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.