007, after seeking counsel from his father. Of course, the world knows the couple later reconciled and the documentary gives details of their engagement, including how and where the prince popped the question.
O’Brien describes the ways in which the couple has seemed to pursue a strong foundation for marriage – living together for a time, taking premarital counseling, and preparing for a simple early married life far from Buckingham Palace. O’Brien also reports on the moving ways in which the couple is honoring the legacy of the prince’s mother in their marriage ceremony, including Prince William’s selection of the engagement ring for his bride-to-be, and in the location the couple will take their vows, Westminster Abbey.
Also featured in the documentary are interviews with Oliver Baines, a friend of Kate Middleton’s days at boarding school; Mary Clarke, Lady Diana’s nanny; Arthur Edwards, who has photographed both princes' lives during his 30-year career at The Sun newspaper; Berkshire pub owner and Middleton family friend John Haley; long-time friends of the couple Jules Knight and Richard Dennen; Dr. James Colthurst, Lana Marks, and Mary Robertson, long time friends of Princess Diana; Malcolm Sutherland, leader for Kate Middleton’s and Prince William’s separate Chilean volunteer service expeditions; Penny Walker, Lady Diana’s music teacher; Charles Warren, one of Prince William’s lecturers at St. Andrews; and Ken Wharfe, bodyguard for the royal family.
Airtimes for CNN Presents: The Women Who Would be Queen on CNN Domestic (all times Eastern):
Sunday, April 24, 2011
8:00pm – 9:00pm 11:00pm – 12:00am
Monday, April 25, 2011
2:00am – 3:00am
Saturday, April 30, 2011
8:00pm – 9:00pm 11:00pm – 12:00am
Sunday, May 01, 2011
2:00am – 3:00am
Airtimes for CNN Presents: The Women Who Would be Queen on CNN International (all times GMT):
CNN announced their schedule for April 29th Royal Wedding coverage today :
12am-1am Piers Morgan Tonightreplay 1am-2am Anderson Cooper 360°replay 2am-3am CNN International (live) 3am-4am CNN International (live) **4am-10am** ‘A Royal Wedding’ - CNN Worldwide live coverage 10am-11am CNN Newsroom 11am-12pm CNN Newsroom 12pm-1pm CNN Newsroom 1pm-2pm CNN Newsroom 2pm-3pm CNN Newsroom 3pm-4pm CNN Newsroom 4pm-5pm CNN Newsroom 5pm-7pm The Situation Room 7pm-8pm John King, USA 8pm-10pm Piers Morgan Tonight 10pm-12am Anderson Cooper 360°
CNN App Launches For Android Phones Launches Globally
CNN has released their new app for Android users. Details from CNN's press release follows.
CNN Press Release: Free App Brings iReport, Personalization Features, Global Radio Content and Live Video to Android Phones
CNN today announced that the CNN App for Android Phones is available globally for free on Android Market™. The CNN App combines intuitive navigation with an immersive news experience, giving users direct access to CNN’s global resources – from live field reporting to user-generated content and a variety of enterprise interviews and podcasts.
“Android users are extremely discerning, and will accept nothing less than a first-rate app that showcases high quality, world-class content – and enables them to share it,” said Louis Gump, vice president ofMobileat CNN. “We built the CNN App with these desires specifically in mind, and are excited to offer the millions of Android phone users around the world with access to CNN’s global reporting.”
Available on Android powered phones running on platforms 2.1and above*, the CNN App showcases news of the day through text, audio and photos, live and on-demand video, and a direct gateway to CNN iReport, the network’s participatory news community. By clicking on the menu button, users can seamlessly toggle betweenU.S. and International editions, each of which includes all of the features of the CNN App.
Drawing on the resources of CNN Radio, the CNN App also features a robust section devoted to audio content. The Radio section of the App includes hourly news updates, original reports from CNN Radio correspondents, audio of interviews from CNN television, and podcast series about politics, entertainment, tech and food. Users can personalize their radio experience by selecting audio “Favorites,” thereby creating their own listening experience for when they’re on-the-go
The Profile section of the app offers further personalization. Users can track local news and weather based on location and view stories they’ve saved for later – even when they’re offline. Text stories and images can also be shared directly from the App via email, Facebook and Twitter.
The CNN App features push-notification breaking news alerts, and a widget that allows a user to view the latest headlines from a variety of categories directly from the phone’s home screen, without even opening the app.
Lexus is the exclusive launch sponsor for the CNN Android app in the United States, as part of a larger integrated media plan spanning CNN linear, online and mobile web platforms. Lexus’ creative will feature the CT Hybrid model through slates displayed before video content on the app and through clickable banner ads linking users to their mobile-optimized website.
CNN has announced details of Larry King's first of four specials for the network. Details below.
CNN Press Release: CNN Presents: A Larry King Special – Unthinkable: the Alzheimer’s Epidemic. Larry King Special to air May 1 at 8pm ET.
On Sunday May 1st, CNN will air the first Larry King special, premiering at 8pm ET/PT and will be titled “Unthinkable: the Alzheimer’s Epidemic.” It’s being called the disease of the 21st century as an estimated 5.4 million people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is the sixth-leading cause of death across all ages in the United States, but many Americans still do not know much about this illness. The one-hour special will look into Alzheimer’s disease, who gets it and why, the race to find effective treatments and a possible cure.
King will be joined by people who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and will include interviews with former First Lady Laura Bush and California’s former First Lady and Alzheimer’s activist Maria Shriver; actors Seth Rogen, and Angie Dickinson; TV host Leeza Gibbons; football star Terrell Owens and son of President Ronald Reagan, Ron Reagan. Neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta will explain what Alzheimer’s is and how this disease affects the human brain.
Seth Rogen, talks to King about supporting his fiancée and her family as they deal with her mom’s early diagnosis at the age of fifty-five. He wants the world to know this is a young person’s problem too, “More and more people in our generation are gonna have to deal with it,” Rogen said. “We're dealing with it before most people have to,” he tells King. “But as you get older and you see it happening to your parents, and ultimately realize it could happen to yourself and your friends, it becomes much more real and not some imaginary old person problem, you know?” Shriver, in the first interview she’s given since losing her father, Sargent Shriver, to Alzheimer’s disease this year tells King, “I think anybody who’s not concerned about Alzheimer’s is in denial.”
In addition to visiting the Mayo Clinic, Larry King will visit the cutting-edge Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, and he will be joined by Ron Reagan. While there, one of them will take a brain scan that will indicate if he is at risk for Alzheimer’s or other memory disorders, and one will opt out. Tune in and as they will share the results with the audience and talk to Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, Director, Cleveland
Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and Larry Ruvo, philanthropist and visionary, to see how doctors are treating patients and what people can do to diminish their risk for Alzheimer’s. Dr. Ronald Petersen, Director, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, who treated President Reagan warned, “If we don't do something about Alzheimer's disease right now, Alzheimer's disease in and of itself may bankrupt the healthcare system.” The special hour will also broadcast on CNNi and will re-air on Saturday, May 7 at 8pm ET/PT. For additional information please visit Alz.org. Exclusive content will be featured on CNN.com including interviews with actor David Hyde Pierce and Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association.
After a week's break, we're back with Weekly Observations and regular posting (as you may have noticed earlier this week). We hit up Atlanta this week and will have a review of the Inside CNN Studio Tour coming up very soon!
This is our weekly round-up of the tidbits that didn't make it to a post of their own, but are worth noting, along with news items that we've covered that may need a second look.
- Inside Cable News reveals details of a pilot CNN shot with Soledad O'Brien earlier this week.
- CNN director, lifetime employee honored by alma mater.
CNN Press Release - Kate Bolduan will join CNN’s Capitol Hill unit, it was announced today by David Bohrman, senior vice president of programming and Washington bureau chief. Bolduan will begin her new assignment Monday, April 25.
"Since Kate came over from Newsource, it has seemed like there was no story, no beat, no topic she couldn’t master,” said Bohrman. “She has excelled at everything from filling in at the White House, to covering the Supreme Court and even anchoring. Kate will be a great partner with Dana Bash and our Capitol Hill team as we move in to the exciting and unpredictable 2012 election year.”
Previously, Bolduan served as general assignment correspondent, where she covered a wide-range of stories including the 2009 Christmas Day bombing attempt, landmark Supreme Court rulings on campaign finance in the case of Citizens United v. FEC, gun rights in McDonald v. City of Chicago, and religious freedom in Salazar v. Buono. She also provided coverage of the rollout of the government’s $787 billion stimulus plan in 2009.
Bolduan joined CNN in 2007 as a national correspondent for CNN Newsource, providing breaking news coverage and feature reports for more than 800 CNN Newsource affiliates. During her time with Newsource, Bolduan covered the 2008 presidential election and traveled throughout the United States covering other national headlines including the Minneapolis bridge collapse, O.J. Simpson armed robbery case and launches and landings of the retiring NASA space shuttle fleet.
Prior to joining CNN Newsource, Bolduan was a general assignment reporter for WTVD-TV in Raleigh, N.C. She began her television career as a production assistant for NBC News and MSNBC in Washington D.C.
Bolduan graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from The George Washington University.
CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source 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; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.
NY Post: HLN's Brooke Anderson To Co-Host 'The Insider'
The New York Post reports that HLN's Brooke Anderson is set to replace Lara Spencer as co-host of the syndicated entertainment show, 'The Insider'.
Anderson, 32, will join Kevin Frazier on the syndicated show.
Anderson, who's based in LA, will host HLN's coverage of the Royal Wedding and is expected to join "The Insider" next month.
The New York Post has a short statement from 'The Insider' executive producer Linda Bell Blue, as well as 'Showbiz Tonight' senior producer David Levine.
CNNI's News Stream Looks At Technology's Role In Ending Modern-Day Slavery
CNN International's News Stream this week throws the spotlight on the role of technology in ending modern-day slavery, part of the network's CNN Freedom Project.
CNN Press Release: Did you know that there are at least 10 million men, women and children worldwide being sold and forced to work as slaves? CNN is marshalling its global resources for a year-long initiative that shines a spotlight on the horrors of modern-day slavery, amplify the voices of the victims and help unravel the complicated tangle of criminal enterprises trading in human life.
In a week of special coverage starting April 11th for 'The CNN Freedom Project: Ending Modern-Day Slavery', CNN's technology-powered news program 'News Stream' investigates the role of technology in ending this cruel and inhumane treatment of human beings featuring in-depth reports, interviews and analysis.
Host Kristie Lu Stout breaks down the hard data behind human trafficking to interactively show viewers where the key trafficking routes are around the world and who the big offenders are. She highlights what Hollywood couple Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher are doing to raise awareness of modern-day slavery and follow the impact of their campaign online.
'News Stream' also profiles the courageous groups and individuals on the frontlines doing genuinely admirable work. Kristie hears from David Batstone, a modern-day abolitionist who leads the 'Not For Sale' anti-human trafficking campaign. Batstone discusses how he tracks trafficking and saves victims from this horrific way of living.
The program hears how the internet brings people together to stop sex trafficking. Kristie speaks to Daniel Reetz, a blogger who used an online message board to prevent his two Russian female friends from falling into a trafficking scam. 'News Stream' also speaks to Justin Dillon, a rock musician whose desire to put on a benefit concert for anti-slavery charities grew into a "rockumentary" titled 'Call+Response'.
In addition, 'News Stream' shows viewers how they can help. The program looks at what kind of mobile apps can be used to take action and introduces what "slave free" products are. Kristie engages with global viewers via social media and hears how they are taking a stand against human slavery.
This special series on News Stream airs at 8pm Hong Kong time every night this week.
CNN Signs ESPN’s LZ Granderson As Online Contributor
CNN has added ESPN's LZ Granderson to their growing stable of online contributors. Details from CNN follows.
CNN Press Release: CNN today announced award-winning writer LZ Granderson as the latest addition to its growing roster of op-ed contributors online. Beginning April 12, Granderson will pen a weekly column for CNN Opinion focusing on how social and cultural issues affect the way life is lived in America today.
A senior writer and columnist for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com, Granderson has written several guest columns for CNN.com on topics ranging from Sarah Palin to Charlie Sheen to the younger Barbara Bush’s endorsement of same-sex marriage. His pieces have been among the most widely read and commented on by CNN.com’s users. (Watch above video of Granderson responding to user comments to his previous article "Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump and race.") “We’re delighted to welcome LZ to a team of outstanding contributors who delight, inspire and sometimes rouse readers with their insights into the world we live in,” said Richard Galant, senior producer for CNN Opinion.
Regular CNN Opinion contributors include: John Avlon, senior political columnist for The Daily Beast; Democratic strategists and CNN political contributors Paul Begala and Donna Brazile; CNN contributor and Washington fellow of the Claremont Institute William Bennett; CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen; CNN senior political analysts Gloria Borger and David Gergen; former special assistant to President George W. Bush David Frum; best-selling author Bob Greene; CNN contributor and syndicated columnist Roland Martin; syndicated columnist and NPR commentator Ruben Navarrette Jr., and Julian Zelizer, author and professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University.
"Now more than ever, CNN is the place people come to dig into diverse viewpoints, ideas and cultural observations," said Meredith Artley, VP and managing editor of CNN Digital. “Online, we're making good on that promise by pushing out pieces every day that foster a dynamic conversation and touch on our interesting times."
Under Galant’s direction, CNN Opinion has grown into a premiere source for insight and analysis about the issues impacting society at home and around the world. Launched in October 2009, the section’s traffic has steadily climbed, moving from an average monthly total of 10 million page views in 2010 to an average of 15 million page views per month in 2011 – a 43 percent increase. During March 2011 alone, CNN Opinion generated more than 17 million global page views, accounting for the section’s highest trafficked month ever.
Past guest contributors to CNN Opinion also have included former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Sen. John Kerry; actors Denzel Washington and Mia Farrow; author Jonathan Safran Foer; education historian and author Diane Ravitch; and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. CNN Opinion also features video interviews with celebrities, artists and authors, such as Malcolm Gladwell, Sarah Silverman and David Byrne.
Through its partnership with TED, CNN Opinion also features TED Talk Tuesdays, highlighting a selected talk from a TED conference each week. CNN.com also produces additional editorial content to supplement the Talk, including follow-up interviews with TED speakers, commentaries or original reporting around the Talk’s subject to provide users with a wide range of points of view.
CNN to Produce Republican Presidential Primary Debate in Nevada
CNN yesterday announced a third Republican debate they'll host in Las Vegas this October. CNN's press release follows.
CNN Press Release: The Western Republican Leadership Conference (WRLC) announced Wednesday that it has selected CNN to host a Republican presidential primary debate in Las Vegas on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Nevada has been chosen by the Republican National Committee (RNC) to be one of the first states to vote in the Republican presidential primary process in 2012.
Republican leaders and activists from 16 states and territories that make up the RNC’s Western Region will meet at the The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas during the week of October 17 for the “Western Republican Leadership Conference.” The debate will take place as part of the WRLC’s four-day conference and will provide voters from across the nation an opportunity to hear Republican presidential candidates offer their visions for the future.
"Republicans in Western States will play an important role in determining the next Republican nominee for president," said former Nevada Congressman Jon Porter, chairman of the Western Republican Leadership Conference. "On behalf of the Western Republican Leadership Conference, I am excited to be working with CNN on this important debate. I look forward to hosting our 2012 Presidential candidates, and showcasing their ideas on Western and national issues."
“Nevada is the gateway to the West in the 2012 Republican presidential primary,” said Sam Feist, CNN’s political director and vice president of Washington programming. “This is an opportunity for GOP presidential candidates to speak, in person, to Nevada Caucus-goers as well as voters from the 15 other states and territories represented by the Western Region.”
WRLC attendees will have an opportunity to participate in questioning the candidates seeking the Republican presidential nomination. The Western Region includes: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
CNN will also co-host two other debates in 2011 as previously announced. CNN, along with the New Hampshire Union Leader and WMUR-TV, will present a Republican presidential primary debate on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 in Manchester, New Hampshire. On Monday, September 12, 2011, CNN and the Tea Party Express will team up for a debate among the Republican candidates in Tampa, Florida, the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention.
The Western Republican Leadership Conference is a four-day conference designed to educate, motivate and activate Republicans from the Republican National Committee’s Western Region. Hosted by The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas in October of 2011, the event will feature Republican candidates, operatives, leaders and elected officials from around the Western Region and the nation. The WRLC will spotlight Nevada’s new and unique role as the first in the West Republican Presidential nominating contest.
CNN en Español Adds Elizabeth Pérez To Sports Team
Sports journalist Elizabeth Pérez is the latest catch for the expanding CNN en Español network. CNN's press release follows.
CNN Press Release: CNN en Español continues to expand its team of journalists, and as part of this process announces the hiring of Elizabeth Pérez as part of the network’s Sports team. Perez will be covering the latest and most relevant news in the world of sports throughout the daytime programming. This, in addition to the daily sports appointment Deportes CNN, hosted by Diego Bustos, airing Monday to Friday at 10:00 pm and 12:00 am (ET) and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 pm (ET).
“With the expansion of the network’s sports journalist team, now sports fans will not have to wait to receive the latest news about their favorite team or player,” said Cynthia Hudson, senior vice president and general manager of CNN en Español and Hispanic strategy for CNN/U.S. “Our viewers are assiduous sports fans, and we are pleased to bring, throughout the day, everything they want to know about this fascinating world with the hiring of a dynamic journalist such as Elizabeth.”.
Pérez joined CNN en Español after working as TV presenter for the sports segments on Telemundo News, based in Miami, where she was also invited as a guest reporter on the extreme sport show, Ritmo Deportivo.
Perez has covered significant sporting events such as NASCAR in Indianapolis, Indy300 in the Homestead Speedway, the Red Bull SoapBox race in St. Louis, The Air and Boat show in Ft. Lauderdale and the Smash Super Bowl party for the NFL. She has also interviewed relevant figures in the world of sports, music and arts such as Oscar de la Renta, Udonis Haslem, Shaquille O’Neal, Carl Lewis, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Emerson Fitipaldi, Miguel Cabrera, Shakira, David Bisbal, Daddy Yankee, Chayanne, Juanes, América Ferrera and Enrique Iglesias, among others.
In 2008, Perez received the highest award given by the National Academy of Arts and Science Television (NATAS) in the United States, the Emmy Award for Best on Camera News Talent, for her work at Telemundo News. She holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communications from Florida International University.
CNNGo, CNN's culture and travel website has expanded its coverage and launched Sydney as its seventh featured city. CNN's press releases follow.
CNN Press Release: CNNGo just couldn't stay away from Australia's biggest city any longer - Sydney is now the seventh city to be on the CNNGo.com travel and lifestyle site.
The introduction of Sydney on CNNGo will bolster tourism to, and interest in, the city - offering users from Sydney, from Australia and all over the world a unique insight and perspective into this vibrant and culturally rich destination.
Launched late 2009, CNNGo explores travel, lifestyle, personalities, entertainment and trends in the most fascinating and diverse places in the world - Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and now Sydney.
Andrew Demaria, Editor in Chief at CNNGo, said this week, "We are delighted to launch CNNGo Sydney as the latest city to be featured on the CNNGo.com site. Sydney is a major international city. CNNGo's unique focus on Sydney is created locally in the city, by residents that know the city intimately. We aim to provide the ultimate insiders guide for Sydney-siders, Australian tourists and international visitors."
"We focus on the new, the topical, the fascinating, the diverse, the unknown - presenting insider angles from experts in their field that find and provide to our users the most interesting experiences of and insight into this wonderful city."
CNNGo Sydney is created by an expanding network of dozens of Sydney-based writers, journalists, photographers, opinion-makers, bloggers, personalities and trend-setters with experienced Sydney journalist Matt Khoury at the helm as CNNGo Sydney Editor. Matt - who is based at Turner's Sydney office in Pitt Street -- has travelled to almost 60 countries and has written for local and international media, including News Limited and Fairfax.
CNNGo is a city and regional guide produced by insiders for insiders. The site is more than just places to go, things to buy or experience and endless suggestions for great restaurants and bars to enjoy. It offers hard to find insight and perspectives into the characters and culture of each location.
As an independent site that adheres to CNN's editorial Standards and Practices, CNNGo provides a detailed, balanced, real and often gritty ‘view' of the featured cities for locals and travelers alike. It is presented as a sharp, witty, knowledgeable, concise companion produced by those with firsthand experience in each city.
Speaking in Sydney this week, Khoury said, "CNNGo Sydney will allow Sydney-siders to be urban tourists. But we'll also take global tourists to a Sydney they won't necessarily find out about elsewhere. Because we update the site multiple times daily, we can take our readers on constant unique journeys all over the city, giving them insight or experiences across so many aspects of life here - for instance, from Sydney's Rockabilly trend to the city's burgeoning burlesque scene - by exposing the city's unique underground culture, examining the latest dining fad or finding more about the fascinating people that make up this town."
"We will explore places and trends in Sydney that will be new to both global and local tourists, even new to most Sydney-siders. We will seek out the quirky, interesting and novel and always have a sense of humour, doing our best to avoid the clichés and fluff. CNNGo Sydney is aimed at being that comfortable, down to earth, reliable tour guide that speaks the language you speak," added Khoury.
Demaria is hoping Sydney-siders will also be among the first to share their insights into the city, its culture and lifestyle with the world by submitting iReport images video footage to the site.
The launch of CNNGo Sydney coincides with the introduction of iReport on CNNGo -- which will enable users across Asia to share their unique local insights and perspectives of the world around them.
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CNNGo is introducing CNNGo iReport as a dedicated space for community connections, outreach and sharing, specific to travel, entertainment and lifestyle experiences and pursuits of its readers. Designed specifically for users to broadcast and share their stories and perspectives, users can comment on, recommend and share each others' iReport submissions via Twitter, Facebook and other social networks.
A sneak peek at CNNGo Sydney's launch stories reveals what global and local audiences will be reading about:
50 reasons why Sydney is the world's greatest city (launching on the site this weekend)
Sydney's sushi Nazi Goodbye Gday mate - light-hearted opinion piece on dispensing with embarrassing Aussie slang, written by CNNGo's Sydney City Editor Matt Khoury
Microsoft's Peter Bale Joins CNN International Digital
CNN has named Microsoft's Peter Bale as vice president, general manager of CNN International Digital. The press release from CNN is below. CNN Press Release: Peter Bale has joined CNN in the newly created role of vice president and general manager of CNN International Digital, reporting directly to KC Estenson, senior vice president and general manager of CNN Digital. Bale was most recently with Microsoft as International Programming Director for MSN, responsible for content on MSN properties outside the United States.
In this new role, Bale will lead the editorial and commercial functions of CNN Digital outside the United States, articulating the content, product, digital distribution and partnership strategy for the business. He will assume this new position in the late spring, and will be based in London.
As general manager, Bale will be responsible for the global growth of CNN International Digital, including setting the strategic vision, product development and execution. Charged with identifying and developing product, brand and content distribution strategies to further drive revenue and audience, Bale will lead the company’s efforts to grow the reach of CNN's digital offerings outside the United States.
“International expansion is at the center of our growth strategy, and putting someone as strong as Peter into this new position underscores our commitment to extending CNN’s digital reach globally,” said Estenson. “Peter is a proven industry leader, and has demonstrated the ability to work in both traditional and emerging media, combining his deep pedigree in journalism with a keen understanding of the complexities in working for a technology giant.”
“I am thrilled to be joining one of the most respected brands in news. CNN is a leader in news and publishing technology, as its iPad app shows,” said Bale. “I look forward to working with the CNN International team to grow the digital business and its reach to consumers worldwide.”
Previously, Bale was Executive Producer of MSN UK, the largest commercial portal in Britain. A former Reuters correspondent and editor he was also a founder of FTMarketWatch.com and Online Editorial Director of Times Online for News Corporation.
This is our weekly round-up of the tidbits that didn't make it to a post of their own, but are worth noting, along with news items that we've covered that may need a second look.
- CNN producers remember a fallen colleague; one of some 50 + people killed in a sickening attack in Iraq earlier this week.
- CNN Newsroom anchor, Carol Costello, has been making news with her interview with Donald Trump earlier this week. The Huffington Post details the chat in which Costello calls Trump "a joke".
- CNN en Español will launch two new control rooms with advanced technology in Atlanta this spring.
- Katherine Green, CNN International Senior Vice President of Programming, speaks to Sky News Australia.
- Fareed Zakaria appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno earlier this week. Watch part 1 and part 2.
- Africa’s leading telecommunications Company MTN extended its commercial partnership with CNN International this month.
- Japan earthquake, tsunami coverage boosts CNN.com.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre launches new segment sponsorship on CNN International's Back|Story.
- Finally, something we neglected to mention in last week's Weekly Observations. CNN International's News Stream celebrated its 100th show last week. As part of the anniversary, host Kristie Lu Stout posted the top 100 twitter accounts to follow. The list is compiled from those who have "informed and inspired" the program's coverage from day 1. We were completely blown away to make the list with our CNN Observations twitter account and for our CNNfan.org forum twitter account. Here's the full list of the other 98 twitter accounts you should be following.
HLN ADDS ANOTHER FULL HOUR OF NEWS AND VIEWS CONTENT TO PRIME SCHEDULE
CNN Press Release - Dr. Drew Premieres on HLN, Monday, April 4, 9 P.M. ET/PT
Debut of Weeknight Program Kicks-Off HLN’s New Prime, Daytime and Weekend Line-up
One of America’s most talked about doctors, Dr. Drew Pinsky brings his expertise on extreme—and extremely human—behavior to a new weeknight show on HLN. Premiering Monday, April 4, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), Dr. Drew explores the fundamental question ‘why do we do what we do?’ establishing a connection between people at the core of the news conversation and the real lives of HLN viewers. Dr. Drew de-mystifies the motivations behind behavioral issues, placing people at the center of the story. Through intimate discussions with guests, Dr. Drew tackles a broad range of topics on human behavior.
Dr. Drew’s HLN digital extensions continue the conversation from on-air to online, connecting with viewers and users on multiple platforms, including:
* Dr. Drew HLN blog (http://cnn.com/DrDrew): Provides must-share show clips, and serves a resource for users looking for Dr. Drew’s perspective on a multitude of human behaviors. The blog also allows audiences to interact with Dr. Drew by contributing via iReport to suggest show and guest ideas.
* Facebook/DrDrewHLN: Offers a hub for fans to connect and comment on topics, guests and the host. In addition, the page affords behind-the-scenes moments, best-of-show clips of and previews of what’s on next.
* Twitter/DrDrewHLN: Real-time commenting throughout show, offering prizes to followers, and engagement with Dr. Drew fans across the Twittersphere.
Mon, April 4, also sparks HLN’s new daytime, prime and weekend line-up, boasting the following changes:
* Morning Express with Robin Meade extends an hour to 12 noon weekdays (6 a.m.-12 noon ET);
* Nancy Grace remains in her signature 8 p.m. ET/PT weeknight timeslot;
* Dr. Drew debuts at 9 p.m. ET/PT;
* The Joy Behar Show rounds out HLN’s new weekday prime at 10 p.m. ET/PT, highlighting the week with a roster of power women, including Star Jones and Kate Gosselin (Mon), Sherri Shepherd (Tue), Barbara Eden (Wed), Caroline Kennedy (Thu), Eva Longoria (Fri).
HLN also unveiled HLN Mysteries on Sat, March 5. Airing Saturday’s 7 p.m.-6 a.m. ET, the programming block includes TruTV investigative series, Body of Evidence and The Investigators. Since its premiere, HLN Mysteries has increased the network’s viewership by 57% among P2+ (306k vs. 195k) and by 57% in P25-54 (121k vs. 77k) viewership vs. HLN’s 2011 average audience prior to launch.
HLN is a CNN Worldwide network offered in more than 90 million households in the U.S. CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source 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; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the U.S.; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.
