CNN today announced 'Erin Burnett OutFront' as the name of Erin Burnett's show debuting in September. The network also released a teaser promo:
Spud from Inside Cable News doesn't seem to impressed with the spot and breaks down the teaser shot by shot.
Remember those inane pre-launch Parker-Spitzer promos which suggested the show would indeed be as awful as we feared? Promos can positively create an impression or negatively re-enforce one that already existed.
With that in mind lets take a look at the various shots used for the OutFront promo. None of these were accidentally chosen or chosen at random. They were chosen with a purpose and chosen to send a message. It seems that most of these were chosen to define Erin Burnett in terms CNN wanted to play up; specifically her reporting and journalism background. There are not many original ways of accomplishing that anymore. Most of these types of shots have been done so many times, particularly at the local TV news level, that we’ve become desensitized to them to the point that they are cliche.
As rumored last week by various tech blogs, CNN has bought out Zite, a popular news app for the iPad. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release: CNN has acquired technology company Zite, a news app for the iPad that gives users a personalized magazine-like experience, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. CNN has added Zite to its already robust portfolio of digital products as a separate, stand-alone business that will continue to innovate and provide users with the news and information they want.
“Zite represents the next generation of content discovery and personalized publishing, and CNN wants to help lead in that space,” said KC Estenson, general manager of CNN Digital. “We think we can advance the industry in a meaningful way that helps content creators expand their businesses while growing the distribution of a product that people already love. The Zite technology can also help CNN's Websites and apps serve more personalized content, making our current digital services even better.”
Zite is an iPad app that leverages deeper technology to provide an individually personalized experience. Zite surfaces content to users that they will find most interesting from a variety of sources across the Web by learning users' preferences and getting smarter as it’s used.
“Zite is thrilled about combining forces with CNN to create a world-class news discovery platform,” said Mark Johnson, CEO of Zite. “In CNN, we have found a partner who shares our vision and passion. Being part of the CNN family gives us the capital to grow Zite's business and continue to innovate in the space.”
Johnson will continue to run Zite’s day-to-day operations out of headquarters in San Francisco and will report to Estenson. Founder Ali Davar will stay on board as Executive Director. Mike Klass will continue to lead Zite’s technology R&D as CTO. Zite will be a wholly owned subsidiary of CNN.
Available for free on the iPad, users can download Zite from the App Store or iTunes.
About Zite:
Zite is a free, personalized iPad magazine that understands what you like and gets smarter as you use it. Zite helps you discover what you’ve been missing in one convenient app. Zite learns as you use it to bring you the articles you will find most interesting from a variety of sources across the web. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, Zite is wholly-owned subsidiary of CNN. To get to know Zite, go to www.zite.com.
CNN is noting its August numbers. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release: CNN GROWS AN IMPRESSIVE +55% IN M-F PRIMETIME IN AUGUST COMPARED TO A YEAR AGO
CNN’s AC360 TOPS MSNBC AT 8PM IN P25-54 AND IN TOTAL VIEWERS AND THE DEMO AT 10PM
CNN TOPS MSNBC IN TOTAL DAY IN TOTAL VIEWERS AND AMONG KEY DEMO 25-54
In August, CNN continued to post significant year-over-year ratings gains, growing more than any cable news network, increasing +55% in M-F primetime (232k vs. 150k). In addition, CNN tied for second with MSNBC in M-F primetime among P25-54 (232k vs. 232k).
CNN outperformed MSNBC in total day (6a-6a) among both total viewers (540k vs. 429k) and in the key demo 25-54 (189k vs. 143k). CNN grew the most in other key dayparts as well, increasing +63% in total day (189k vs. 116k) and +48% during the daytime in the key demo (173k vs. 117k) compared to last year.
Since AC 360 launched on August 8 at 8 pm, the program has delivered 219k in the key demo 25-54, a +74% increase over year ago programming (126k), a +44% increase vs. last month’s 152k and a 30% increase vs. CNN’s 8pm programming during the second quarter (168k). (For the month, CNN topped MSNBC in the key demo at 8 pm and in the key demo and total viewers at 10 pm – see below).
On Sunday, August 28 during Hurricane Irene coverage from 6a-Noon CNN easily topped FNC and MSNBC in the demo with CNN averaging 650k, FNC followed with 583k and MSNBC had 201k. From 9a-5p on Sunday, CNN averaged 577k, FNC had 510k and MSNBC posted 184k. Meanwhile in primetime, CNN also outperformed the cable news competition with 343k, FNC averaged 256k and MSNBC’s 218k. On Saturday from 9a-5p CNN also topped the competition among the key demo adults 25-54 averaging 647k, FNC had 564k and MSNBC posted 210k.
While CNN saw a +55% increase in overall M-F primetime vs. a year ago (232k vs. 150k), MSNBC was flat (232k vs. 233), and FNC grew 7% (578k vs. 541k). CNN’s signature programs surged with double-digit gains in both the key demo 25-54 and in total viewers in August.
CNN’s AC 360 at 8 pm topped MSNBC in the key demo (219k vs. 199k) in August. The show also increased an impressive +74% in P25-54 vs. a year ago – 219k vs. 126k; MSNBC decreased -25% (199k vs. 265k) and FNC’s O’Reilly Factor was up +5% (679k vs. 644k). In total viewers, AC 360 was up +47% (662k vs. 451k); MSNBC was down -15% (817k vs. 964k) and FNC increased +7% (2.910m vs. 2.719m) compared to last year.
At 9 pm, Piers Morgan Tonight increased +52% in the key demo (227k vs. 149k) compared to a year ago – while MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show was up less than half that recorded by CNN, up +21% (279k vs. 230k) and Hannity was down -3% (532k vs. 549k). Among total viewers Piers Morgan Tonight increased +37 (750k vs. 547k), MSNBC was up +12% (925k vs. 829k) and FNC was down -1% (2.088m vs. 2.116m) vs. a year ago.
At 10 pm, AC 360 topped MSNBC’s The Ed Show/Docs by +21% in the key demo (267k vs. 220k) and in total viewers (750k vs. 731k) in August. CNN had strong ratings gains at 10pm, increasing 55% in the key demo (267k vs. 172k) and 34% in total viewers (750k vs. 560k) vs. a year ago. MSNBC’s The Ed Show/Docs was up only +8% (220k vs. 204k), while FNC remained relatively flat, +1% (457k vs. 452k) compared to a year ago. In total viewers vs. a year ago, AC 360 was up +34% (750k vs. 560k), while MSNBC grew +37% (731k vs. 534k) and FNC increased just +2% (1.821m vs. 1.780m).
John King USA at 7 pm was up more than MSNBC and FNC in August, increasing +67% in the demo 25-54 (174k vs. 104k) and grew +46% among total viewers (531k vs. 364k).
At 5 pm, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer increased +37% in the demo (173k vs. 126k) and +34% among total viewers (711k vs. 532k) compared to last year. CNN also topped MSNBC’s Hardball in both demographics.
At 6 pm, Sit Room was up +54% in the demo (179k vs. 116k) and up +41% in total viewers (615k vs. 437k) vs. a year ago. The Situation Room also topped MSNBC Live at 6 pm in the demo (179k vs. 161k).
In August, CNN Newsroom (9a-5p) bested MSNBC’s programming during the day time (9a-5p) in total viewers (587k vs. 371k) and in the key demo (173k vs. 101k). This represents a 58% advantage over MSNBC in total viewers and a 71% lead in the demo.
CNN reached a cumulative audience of 100.6 million viewers in August, FNC followed with 87.4 million and MSNBC trailed with 80.1 million.
HLN's Nancy Grace is set to take to the dancefloor on ABC's 'Dancing With The Stars' when the new series premieres on September 19. (via USA Today)
The forcefully opinionated Grace already is feeling the pain after just a few initial training sessions. "What hurts most? Other than my ego? My feet," she says.
Though she's known for her curt interrogative style, the former prosecutor promises not to tangle with the judges. "Who am I going to fight with?" she says. "I am good at one thing: trying murder cases. If they tell me I screwed up, I am going to think they are right."
Grace, who has earned Headline News viewership (and plenty of critics) over her deeply personalized handling of the Casey Anthony case, knows the woman she branded "Tot Mom" will not be among her fans; "I don't think she's going to be calling in for me."
UPDATED 9:30 EST - additional anchors added to planned weekend schedule.
CNN Domestic released their plans for Hurricane Irene coverage this weekend. This post updates should the need warrant.
CNN Press Release: Hurricane Irene is projected to reach Category 4 status as it makes its way to the East Coast. Four states (Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland) have declared states of emergency as they brace for Irene.
CNN reporters deployed for Hurricane Irene:
Aaron Brodie - New York, NY
Susan Candiotti - Smith Point, NY
Jason Carroll - Point Pleasant, NY
Poppy Harlow - New York, NY
General Russel Honoré - Atlanta studio
Sarah Hoye - Philadelphia, PA
Jacqui Jeras - CNN Weather Center
Athena Jones - Annapolis, MD
Chris Lawrence - Chesapeake Beach, MD
Rob Marciano - New York
David Mattingly - Kill Devil Hills, NC
Jeanne Meserve - Ocean City, MD
Chad Myers - CNN Weather Center
Rafael Romo - Kill Devil Hills, NC
Mary Snow - New York, NY
Jim Spellman - Nassau, Bahamas
Brian Todd - Wilmington, NC
Gary Tuchman - Boston, MA
Chris Welch - Ocean City, MD
Reynolds Wolf - Kill Devil Hills, NC
John Zarrella - Atlantic Beach, NC
Programming Schedule:
Saturday, August 26
6am to 12pm - CNN Newsroom with T.J. Holmes
12pm to 5pm - CNN Newsroom with Fredricka Whitfield
5pm to 8pm - Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer Hurricane Special
8pm to 12am - CNN Newsroom with Kyra Phillips and Martin Savidge
Sunday, August 28
5am to 9am - CNN Newsroom with T.J. Holmes and Suzanne Malveaux
9am to 10am - State of the Union with Candy Crowley
10am to 12pm - CNN Newsroom with T.J. Holmes and Suzanne Malveaux
12pm to 1pm - State of the Union with Candy Crowley (Live)
1pm to 6pm - CNN Newsroom with Fredricka Whitfield and Brooke Baldwin
6pm to 12am - CNN Newsroom with Randi Kaye and Martin Savidge
CNN.com
CNN.com is also covering the latest developments on Hurricane Irene and the evacuation efforts. CNN is live-blogging on their breaking news blog, This Just In and is providing users with state-by-state updates. Users can also follow CNN.com’s interactive hurricane tracker and view photos of the storm moving towards the East coast.
CNN iReport has also launched Open Story: Hurricane Irene to provide a timeline of reports from CNN journalists and iReporters about the hurricane and evacuation efforts.
CNN To Air HBO Reality Show Promoting Mayweather / Ortiz Fight
Starting this weekend - subject to breaking news coverage - CNN Domestic will broadcast replays of a new four-part reality series from corporate sister network HBO. The specials, originally produced to promote HBO's Pay-Per-View® screening of the Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz bout on September 17, will air on CNN just hours after their first broadcast on HBO. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release: HBO’s Emmy-Award®-winning reality series ‘24/7’ is coming to CNN, which will air replays of the all-new four-part series 24/7 MAYWEATHER/ORTIZ, beginning Saturday, Aug. 27 at midnight ET/PT.
In the lead-up to the blockbuster HBO HBO’s Emmy-Award®-winning reality series ‘24/7’ is coming to CNN, which will air replays of the all-new four-part series 24/7 MAYWEATHER/ORTIZ, beginning Saturday, Aug. 27 at midnight ET/PT.
In the lead-up to the blockbuster HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast on Sept. 17 in Las Vegas when Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz battle for Ortiz’s world welterweight title, CNN will present all four episodes of 24/7 MAYWEATHER/ORTIZ, the all-access, behind-the-scenes pass that allows viewers to step into the lives of the fighters before they step into the ring. Mayweather lives and trains in Las Vegas, NV, while Ortiz is based in his hometown of Ventura, CA.
34-year-old Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) is a celebrated superstar making his fifth appearance on the ‘24/7’ series. Ortiz, 24, (29-2-2, 22 KOs) exploded into the forefront of boxing last April when he captured a world welterweight title. This is his first appearance on ‘24/7.’
Episode one will air on CNN on Saturday, August 27 at midnight ET/PT, following the HBO premiere at 10p ET/PT. Episode two will air on CNN on Saturday, September 3 at 12 midnight ET/PT. Finally, episodes three and four will air back-to-back on CNN on Friday, September 16 at 12 midnight ET/PT, less than 24 hours before the mega-fight in Las Vegas.
In the past four years, HBO’s 24/7 franchise has earned 14 Sports Emmys® for production excellence, making it the most honored sports series on television since its inception. Narrated by Liev Schreiber, the fast-moving, documentary-styled production focuses on the training, commitment and sacrifices that prizefighters make in order to realize their dreams. The turnaround time is among the quickest in television as the series follows the fighters and their teams both at camp and at home as excitement and anxiety builds for the big fight. telecast on Sept. 17 in Las Vegas when Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz battle for Ortiz’s world welterweight title, CNN will present all four episodes of 24/7 MAYWEATHER/ORTIZ, the all-access, behind-the-scenes pass that allows viewers to step into the lives of the fighters before they step into the ring. Mayweather lives and trains in Las Vegas, NV, while Ortiz is based in his hometown of Ventura, CA.
34-year-old Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) is a celebrated superstar making his fifth appearance on the ‘24/7’ series. Ortiz, 24, (29-2-2, 22 KOs) exploded into the forefront of boxing last April when he captured a world welterweight title. This is his first appearance on ‘24/7.’
Episode one will air on CNN on Saturday, August 27 at midnight ET/PT, following the HBO premiere at 10p ET/PT. Episode two will air on CNN on Saturday, September 3 at 12 midnight ET/PT. Finally, episodes three and four will air back-to-back on CNN on Friday, September 16 at 12 midnight ET/PT, less than 24 hours before the mega-fight in Las Vegas.
In the past four years, HBO’s 24/7 franchise has earned 14 Sports Emmys® for production excellence, making it the most honored sports series on television since its inception. Narrated by Liev Schreiber, the fast-moving, documentary-styled production focuses on the training, commitment and sacrifices that prizefighters make in order to realize their dreams. The turnaround time is among the quickest in television as the series follows the fighters and their teams both at camp and at home as excitement and anxiety builds for the big fight.
CNN Crew Among Journalists Released From Tripoli Hotel
CNN's Matthew Chance and Jomana Karadsheh are among the more than 30 journalists who have been safely released from the Rixos hotel. The news crews had been holed up in Tripoli's Rixos hotel by pro-Gadhafi forces for the past five days.
Matthew Chance broke the news on CNN from the car that was taking him and other journalists to a safe location just a short time ago.
CNN's Coverage Plans Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument Dedication
UPDATE: Live coverage of the dedication is on hold as the proceedings are postponed due to impending impact from Hurricane Irene.
CNN Domestic has released its coverage plans of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial dedication in Washington, D.C. scheduled for this Sunday. Coverage will include the broadcast of the dedication ceremony live, as well as two documentaries. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release: CNN’s chief political correspondent and anchor Candy Crowley, anchor T.J. Holmes and anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien will anchor live coverage of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial dedication in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, August 28th. Also reporting from the memorial will be D.C.-based correspondent Athena Jones.
Beginning at 6 a.m. (ET), Holmes will anchor CNN Newsroom from Washington, D.C. From 9a.m. to 1p.m. (ET), Crowley anchors a special edition of State of the Union. CNN’s coverage of the dedication ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. (ET).
CNN will broadcast Freedom’s Foot Soldiers: A Conversation with T.J. Holmes Saturday, August 27at 7:30 p.m. (ET). Holmes exclusively interviews Dr. King’s friends together in the basement of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta to reflect on the life of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement then and now. In the very revealing, sometimes emotional interview with Juanita Abernathy, Xernona Clayton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA), Rev. Joseph Lowery and former U.N. Ambassador Dr. Andrew Young, these “living legends” spoke of Dr. King’s desire to quit the movement and concentrate on writing and preaching, and the message the monument sends.
On Sunday, August 28 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. (ET), CNN will air the documentary MLK: Words That Changed A Nation, reported by O’Brien. For this documentary, O’Brien interviewed Dr. King’s closest confidants, including Dr. Young, Rep. Lewis, and activist Dorothy Cotton, for their behind-the-scenes insights into many of the historic events of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. They discuss the arrest of Rosa Parks, Dr. King’s win of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and Dr. King’s time in a Birmingham jail for his participation in a nonviolent protest for civil rights. MLK: Words That Changed A Nation includes an examination of Dr. King’s private library of papers, letters, and speeches that reveal his personal philosophy and theology, as well as his doubts and fears – as he and those around him created a peaceful revolution that forever changed America.
Leading up to this historic memorial dedication, CNN will broadcast coverage through the day, entitled Building the Dream beginning Thursday, August 25, with interviews from the witnesses of the assassination of Dr. King; a conversation with the survivors of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing (an attack that killed four girls in Birmingham, Alabama); a sneak peek of the collection being compiled for The National Museum of African American History and Culture; a look at the women behind the Civil Rights Movement; and the personal side of Dr. King from the eyes of his driver and personal assistant Tom Houck.
UPDATED: 10:45am -- Matthew Chance and Jomana Karadsheh are among the more than 30 journalists who have safely been released from the Rixos hotel.
CNN Domestic and CNN International continue to cover events in Libya as rebel forces and pro-Gadhafi fighters battle for control.
CNN has been deploying resources and journalists to the country since Sunday when rebel forces entered the capitol of Tripoli.
CNN journalists currently on the ground in Libya include: Sara Sidner, Matthew Chance, Jomana Karadsheh, Arwa Damon, Frederik Pleitgen and Dan Rivers.
Ben Wedeman, CNN's senior international correspondent based in Egypt, remains in Cairo dealing with family matters, but is offering insight and analysis throughout CNN's broadcasts. Wedeman was one of the first Western journalists to enter Libya following the outbreak of protests in February this year.
CNN says Phil Black, Jim Boulden, Leone Lakhani and Nina Dos Santos are working the story from London, focusing on the political and business sides of the fast moving story, whilst Nkepile Mabuse continues to offer an African perspective on events from her post in Johannesburg, South Africa. John Defterios is currently reporting out of CNN's Abu Dhabi bureau with reaction and analysis from Middle East regions. Barbara Starr, Jill Dougherty and Atika Shubert are also continuing to contribute to the network's ongoing coverage from Washington and Paris, respectively.
CNN crew trapped in hotel
UPDATE: ALL JOURNALISTS HAVE BEEN FREED FROM THE HOTEL SAFELY. Matthew Chance and Jomana Karadsheh are just two of the 30 or more foreign journalists currently being held against their will by pro-Gadhafi forces at the Rixos hotel in Tripoli. At the time of this post, the reporters are entering their fifth day locked in. Chance has been regularly phoning in to CNN to update his status. Read more about the hotel lockdown from CNN here.
Sara Sidner in front row as history unfolds
Sara Sidner has received widespread praise following her live reporting as rebel forces penetrated Gadhafi's compound. Below is just one moment from her compelling coverage.
Coverage of Libya continues on air via CNN Domestic and CNN International and online at CNN.com and CNN's live blog. You can also find the latest tweets on Libya from CNN journalists on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/cnni/arabunrest
CNN is noting its ratings demo win during Sunday's coverage of the turmoil in Libya.
CNN Press Release: Libya coverage ratings for Sunday, August 21:
CNN was live on Sunday beginning at 2 pm, ET. Matthew Chance reported from Libya around 2:15 pm and CNN/U.S. and CNN International began its co-production at 6:00 pm, ET and continued thru 6:00 am, ET the following morning.
From 6:00 pm, ET to midnight:
CNN topped FNC and MSNBC in the key demo 25-54 – outperforming Fox News by +27% and MSNBC by +86%.
CNN had a +128% advantage over MSNBC in total viewers.
CNN: 246k demo 25-54 (701k total viewers)
FNC: 194k demo 25-54 (950k total viewers)
MSNBC: 132K demo 25-54 (308 total viewers)
From 8:00 pm, ET to midnight:
CNN outperformed FNC and MSNBC in the demo -- topping Fox New by +30% and MSNBC by +158%.
CNN had an impressive +170% lead over MSNBC in total viewers.
CNN: 250k demo 25-54 (717 total viewers)
FNC: 192k demo 25-54 (870 total viewers)
MSNBC: 97k demo 25-54 (266 total viewers)
CNN Domestic/International Simulcast on Lybia Uprising
CNN is simulcasting with CNN International tonight live coverage of the uprising in Lybia. Here is an updated programming schedule tonight. We'll keep this post updated as new developments come in.
CNN International today unveiled a refreshed set in Atlanta. Gone is the deep blue covering the studio walls; replaced with a new lighter blue and yellow / orange color scheme.
'CNN: Witness To Famine' Special Airs This Weekend On CNN International
CNN International will this weekend air a new 30 minute special on the famine currently affecting parts of Eastern Africa.
'CNN: Witness To Famine' features first-hand accounts from CNN correspondents as more than 12 million people across the Horn of Africa struggle to deal with the regions worst drought in 60 years.
David McKenzie, Nima Elbagir, Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta will take viewers behind the stories they've reported in recent weeks and share their experiences covering the disaster.
'CNN: Witness To Famine' debuts at 1300 GMT Saturday on CNN International, with repeat airings at 2000 GMT Saturday and 0900 GMT Sunday.
CNN Domestic yesterday announced four new specials that will form part of the network's programming to mark the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. Drew Griffin, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Soledad O'Brien will front three of the specials, while the fourth is Time/HBO presentation. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release: During the week leading up to the tenth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, CNN will premiere four one-hour productions on its domestic network. In investigations led by chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, investigative correspondent Drew Griffin, and anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien, CNN is reporting new insights into the health consequences experienced by the first responders working at New York’s Ground Zero, examining the events of that day through the eyes of people who were on the front lines of one of America’s most tragic days, and profiling several unsung heroines who saved lives on that day. A fourth presentation from TIME in association with HBO features a collection of TIME magazine oral histories from people who experienced the events of that day as they unfolded, and their reflections as the nation reacted in the days, months, and years afterwards.
“It was a day that changed us all and CNN is leveraging its unmatched resources to cover remembrances from around the nation and the world as we look back on 9/11 and what it means a decade later,” says Bart Feder, senior vice president of programming for CNN. “In addition, these documentaries tell stories we feel will evoke pride in the heroism and bravery of the Americans who risked their lives, and some who sacrificed themselves on that day to save others. And, they present an opportunity to remember the difficult work of first responders – and our servicemen and women on the front lines overseas – who continue to try to keep this nation safe each day.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 11:00pm (replay on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 8:00pm), CNN will debut FOOTNOTES OF 9/11, featuring interviews with people who went to work on Sept. 11, 2001 – and unexpectedly became part of history. Each of the eight people profiled by investigative correspondent Drew Griffin for this documentary is mentioned in The 9/11 Commission Report – their unique experiences are drawn from the 1,742 footnotes of that report and offer critical detail to the tragic events of that day – are literal and figurative footnotes to one of America’s darkest days. They include ticket agents who checked in some of the terrorists, a maintenance technician who answered a call from one of the planes under attack, and the Lt. Col. in the Massachusetts Air National Guard – also a United Airlines pilot – who scrambled to provide defense to New York, and faced possibly having to shoot down a passenger plane.
On Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 11:00pm (replay on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 9:00pm), DR. SANJAY GUPTA REPORTS: TERROR IN THE DUST, will examine how responders who breathed in the toxic dust and noxious fumes at New York City’s Ground Zero are coping with the health effects of the attacks. The environmental hazards at the World Trade Center disaster site – mercury from fluorescent light bulbs, dioxin and benzene emitted as the jets burned, asbestos from the building materials, and more – have caused severe respiratory ailments, immune problems and, some suspect, a greatly increased cancer risk. Among those who speak to Dr. Gupta are two brothers – firefighters who searched for survivors in the pile of the collapsed towers – one whose lungs are now failing and the other who appears to have had no permanent physical effects. Ten years after the attacks chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta speaks to first responders who continue to experience emotional trauma. Dr. Gupta’s investigation includes never before broadcast footage of the collapse of the Twin Towers, the medical consequences of the killer dust, and safety recommendations for future crisis responses.
BEYOND BRAVERY: THE WOMEN OF 9/11 will air on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 11:00pm (replay on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 9:00pm), and profiles the sometimes overlooked female rescue workers who raced to the Twin Towers in the wake of the attack. Anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien looks at the work of these rescue workers over the decade following their life-altering experiences. Among the stories of these heroic women of New York’s Ground Zero is an African-American firefighter whose company lost seven of the 342 firefighters who died that day. She is pushing to recruit more women to this dangerous job, even as the number of female firefighters has dropped to less than one percent of the NYFD. O’Brien also speaks with the family of a decorated police officer and mother who was photographed rescuing survivors just moments before the collapse of the towers. O’Brien reports the present-day health and emotional struggles of these unsung heroines and hears about their determination to be prepared for the next attack – and to restore hope.
On Friday, Sept. 9 at 11:00pm (with replays on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8:00pm and 11:00pm), CNN will premiere a special presentation from TIME in association with HBO, BEYOND 9/11: PORTRAITS OF RESILIENCE. Captured in words and moving images, this documentary features untold stories drawn from 40 women and men who led and sacrificed for America in the hours, days, and months that followed the attacks. Working with the editors of TIME, award-winning photographer Marco Grob produced an astonishing set of portraits which are coupled with dramatic recollections from government leaders, survivors of the towers, and first responders.
Kathleen Johnston, Brian Rokus, and Bud Bultman produced FOOTNOTES of 9/11, Stephanie Smith and Roni Selig produced TERROR IN THE DUST, and Rose Arce and Geraldine Moriba produced BEYOND BRAVERY.
Wolf Blitzer will interview Barack Obama today. The interview is scheduled to air during The Situation Room this afternoon. CNN's press note from yesterday follows below.
CNN Press Release: CNN’s Wolf Blitzer will sit down with President Barack Obama in Peosta, Iowa on Tuesday, August 16. In this one-on-one interview, on the second day of the president’s bus tour across the Midwest, Blitzer and the president will discuss a variety of topics from domestic economic and international issues to 2012 politics.
The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer will broadcast live from Iowa today, Monday, August 15 and Blitzer’s interview with President Obama will air tomorrow, Tuesday, August 16, during The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer 5-7 p.m. ET.
Blitzer is CNN’s lead political anchor and the anchor of CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, which airs weekdays 5-7 p.m. and Saturday evenings 6-7 p.m. on both CNN International and CNN. Throughout Blitzer’s career, he has interviewed some of history's most notable figures, including former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
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.
- The "Ridiculist" from AC360 divides a lot of people. You either love the segment or hate it. There's no middle ground. I'm firmly planted in the latter category, but I have to admit to squealing along with Anderson on this one: The RidicuList: Ander-cat?
CNN Domestic today announced its coverage plans for Saturday's straw poll in Iowa.
CNN Press Release: As the GOP presidential candidates gather in Iowa for the much anticipated straw poll, CNN will have its political team on the ground to report throughout the weekend. Today and Friday, CNN anchors Candy Crowley and Don Lemon begin reporting from the caucus state. Deputy political director Paul Steinhauser and reporters Peter Hamby and Shannon Travis are already on the ground reporting from the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.
Also beginning Friday, August 12, CNN’s political correspondent Jim Acosta will report live from the primary state of South Carolina. Senior political editor Mark Preston will report live from New Hampshire covering candidates as they campaign in the “first-in-the-nation” presidential primary state, where Governors Huntsman, Perry and Romney are scheduled for events this weekend.
On Saturday, August 13, as results of the straw poll are announced, anchor Don Lemon along with Candy Crowley will provide live updates on a special edition of CNN Newsroom at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. from the campus of Iowa State University, in Ames, Iowa. CNN’s Jim Acosta also will cover the latest developments at the RedState.org gathering in South Carolina, where Perry is expected to signal his presidential intentions.
On Sunday, chief political correspondent Candy Crowley will anchor State of the Union live from Ames, Iowa at 9 a.m. and again at noon. Rep. Michele Bachmann will be a guest on State of the Union.
World War II Atrocities Focus Of New CNN International Special
CNN International and Modio Media, LLC have teamed up to produce a new special for 'World's Untold Stories', CNN International's monthly documentary series.
'World’s Untold Stories: World War II Atrocities' will premiere this weekend on CNN International. Details from the network follow below.
CNN Press Release:CNN'S 'WORLD UNTOLD STORIES' DOCUMENTARY STRAND AIRS FORGOTTEN CHAPTER OF WWII ATROCITIES IN ITALY
Nazi atrocities committed against Italian civilians during World War II is the focus of a new documentary that explores the war’s devastating impact on one rural community in Tuscany and the struggles it faced in the conflict’s aftermath.
‘World’s Untold Stories: World War II Atrocities’ will premiere on CNN International as part of its Award winning documentary strand “World’s Untold Stories” on 13 August, 2011.
Sharing their story with a worldwide audience for the first time, residents of San Pancrazio, a mountaintop hamlet situated 60 kilometers south ofFlorence, recount the events of 29 June, 1944 when German soldiers stormed their village at daybreak, separated the men from their families and shot them at close range, killing 73. Before retreating, they destroyed the village. By war’s end, the Nazis’ campaign of terror would claim an estimated 15,000 Italian civilians, including women, children and the elderly.
Vividly told through rare historical footage, cherished family photographs, and evocative landscapes of the Tuscan countryside, the programme centers on the stories of three survivors who lost many family members in the tragedy yet, bolstered by a fierce self-reliance, reconstructed their lives. 92-year-old Goffredo Cinelli is one of the oldest remaining survivors. A war veteran, he describes life under fascism and the chaos that ensued following the collapse of Mussolini’s regime. Gabriella Panzieri, a young girl at the time, recalls the flames rising above her village as she watched helplessly from her hiding place. And Enzo Panzieri tells us about San Pancrazio’s women–widowed and with few resources–whom he credits with rebuilding the town.
This programme is a collaboration between Modio Media, LLC and CNN International.
‘World’s Untold Stories: World War II Atrocities’ airs on CNN International at the following times:
Saturday 13 August at 2100 GMT
Sunday 14 August at 0900 GMT
Tuesday 16 August at 0930 and 1730 GMT
Tonight, Anderson Cooper 360° begins its new schedule starting at 8:00 PM ET with Anderson Cooper and Sanjay Gupta live from Somalia with a special report "SOMALIA: ON THE FRONTLINES OF FAMINE". The hour will repeat at 10:00 PM ET.
From CNN: Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta spoke with Jill Biden on the Somalia/Kenya border as she traveled there to see the hunger crisis forcing refugees to flee to Somalia. Cooper will also report live from Mogadishu during the week, embedding with African Union troops who are fighting the Islamic insurgents who are denying aid to starving Somalis.
HLN’s MORNING EXPRESS WITH ROBIN MEADE ‘RISE AND SHINE’ SONG CONTEST WRAPS WITH MORE THAN 1,600 SUBMISSIONS
Meade's Debut Album Brand New Day Among Billboards Biggest Jumpers
Meade’s Album Gains More Fans and Rave Reviews
CNN Press Release - NASHVILLE, TN (August 8, 2011) -- HLN's popular morning show, “Morning Express with Robin Meade” wraps its wildly successful “Rise and Shine” contest that asked viewers to write and perform an original "Morning Express" theme song. Kicked off in conjunction with the debut of Meade’s country album Brand New Day on June 21, “Rise and Shine” garnered an exceptional 1,613 submissions. A compilation of the best and most memorable submissions are featured on the Morning Express website: http://wp.me/pglXF-1Jd
The show will also select 10 of the best entries and viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite at CNN.com/Robin beginning Tue, Aug 16 through Tue, Aug 30. The winner, to be announced on the air in September, scores a trip to Atlanta to meet the “Morning Express” team, a VIP tour of the news studio and a professional recording session for the song they created.
Brand New Day leaped into Billboard's Heat Seekers chart at #24, and is among Billboards biggest jumpers on its Country Albums chart. It's all a big win for Meade and producer Victoria Shaw (Lady Antebellum) who, without major label backing or significant radio airplay, landed strongly on the chart.
“I'm beyond thrilled to see Brand New Day charting so well,” said Meade. “One of my viewers called my attention to it, and I didn't believe them at first, and then felt a leap in my heart when we confirmed it! I'm so thankful to Nashville and my viewers around the country for this."
In addition, Meade’s infectious energy and powerful voice has resonated with both viewers and the country music community, earning countless fans and enviable music reviews. Meade’s debut album, Brand New Day is continually being re-stocked at Target stores across the U.S. and is receiving critical acclaim from the nation’s biggest music critics, including:
Huffington Post - David Wild “As a news hound and an insomniac, I've been familiar with Robin Meade and the "Morning, Sunshine" warmth she brings to early morning news on HLN. Still, I was pleasantly surprised to get the news that Meade is not just an unusually effective and likeable talking head, but also a country singer with a strong voice of her own. Produced by the respected singer-songwriter and producer Victoria Shaw…and available at Target, Brand New Day is the newswoman's charming debut album that in a sly nod for her day job features a version of Don Henley's pointed "Dirty Laundry." Less ironically, check out other tracks like "Welcome Home" with Jim Brinkman, "Never Alone" and feel the morning sunshine in Meade's sweet singing voice.”
Music Row – Rob Oermann “How deliciously ironic that this HLN TV newswoman’s country single debut is Don Henley’s famed 1982 screed against TV journalism. Bo Bice, Kix Brooks, Gary Burr, Sarah Buxton and Victoria Shaw join her on the choruses, but this is Robin’s feisty vocal showcase all the way. This gal has moxie.”
Taste of Country – Billy Dukes “The deeper into the song she gets, the more jaw-dropping this tongue in cheek jab at her industry becomes…This is a splendid cover.”
Her debut album Brand New Day (produced by Nashville heavy-hitter Victoria Shaw) is available exclusively at Target stores and iTunes.
Meade can be seen Mon-Fri, 6 a.m.–12 noon ET as the anchor of "Morning Express with Robin Meade" on HLN.
Former CNN International Anchor Anjali Rao Signs With Hong Kong Production Company
Former CNN International anchor Anjali Rao has signed with Hong Kong production company 'The Media Village' to produce a range of lifestyle and factual entertainment programs for various broadcasters.
CNN Observations spoke to Ms. Rao about her new venture, and while details are still under wraps at the moment, she says we can expect to learn a lot more within the next few weeks. As for how long it will be before we can expect to see her back on our television screens, Rao replied, "we're in discussions right now about exactly that."
CNN Observations also asked about her departure from CNN.
After 15 years on television, 5 of those at CNN, how hard was it to leave television news to pursue a new opportunity?
I am always so impressed by those who can make a lifetime's career out of news. They're providing a public service that I consider invaluable. However, news is not an easy game by any stretch and it can certainly take a toll. It did for me, because of the intrinsic subject matter which is mostly very serious and often extremely upsetting. The nature of what I was talking about every day was the polar opposite of my own nature. Perhaps viewers could tell where my heart truly lay through my work on Talk Asia.
So while leaving hard news behind (and the 3am starts!) was not a difficult decision for me, I was certainly trepidant about what would come next and whether that step would turn out as I had hoped.
What’s the one thing you’ll miss most about CNN?
What I will miss most about CNN, hands down, are the people with whom I worked directly. What a wonderful, dedicated, intelligent bunch they are. The friends I made at CNN are far and away the best of my whole career. In short, they rock!
A lot of your viewers and fans on our forum have been hoping to see you join Twitter to follow your career. Are there any plans in the near future to join the micro blogging site?
Yes, I will be signing up to Twitter. I admit it's taken me a while to get my head around the whole thing but I do feel rather honoured that people might be interested in what I'm up to. I plan to do my damndest to give them what they want!
The full press release announcing Anjali Rao's signing with 'The Media Village' follows below.
The Media Village Press Release:ANJALI RAO RESIGNS FROM CNN, PARTNERS WITH THE MEDIA VILLAGE TO DEVELOP NEW LIFESTYLE CONTENT PLATFORM.
Popular television news anchor Anjali Rao has resigned from her post at CNN International after 5 years to develop a new integrated lifestyle content platform.
“After 15 years of news, I have become anxious to explore new opportunities in television and digital content distribution.”, says Rao of her decision to part ways with the news giant.
Rao’s manager and business partner, Brett Gullan, adds, “We’re excited by the trends emerging in the digital space. Time-shifted viewing across multiple platforms has changed the way people consume media and we want Anjali to be at the forefront of this in Asia.”
Anjali will not remain off-air for long. Rao and Gullan have joined forces with Hong Kong-based branded-content production company The Media Village to develop and produce lifestyle and factual entertainment content exclusively for Anjali.
“Anjali is a fantastic international talent and extremely well-known throughout the region.”, says The Media Village co-founder and CEO, Charles Edwards. “What she’s doing is brave and smart, and that’s why we’re keen to partner with her and her team. What we’re creating together will not only be a great new entertainment platform for the region, but also for brands to intersect with content in ways that are more relevant and credible than what we seem to be seeing in our part of the world currently. We already have working formats in front of broadcast networks and expect to have Anjali back on the air and in people’s homes in a very short time.”
Rao continues, “I’m especially excited to be working with The Media Village and looking forward to bringing upbeat and fun, yet informative and thought-provoking viewing to audiences across the region, and beyond."
Further announcements expected in 2-3 weeks.
…ENDS…
Anjali Rao: Anjali Rao is a highly-regarded journalist and television presenter. Having worked at some of the world's most respected networks, she has spent the last six years as an anchor for CNN International based in Hong Kong.
Anjali is best known for her in-depth interviews with some of the world's most famous faces - from Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey and Rihanna, to the Dalai Lama and former US President Bill Clinton.
The Media Village: The Media Village Ltd is an award-winning independent branded-content production company based in Hong Kong. Founded in 2004, the company develops and produces films for corporations, advertising, broadcast networks and private clients.
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.
- Anderson Cooper tweeted that he is heading to East Africa for coverage on the famine currently affecting large parts of the area. Nima Elbagir has already been on the ground reporting the story for almost two weeks for CNN International.
- David Bohrman, CNN’s Chief Innovation Officer, leaves network.
- CNN International has announced the date for its next CNN Freedom Project special. Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor will show what modern-day slavery looks like in his home country, India, in a new special slated for September.
CNN Continues to top MSNBC in Weekday Daytime 25-54
CNN Signature Programs Surge with Double Digit Gains in P2+ and 25-54 in July
CNN Press Release - In the M-F Primetime daypart, CNN increased more than FNC or MSNBC versus year-ago, building by +15% in total viewers (662k) and +40% among 25-54 viewers (215k). This compares to gains of +12% in total viewers and +14% among 25-54 for MSNBC and declines of -6% in total viewers and -11% among 25-54 for FNC.
CNN also continued to surpass MSNBC in July during the M-F 9a-5p daytime daypart among both total viewers (504k) and the demo (144k), holding an advantage of 33% and 27%, respectively.
CNN Programs Surge with Double Digit Gains among both total viewers and 25-54 viewers in July
CNN Newsroom at 3p increased 21% among total viewers (578k) and 28% among demo viewers (157k).
The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer at 6p increased 10% among total viewers (573k) and 11% among 25-54 viewers (167k).
John King USA increased 18% among total viewers (500k) and 25% among 25-54 viewers (156k).
Piers Morgan increased 9% among total viewers (715k) and 37% among 25-54 viewers (217k).
Anderson Cooper 360 increased 32% among total viewers (760k) and 56% among 25-54 viewers (283k).
CNN reached a cumulative audience of 101.9 million in July, followed by HLN with 90.9 million, Fox News with 86.7 million and MSNBC with 85 million.
CNN Digital
In July, traffic and video usage on CNN.com was up over last year with 1.2 billion global page views and 89.1 million global video views.
Proving that users come to CNN.com for breaking news, the World section saw double-digit growth in July with 105.9 million page views (25% over last month and 59% last year), related to coverage of the massacre in Norway. The top two stories on CNN.com overall were related to news of Norway, one with 8.7 million page views and the second with 6 million.
Also showing steady increases in July was CNN.com’s Opinion section with 21 million global page views, 34% over last month and 160% over last year. CNN contributor LZ Granderson had the top story on bratty kids with almost 1 million page views followed by Bob Greene’s op-ed on the missing Indiana boy with more than 900 thousand page views.
Ranks #1 in Cable News 9a to 5p Among 25-54 in July
HLN Programs Post Double and Triple Digit Gains Over Year-Ago
More Than 5 Million Tune in to HLN for Casey Anthony Verdict in July
CNN Press Release - In July, HLN posted its best month ever in Total Day among both total viewers and the 25-54 demo (702k and 230k, respectively), topping solid numbers from June and previous highly-ranked months including September 2001. It also had its best delivery ever in M-Su Prime among total viewers (998k) and ranked #1 in the dayside daypart (M-F 9a-5p) across all cable news among 25-54 viewers (256k).
Additionally on July 5, during the breaking news coverage of the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial, HLN was the most-watched television network on broadcast or cable with more than 5.2 million viewers turning between 2:15 and 2:30 during the reading of the verdict.
HLN’s entire line-up achieved double and triple digit gains versus year-ago, with highlights including:
Morning Express with Robin Meade posted an increase of +74% in total viewers (524k) and a +20% gain among demo viewers (199k), topping MSNBC’s Morning Joe in both demos to rank as the #2 cable news morning show in the month of July.
HLN Special Report at 5p posted a whopping +318% increase compared to a year ago among total viewers (1.016 million) and grew +195% among demo viewers (301k), far and away the most growth of any cable news network at 5p.
Prime News at 6p increased +224% among total viewers (900k) and grew +151% among demo viewers (281k), the most growth of any cable news network at 6p.
Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell scored a +116% gain among total viewers (960k) and +75% growth among demo viewers (298k), the most growth of any cable news network at 7p.
Nancy Grace ranked as HLN’s top program of the month, posting a +98% increase in total viewers (1.369 million) and +89% among demo viewers (411k), the most growth of any cable news network at 8p.
Dr. Drew increased by +119 in total viewers (1.148 million) and +139% among demo viewers (335k), the most growth in cable news at 9p.
