CNN's November ratings have been released by the network. CNN's press release follows below.
CNN Press Release:CNN GAINS VIEWERS IN NOVEMBER; MSNBC DOWN -23% AND FNC DECLINES -32% IN PRIMETIME
ANDERSON COOPER 360 UP +49%; ONLY SHOW TO GROW AT 8p; FNC DOWN -23%, MSNBC -36%
CNN ONLY CABLE NEWS NETWORK TO POST DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH, UP +30% IN 2011
Highlights:
CNN grows in primetime in Nov. while MSNBC and FNC experience double-digit declines, -23% and -32%, respectively.
AC 360 (8p) up +49%; FNC declines -23%, MSNBC down -36%.
CNN tops MSNBC in daytime (9a-5p).
In 2011, CNN up +30% in primetime while FNC looses -16% of its audience and MSNBC holds only 3%; beating MSNBC in total day.
Erin Burnett OutFront at 7p up vs. CNN programming a year ago.
In M-F prime (8-11p), CNN increased +4% (211k vs. 203k) among P25-54 vs. Nov 10; MSNBC and FNC posted significant double-digit declines, down -23% (229k vs. 298k) and -32% (461k vs. 680k), respectively. In addition, Nov marks CNN’s 5th straight month of year-over-year growth in prime among the key demo.
YTD (through Nov 27), CNN is up +30% in M-F prime among P25-54 vs. same time period a year ago; MSNBC virtually flat (+3%) and FNC down -16%. In addition, CNN is outperforming MSNBC in total day (6a-6a) among P2+ (488k vs. 437k) and P25-54 (165k vs. 150k) 2011 to-date.
CNN tops MSNBC in daytime (9a-5p) in Nov, averaging 134k in P25-54 vs. MSNBC’s 95k.
Show Highlights (Nov 11 vs. Nov 10):
7p, ET: Erin Burnett OutFront continues to post increases vs. CNN programming a year ago, up +3% in the key demo (140k vs. 136k) and +16% in total viewers (510k vs. 440k).
8p, ET: Anderson Cooper 360 is the only program at 8p to post growth vs. a year ago–increasing a substantial +49% (192k vs. 129k) in the key demo; MSNBC down a staggering -36% and FNC declined -23%.
10p, ET: Anderson Cooper 360 grew +20% (221k vs. 184k) in the key demo, MSNBC down -11% and FNC declined -18%.
4p, ET: The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer topped MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan handily in both total viewers (691k vs. 480k) and P25-54 (173k vs. 103k). Sit Room also grew vs. a year ago, increasing +30% in the key demo.
Reach:
CNN reached a cumulative audience of 85.7 million viewers in Nov, MSNBC followed with 74.6 million, while FNC was third with 71.7 million.
A while back we asked CNN about programs icon and Revealed that seemed to be removed from the CNNI schedule. Here is the response from a CNN spokesperson:
CNN International offers a wide range of feature programming which renew and refresh from time to time, to allow for new programming ideas to emerge.
‘Icon’ and ‘Revealed’ are currently off the schedule after successful runs, and in the meantime we have introduced CNN Marketplace Europe, Winning Post and The Gateway to our feature programming schedule. We also now offer some exciting themed programming, like the upcoming Euro 2012 theme week; recent Leonardo Da Vinci week, as well as The Fashion Season in September.
Programming content is decided based on editorial considerations, although we're always pleased when good ideas attract sponsorship.
CNN International's New Promotional Campaign Targets Europe, Middle East & Africa
CNN International last week launched a new promotional poster campaign in airports across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including: London, Frankfurt, Paris, Stockholm, Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg. The print campaign will be backed up with an online presence and promotional spots to be aired on CNN International.
Click the images to the right of this post for a closer look at some of the new posters. CNN's press release follows below.
CNN Press Release:CNN International launches pan-EMEA brand campaign. Outdoor, print and digital executions focus on anchors’ expertise
CNN International is launching a pan-EMEA advertising campaign designed to underline its credentials as the world’s leading international news channel. The campaign seeks to build the profiles of its individual anchors, cementing their relationships with existing viewers and growing the channel’s core audience.
The creative uses hyper-real portrait photography of CNN International’s key presenters, including Richard Quest, Hala Gorani, Dan Rivers, Pedro Pinto and Becky Anderson, alongside lines such as “Richard. Your competitive advantage is my business”; “Pedro. Behind every sporting hero, there’s a story”; and “Hala. When we know it, you know it.”
Each of the executions uses the campaign line, “Go beyond borders, wherever you are.”
Posters will form the backbone of the campaign, running across airports in London, Frankfurt, Paris, Stockholm, Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg. Print ads will supplement the posters in key markets, as well as digital executions across a number of major online portals and promos on CNN International itself.
Gillian Power, marketing manager at CNN International, said: “The focus of the campaign is very much on our presenters, and the intelligence, relevance and credibility they have as individuals, but it’s also about our viewers. We want to remind them of the reasons they watch CNN International and the benefits they gain from it.”
The campaign runs from this month until early 2012. The creative agency was Play People, and media was planned and bought by MJ Media and PSI.
To coincide with the 17th UN World Climate Summit 2011 next week, CNN International has launced an impressive looking digital project titled The CNN Ecosphere. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release:Ahead of 17th UN World Climate Summit 2011 CNN International launches ECOSPHERE Project
Website visualises Twitter discussions about the 17th UN World Climate Summit
ECOSPHERE Project installation from 28 November to 9 December on-site in Durban, South Africa
In the run-up to the 17th UN World Climate Summit, CNN International is launching the CNN #COP17 ECOSPHERE Project. The ECOSPHERE Project is a digital garden that grows in real time by filtering and aggregating tweets with the hashtag #COP17.
At www.cnn-ecosphere.com a unique visualisation is being generated that shows a comprehensive picture of Twitter discussions currently taking place on climate change. From 28 November to 9 December 2011 the animation will be seen in the form of a hologram at the United Nations World Climate Summit in Durban.
Starting 28th November the United Nations will host the 17th World Climate Summit in the South African port city ofDurban and the world will once again get a close-up view of how the international community intends to fight climate change. With the CNN ECOSPHERE Project CNN International is collecting the opinions, ideas and thoughts of the global Twitter community on the themes of the World Climate Summit and combining them into a unique animation.
The ECOSPHERE filters and aggregates tweets on the themes of the World Climate Summit using the hashtag #COP17. The tweets generate digital trees in real time. The more often a topic appears on Twitter with the hashtag #COP17, the faster the visualisation grows – from a small shoot to a large a tree. When topics are no longer discussed, the plant, or tree will die, creating room for new discussions. Zooming in on the various twigs and branches will illustrate what topics are of particular interest to participants worldwide.
During the 17th World Climate Summit CNN International will take the ECOSPHERE Project to Durban directly: an on site hologram that will show the delegates in real time what the global Twitter community think about the themes being discussed at the summit.
CNN International will also use the ECOSPHERE Project in its live reporting about the summit. CNN correspondents Robyn Curnow and Diana Magnay will report and comment on events in and around the meeting, exploring what effect the decisions taken inDurbanwill have on the world, on business and on every individual person on the planet.
In addition, the ECOSPHERE Project will also be part of the December edition of “Road to Durban: A Green City Journey”. In the months approaching the summit, CNN made the journey to Durban starting in the UK and travelling across Germany and Turkey reporting on local climate protection projects. In December “Road to Durban: A Green City Journey” will be dedicated to the themes of the 17th World Climate Summit. For more information please go to www.cnn.com/roadtodurban.
Broadcast times of Road to Durban: A Green City Journey Wednesday 14 December at 1030 GMT and 1730 GMT Saturday 17 December at 0530 GMT and 1930 GMT Sunday 18 December at 1230 GMT Saturday 31 December at 1230 GMT Sunday 1 January 2012 at 0530 GMT and 1930 GMT
The CNN #COP17 ECOSPHERE Project is an initiative by CNN International. It was conceived by Heimat-Berlin and developed and produced by Minivegas (Amsterdam, Los Angeles) in partnership with Stinkdigital (London, New York). You can find more information about the CNN #COP17 Ecosphere Project at: www.cnn-ecosphere.com.
Piers Morgan and wife Celia Walden have welcomed the addition of their new baby girl, Elise. It is Morgan's fourth child and first girl. Britain's Daily Mail reports:
This evening, Morgan confirmed on Twitter: 'It's true. I've become a dad for the 4th time, to a baby girl called Elise. She's absurdly beautiful, and utterly adorable.'
The new addition was born at celebrity-favourite Cedars Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills.
Mail on Sunday's Live magazine columnist Celia announced that she was expecting in June.
Morgan has been receiving congratulatory messages from colleagues and celebrities via Twitter since he confirmed the news some 13 hours ago. Selected tweets below:
@billyraycyrus: "congratulations to you and Celia on the arrival of your baby girl Elise!"
@DENISE_RICHARDS: "congrats on your baby girl! So happy for you & your family!!!!" @ErinBurnett: "Congrats @piersmorgan on new arrival EMM, I hear she's gorgeous from day 1!"
@Lord_Sugar:@piersmorgan "congratulations . The poor young girl does not know what she is in for with you as a father ! I will have to council her" [sic]
CNN International will next week count down to Friday's UEFA EURO finals draw with a week-long series of special reports and feature programming on next year's tournament.
Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release:CNN looks ahead to Euro 2012
Special preview week of in-depth coverage from Poland & Ukraine
Monday 28 November to Saturday 3 December
With just under 200 days until the UEFA Euro 2012 football tournament kicks off in Warsaw, Poland, CNN International is dedicating a week of special programming to the championships – as the top 16 teams in Europe prepare for the draw itself on Friday 2 December.CNN’s football expert, Pedro Pinto, travels to Poland and Ukraine to anchor a week of special reports that will peer inside one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
Pinto will present a range of content looking at the personalities, infrastructure, fans, history and venues that will take centre stage on TV screens worldwide next summer.
At the heart of the week’s coverage will be a series of interviews and features with some of those most closely linked to the championships. UEFA President Michel Platini, and the legendary former AC Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko – one of Ukraine’s most famous sons – will offer their take on the Championships. Pinto also meets former Danish goalkeeper and hero of the 1992 European Championships, Peter Schmeichel, and one of the world’s greatest ever players, Zinedine Zidane, to hear what the Euro Championships conjure up for them.
Elsewhere, Pinto speaks to the head of the Polish Football Association and takes a unique plane journey across Ukraine with Deputy Prime Minister Borys Kolenikov to see all four Ukraine host cities in one day! And no coverage would be complete without the legends of yesteryear – Dutch legend, Ruud Gullit, German World Cup winner Thomas Berthold and France’s World Cup winner Marcel Desailly join Pinto to explore some of the big questions around the tournament, and take part in quick-fire quiz.
Hosting Euro 2012 is a gigantic undertaking, and the programme will also examine the host nations’ infrastructure and the all-important stadia. Will these two emerging nations be ready to welcome the thousands of fans, as well as the world’s media, next summer?
Finally, in a daily feature leading up to the draw, Pinto will look at the runners and riders in the tournament, picking out the players to watch and asking who can stop the all-conquering European and World Champions, Spain.
Mike McCarthy, vice president of coverage and feature programming for CNN International, said: “Euro 2012 is a global event, of interest far outside the continent itself, with some of the greatest footballers in the game taking part. It’s also a cultural festival and a huge logistical undertaking, and we want to get under the skin of all the stories that are emerging ahead of the draw, and picking up some of the threads that we’ll be following all the way to the tournament itself next summer.”
In addition to the week of special content, CNN World Sport will present a half hour special from Poland and Ukraine, ‘UEFA Euro 2012: The Final Draw’.
Pedro Pinto will guide viewers as the names come out of the hat, and discover who plays who among the 12 finalists, joined by top expert opinion.
‘UEFA Euro 2012: The Final Draw’ will be broadcast at the following times:
CNN's Ratings Win With GOP National Security Debate
CNN scored the number one program on cable news last night with their Republican National Security Debate, moderated by Wolf Blitzer. CNN's notes on the ratings results below.
CNN Press Release: CNN’S GOP NATIONAL SECURITY DEBATE WAS #1 LAST NIGHT
DRAWS 3.6 MILLION VIEWERS AND ONE MILLION IN KEY DEMO 25-54
AC 360 Top-Rated at 10 pm
According to Nielsen Fast National data, CNN’s GOP National Security Debate (8:00-10:00pm*), moderated by Wolf Blitzer, delivered 3.599 million total viewers and 1.041 million in the key demo 25-54 last night, Tuesday, November 22. This debate topped CNBC’s 11/09 debate (993k), CNN’s 6/13 debate (918k) and FNC’s 5/5 debate (854k) in the key demo 25-54. CNN was, by far, #1 during the 8-10pm time period last night among cable news networks.
From 8-10pm, CNN topped FNC by +93% among total viewers (3.599 million vs. 1.862 million) and +152% among 25-54 (1.041 million vs. 413k). CNN also topped MSNBC by +343% among total viewers (3.599 million vs. 812k) and by +413% among 25-54 (1.041 million vs. 203k).
Following the debate, CNN’s AC 360 ranked first in cable news at 10pm in total viewers averaging 1.427 million, FNC followed with 1.298m and MSNBC posted 723k. In the key demographic 25-54 CNN delivered 405k at 10pm, while FNC trailed with 365k and MSNBC averaged 209k.
*Fast National Data is representative of 8:00p-10:00p. Final Data will reflect actual debate time of 8:00p-9:59p.
CNN Radio anchor Stan Case has passed away following a motor vehicle accident in Alabama on Tuesday. Mr Case's wife, a writer at CNN was also involved in the accident and remains in hospital. As CNN reports:
"Stan was a news anchor for CNN Radio and a mainstay of the network since he joined CNN in 1985," said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. "He was a fine journalist, a leader in our organization and, as anyone who had the privilege of knowing him will tell you, a great guy."
Case's wife, Angela Stiepel Case, was injured, according to a family friend, Merrell Waring. She remained hospitalized Wednesday.
Case is a writer at CNN, where she has worked for more than 20 years.
Tyler Moody, vice president of CNN Radio, said news of Stan Case's death caused "terrible sadness" for him and his colleagues.
"Our thoughts now are for his wife Angi's recovery, and his family during this difficult time. For over 26 years, Stan was our friend first and colleague second. He will be missed."
CNN says local police have not released details of the accident as an investigation continues.
CNN Observations extends our sympathies to Mr. Case's family, friends and work colleagues.
CNN today announced Larry King's fourth special for 2011 will air in early December. 'Dinner with the Kings' is described as a "dinner party with some of the biggest names in Hollywood". Details and a sneak peek at the special from CNN below.
CNN Press Release: Conan O'Brien, Tyra Banks, Russell Brand, Shaquille O'Neal and other A-listers tell all at Larry King's dinner party
For the fourth hour-long special for CNN, Larry King and his wife Shawn hosted a dinner part with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and invited viewers in to join. The one hour special titled “Larry King Special: A Dinner with Kings” will air Sunday, December 4th at 8 and 11pm ET.
The dinner prepared by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck includes Tyra Banks, Russell Brand, Twitter and Square founder Jack Dorsey, Quincy Jones, Seth MacFarlane, Conan O’Brien, and Shaquille O’Neal. Join Larry and his guests as they discuss life, love, insecurities, success and failures at this dinner party like no other.
Conan O’Brien on insecurities: “There's a tendency for people to look at a table like some of the people that are here and say they’ve made it. They have it. And what they don't understand is the amount of insecurity that drives you when you're 15. But it's still there when you're 48”.
Tyra Banks on her looks: “I'm so not sexy. I know how to turn it on for a picture, but I'm not sexy in real life”
Russell Brand on his success: “How I deal with my personal, material success is guiltily”
Seth MacFarlane: “I'm still working on my hiding my insecurity 100 percent”
Jack Dorsey on success: “I've madehundreds and hundreds of mistakes and - and learned from 'em. And - and that's what makes a successful company, that's what makes a successful creative endeavor, is learning from your mistakes”.
The special will re-air December 10th at 8 and 10pm ET and on CNN international on Saturday, December 10th at 9pm and Sunday December 11th at 6am.
CNN International Launches Promotional Blitz In Hong Kong
CNN International has launched a multi-platform promotional campaign in Hong Kong. The new campaign is active across popular Hong Kong websites, as well as local cable television (watch the commercial further down in this post) and buses (pictured below - click to enlarge). All the details from CNN's full press release below.
CNN Press Release: CNN International, the world’s leading global 24-hour news network, has announced the launch of a major multimedia brand campaign in Hong Kong, the most extensive the network has seen in one Asia-Pacific destination. Combining on-air, online, and on-the-ground efforts, this unique and innovative advertising initiative aims to reaffirm CNN’s prominence in the region, further raise brand awareness and, most importantly, celebrate Hong Kong as home to the network’s Asia-Pacific headquarters for more than fifteen years.
Using the tagline “Stay Ahead with CNN”, the new campaign reinforces the message that CNN, like its audience, is constantly ahead of the game – ahead of the industry, ahead of competitors, and ahead of events happening around the world – in bringing intelligent and relevant news content to its viewers worldwide.
“This new campaign is laser-focused on the Hong Kong market, delivering two key messages to millions of new and existing viewers across the city; to highlight how the CNN brand enables consumers to stay ahead in business and in life, and to reaffirm our heritage and ongoing presence here. We're confident that this multiplatform initiative will resonate well, due to the first-class creative execution and local consumer research on which it is based" said Chris Dwyer, Executive Director, CNN Communications Asia Pacific.
CNN’s first ever terrestrial TV campaign in Hong Kong will run on the city’s biggest free English television broadcaster, TVB Pearl, reaching over 2.7 million* Hong Kong people during its primetime evening program lineup, from November 15 to December 15, .
Scripted, filmed and produced entirely in Hong Kong, the commercial showcases how watching CNN gives audiences a competitive edge, enabling them to 'stay ahead' in every aspect of their everyday lives, whether at home, at work or at play. It also highlights the power of CNN anytime, its news content made easily accessible via multiple platforms on television, online, and on mobile.
Acknowledging the fact that CNN’s Hong Kong viewers are predominantly native Cantonese-speakers, the TV advertisement is also available in local language and hosted as a banner ad on two of the most popular and high-traffic websites in Hong Kong – Yahoo! Hong Kong and TVB.com.
To maximize coverage, the all-encompassing “Stay Ahead with CNN” campaign is further creatively executed on twenty public buses. Running across Hong Kong, the creative features the city’s definitive Victoria Harbor skyline – a reference to CNN's heritage in Hong Kong.
CNN’s Asia-Pacific headquarters was established in Hong Kong in 1995, originally in Central, and since 2000 in the city’s media hub of Quarry Bay. The channel is carried by Hong Kong cable operators Cable TV (Ch. 74) and now TV (Ch. 316). CNN was also the first 24-hour international television news network in Asia and the first to open a bureau in China, in Beijing in 1987.
Notes:
* Data source: Synovate Media Atlas Hong Kong Q32010-Q22011
CNN Announces First Round Of Presenters For CNN Heroes 2011; New 'Heroes' Thanksgiving Night Special
CNN today announced that actor and former US Army soldier J.R. Martinez will co-host the red carpet pre-show of this year's CNN Heroes live special. The network also released more information on a Thanksgiving special that will revisit CNN Heroes from the past 5 years. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release:CNN Heroes Announces J.R. Martinez, will.i.am, Christy Turlington Burns and Kurt Warner to Participate in Fifth Annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” LIVE on Sunday, December 11 at 8PM ET
CNN will also take a look back at the last five years of heroes during 'CNN HEROES: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?' an hour-long Thanksgiving Special set to air on November 24th at 8PM ET
CNN, the worldwide leader in news, announced today that Dancing with the Stars finalist, and longtime friend to CNN Heroes, J.R. Martinez, has been tapped to co-host the live pre-show from the red carpet for CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, which will be broadcast LIVE on CNN Sunday, December 11, 2011 from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. The network also announced that the Top 10 CNN Heroes will each have their story told by celebrities, including The Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am, global maternal health advocate and founder of Every Mother Counts, Christy Turlington Burns, and NFL Super Bowl champ and MVP quarterback Kurt Warner.
CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute hosted by Anderson Cooper will air live at 8:00 PM ET. The SHOWBIZ TONIGHT @ CNN HEROES pre-show will air immediately beforehand at 7:00pm ET. Additional celebrity presenters will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
On Thanksgiving night, CNN will broadcast CNN Heroes: Where Are They Now? hosted by Anderson Cooper, an hour-long special program looking back at CNN Heroes from the past five years, November 24 at 8:00 pm ET. CNN Heroes: Where Are They Now? will air globally on CNN, CNN en Español and CNN International. The Thanksgiving special will feature celebrities who’ve been inspired by CNN Heroes such as J.R. Martinez, The Office’s Rainn Wilson, comedian George Lopez, and more. The program will showcase impressive updates on the progress of several CNN Heroes that have been honored in the past and showcase this year’s top 10 CNN Heroes. Since its inception in 2007, CNN’s heroes have received more than $6 million for their causes, enabling them to help hundreds of thousands of people in 77 countries around the world. Additionally, CNN and GetGlue have teamed up to offer limited-edition CNN Heroes: Where Are They Now? stickers. GetGlue users can ‘check-in’ to the broadcast to unlock exclusive stickers that can be shared on social platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Fans are encouraged to vote up to 10 times a day, every day, for this year’s “CNN Hero of the Year”. Voting continues through Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at midnight PT, and the “CNN Hero of the Year” will be announced live at this year’s CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute show. Fans can also make a direct charitable donation to their favorite Top 10 CNN Heroes’ nonprofit using Google Wallet, through December 31, 2011. Google is waiving all transaction fees enabling 100 percent of the donations to go directly to the heroes’ non-profit organizations. Visit CNNHeroes.com online or on your mobile device to learn more about the 2011 honorees, cast your vote and to donate.
HLN Presents Two Clark Howard Specials For Thanksgiving Weekend
HLN today announced two Thanksgiving weekend specials from the network's resident money expert Clark Howard. Details from HLN below.
HLN Press Release: HLN’S CLARK HOWARD OFFERS MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPERS AND FINANCIAL ADVICE TO AMERICA’S TROOPS ON THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
“SHOPPING SECRETS REVEALED” PREMIERES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25; “OPERATION CLARK SMART” PREMIERES SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 ON HLN
NOVEMBER 21, 2011 Many Americans are trying to stay afloat during these troubled economic times and shopping during the holiday season presents a further challenge. Just in time for “Black Friday,” HLN’s Money Expert Clark Howard and personal finance anchor Jennifer Westhoven offer “SHOPPING SECRETS REVEALED” on Friday, November 25, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., ET and repeated 3:00pm-4:00 p.m., ET.
Is Black Friday the best day for deals? What should consumers look out for? When is the best time to buy online? Are you better off shopping at outlets? Clark and Jennifer address these questions and those sent in by viewers, compare the latest gadgets and newest products, provide tips on setting, and sticking with, a budget, and give advice on how to get the most value during the holiday shopping season.
Given the challenges of military life, Clark sets his sights on helping American troops find their financial footing with HLN’s “OPERATION CLARK SMART,” airing Saturday, November 26 at 6:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 4:00 p.m. (all times Eastern).
Clark, who has served as a member of his state guard for 10 years, teams up with HLN anchor Robin Meade to visit Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, with the mission of helping sailors and their families become financially fit. Included in the special is a Navy family who needs guidance on how to send their seven children to college, and an inspirational story of a wounded veteran who overcomes every challenge he’s encountered, but now needs help in getting his financial house in order.
It's an anchor shuffle weekend on CNN International with Rafael Romo and new face Tylar Bacome fronting the network's news updates and World Report bulletins.
Romo is Senior Latin American Affairs Editor of CNN Worldwide and often files reports and live hits on CNN International, but we believe this weekend is the first time he has sat in the anchor chair for CNN International.
Meanwhile, Tylar Bacome has been anchoring the overnight shift both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
No word at this stage on whether Bacome is a new permanent hire, but CNN International has, in the past, utilized freelance meteoroligists for weekend shifts.
It's also worth noting: Since last weekend CNN International has adjusted its weekend programming schedule to now include simulcasts of CNN Presents and the 10:00pm (eastern) edition of CNN Newsroom with Don Lemon.
CNN's Republican Presidential Debate On National Security
CNN has released more details on the next Republican presidential debate the network will sponsor next Tuesday. The debate will air live across CNN Domestic, CNN International and CNN en Español. CNN's press release is below.
CNN Press Release: CNN lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate a Republican presidential debate on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (ET) live from the historic DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The debate, in partnership with The Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), will focus on three of the most critical issues candidates will encounter during the Republican presidential nomination: national security, foreign policy and the economy. The debate falls on the eve of the deadline for the so-called congressional super committee to create a plan for at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction.
In addition to Blitzer, Foreign policy experts from AEI and The Heritage Foundation will pose questions to the candidates. The following eight presidential contenders will participate in the debate: Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, businessman Herman Cain, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.
Live coverage from DAR Constitution Hall will begin the day before the debate, on Monday, Nov. 21, and continue through the post-debate programming on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 22 to include anchors Wolf Blitzer, John King and Erin Burnett. CNN political analysts and contributors Paul Begala, Gloria Borger, Donna Brazile, David Frum, David Gergen, Ari Fleischer, and Dana Loesch will participate in coverage from the nation’s capital.
CNN en Español's Washington, D.C. anchor Juan Carlos López will host live analysis on that network before the debate starting at 7:45 p.m. (ET). At 8 p.m., CNN en Español will take the debate live with simultaneous interpretation followed by more analysis with CNN en Español's team of political contributors. The debate will also be carried live on CNN International.
CNN.com:
Online, users can visit CNN’s Election Center and CNNPolitics.com for all things political before, during and after the debate. On debate night, CNNPolitics.com will live stream the event. CNN will solicit questions and comments submitted in real-time from CNN.com, the CNN Politics fan page on Facebook and by using the #CNNDebate hashtag on Twitter. The Political Ticker will live-blog the debate and incorporate live comments generated from social networks directly on the Ticker.
CNNPolitics.com will also showcase commentary and analysis from CNN’s political contributors, and feature a post-debate camera live from the Spin Room. CNN iReport, the network’s global participatory news community, will be asking for submissions of reactions to the debate, some of which will be shown across CNN.com and broadcast on CNN.
PROGRAMMING:
The following programs will originate live from DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.:
All times Eastern
Monday, November 21
4 pm – 6 pm: The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer 6 pm – 7 pm: John King, USA
Tuesday, November 22
4 pm – 6 pm: The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer 6 pm – 7 pm: John King, USA 7 pm – 8 pm: Erin Burnett OutFront 8 pm – 10 pm: CNN NATIONAL SECURITY DEBATE 10 pm – 11 pm: Anderson Cooper 360° (guest anchored by John King) 11 pm – 1 am: CNN NATIONAL SECURITY DEBATE (replay)
Former CNN International anchor and correspondent Hugh Riminton was back on air at the network yesterday, albeit in his post-CNN role: Political Editor for Australia's Network Ten.
Riminton appeared on the network's World Report with Anna Coren on a live cross regarding US President Obama's visit down under.
Refugees Freed Following Broadcast Of CNN Freedom Project Documentary
CNN International reports that hundreds of African refugees have been released from captivity following the network's screening of the CNN Freedom Project documentary, 'Death In The Desert', in which CNN Correspondent Fred Pleitgen revealed the appalling conditions faced by migrants crossing into Israel from Egypt in the Sinai Peninsula.
The report, "Death in the Desert," which was first broadcast on CNN International on November 5, showed evidence that African refugees, mostly from Sudan and Eritrea, were being held captive by Bedouin human traffickers in Sinai, who try to extort massive sums of money from the refugees’ families for their release.
While in captivity the refugees are enslaved, many of the women raped and some even killed. The CNN crew even found evidence that some victims had organs extracted, a practice known as organ harvesting, and were later found dead in the desert.
Shortly after the documentary aired, more than 600 African refugees were released in Sinai, says Hamdi al Azzazy, an activist for the New Generation Foundation for Human Rights who has worked for years in the region, fighting to improve the plight of the African refugees.
His account was backed up by a press release from the EveryOne Group, an Italian non-governmental organization, which has also been raising public awareness about the refugees.
'Death In The Desert' will re-air across CNN International this weekend. You can find schedule times here or you watch the documentary on demand at CNN.com: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.
Joy Behar is leaving HLN, according to reports. Deadline.com's Nellie Andreeva wrote yesterday: (via Inside Cable News)
I have learned that Joy Behar will leave HLN at the end of the year. Behar, who has hosted her primetime talk show on the CNN sibling since 2009, is in the final year of her contract there.
Meanwhile, TV Newser today has a little more detail:
HLN executive in charge Scot Safon is holding a meeting with staff at this hour announcing the change. The show will end its run mid-next month, with repeats until the end of December. One of HLN’s primetime shows — perhaps Nancy Grace — is expected to re-air in Behar’s timeslot in the New Year.
“Joy and her team produced over 500 episodes of a show that featured news-making interviews, great conversation and plenty of humor,” says Safon. “We thank Joy for the many memorable moments she gave the HLN audience.”
CNNMoney, a leading business news site, launches a new app for Android phones today. The new app’s elegant design makes it quick and easy to get CNNMoney’s award-winning business, finance and tech news on-the-go. Users can also quickly track the latest key market indexes, commodities and bond rates, and personalize a Watchlist to keep up with stock performance.
CNNMoney generated an average of 4MM monthly unique visitors to across its mobile products, according to Nielsen. CNNMoney.com attracts 14MM unique visitors and 166MM page views a month on average, according to comScore.
AS CNN iReport nears one millin users, CNN has relaunched its citizen journalism portal. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release:Fresh Reimagined Site Emerges with Personalization, Social Features, Enhanced New Tools for Curators
Five years since launching the first user-generated content news website, CNN Worldwide unveils a brand new iReport with social features and curation tools for iReporters and all news consumers. With nearly a million registered contributors and submissions from every country on the globe, iReport has succeeded in bringing people together about news in their lives and their broader world. The redesign of the website unveils the new iReport as a platform for storytelling and participation.
“We want to create a social network for news, one that connects people with the stories and sources,” said Lila King, participation director for CNN Digital. “The new iReport invites people to participate in the reporting of stories that matter to them.”
Highlights of the new iReport:
Groups – iReporters can join communities and follow topics of interest to them like politics, food, photography, technology, as well as groups around some of CNN’s shows. iReporters can also get assignments based on their individual interests and connect with other contributors in ways that they couldn’t before.
All-new homepage – a visually stunning homepage which includes an activity feed of followed iReporters and the editorial staff at iReport. The homepage also provides an opportunity to participate in assignments related to topics and groups an iReporter has joined.
Profile page – a revamped profile page that is essentially a portfolio of each iReporter. The profile page includes a history of an iReporter’s participation on the site, as well as a feed of their latest activity. The new profile also includes measures of an iReporter’s reputation within the community, with stats like page views, the number of their stories vetted for CNN, how many followers they have and which badges they’ve earned.
New rich multi-media player – a 16×9 gorgeous rich HD media player that supports photos, videos and audio that matches the size and quality of the new dynamic CNN.com video experience.
Enhanced uploader – a simplified and shorter upload experience that allows simultaneous upload of photos, with the addition of location awareness and improved Facebook and Twitter integration.
Before the end of the year, iReport will roll out additional new features that will continue to strengthen iReport’s ability to partner and share beyond CNN and position iReport as a platform for participating in the news.
CNNI Director Of Coverage Moving To UK News Provider
Geoff Hill, the London-based director of coverage for CNN International, is leaving the network after 2 years to return to domestic news provider ITN.
Hill joined CNN International in 2009 as executive producer of the Europe and Africa Assignment Desk.
The Drum.co.uk writes that Hill is to become editor of 5 News:
Hill, joins ITN having previously served as news programme director for ITV News and will launch the new service in earlier 2012 with the remit of leading all editorial and management decisions for Channel 5’s news output as ITN takes over the contract from Sky.
He will report to ITN CEO John Hardie, replacing David Kermode who will join Daybreak.
Geoff Hill said: “I have had an amazing experience with CNN but the prospect of returning to ITN as editor of 5 News is an incredibly exciting challenge. ITN is the UK's leading commercial news provider and Channel 5 has a growing reputation as well as ambitious plans. I am thrilled to be a part of this new service from the outset.”
CNN has reportedly laid off at least 50 staffers. As The Wrap's Brent Lang writes:
Photojournalists, technicians and librarians were laid off, though no reporters got the axe, according to individuals with knowledge of the layoffs.
"It was a complete shock. no one had any idea this was going to happen," said one shaken employee. "This is not the friendly company it used to be. And no one really knows why - the economy, the ratings or what."
The cuts come to the cable network's newsrooms in Miami, Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta.
Another individual said the cuts were more than 50, and closer to 70.
Despite the cuts, a CNN spokeswoman said the network expects the number of positions to remain relatively flat over the next six months with the previous year.
New 'Black in America' Special Debuts Tonight On CNN Domestic
CNN Domestic will tonight debut the latest special as part of their "Black in America" series. The Soledad O'Brien documentary first runs at 8:00pm (eastern). Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release:The New Promised Land – Silicon Valley Debuts Sunday, Nov. 13 at 8:00p.m. and 11:00p.m. ET & PT
While much of the country struggles to emerge from a recession, California’s Silicon Valley is booming, and technology companies like Facebook, Skype, and Apple are seeing their valuations soar. CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien reports that the ownership of this digital bloom is mostly young, white, and male. For her fourth Black in America documentary, O’Brien asks why, according to industry analyst CB Insights, less than one percent of all venture capital money went to digital startups with African-American founders in 2010 – and she profiles a unique, technology-focused “accelerator” developed to help African-American digital entrepreneurs secure funding to establish their businesses.
Black in America: The New Promised Land – Silicon Valley will debut on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 8:00p.m. ET & PT and replay on Nov. 13 at 11:00p.m. ET & PT. It will also replay on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8:00p.m. and 11:00p.m. ET & PT on CNN/U.S.
The NewMe accelerator program, founded by friends Angela Benton and Wayne Sutton, is a collaborative of African-American start-up founders with Internet-based businesses – the first such business accelerator of its kind. NewMe’s ultimate mission is to diversify the technology industry by accelerating the participants’ business ventures. Participants seek venture capital investment and are mentored by prominent people from within the industry.
O’Brien follows the progress of the eight former strangers after they were selected to live together for nine weeks in a modest, three-bedroom house in Mountain View, CA, from June to August of 2011. The entrepreneurs were provided with free office space and attended regular networking events hosted by NewMe’s sponsors. The participants come from varied backgrounds and experiences, and include:
Tiffani Bell (PencilYou.in) of Fayetteville, NC, a 26-year-old Howard University computer science graduate and computer programmer for a family business;
Angela Benton (GetCued) of Charlotte, NC, a 30-year-old single mother of three who co-founded NewMe and publisher of Black Web 2.0, which focuses on African-Americans working in new media industries;
Crisson Jno-Charles (fetchmob) of Queens, NY, a 26-year-old former technology sector specialist at a hedge fund who is collaborating with his girlfriend;
Hajj Flemings (GoKit) of Detroit, MI, a 39-year-old mechanical engineer laid off from GM and married father of a 1-year-old;
Anthony Frasier (Playd) of Montclair, NJ, a 25-year-old former “big box” store clerk and online gaming fanatic;
Wayne Sutton (Vouch) of Raleigh, NC, a 36-year-old father and partner at NewMe;
Pius Uzamere (becouply) of Washington, DC, a 27-year-old MIT graduate who is also developing his start-up with his girlfriend; and
Hank Williams (Kloud.co) of New York, NY, a 46-year-old, Ivy League drop-out who founded a $40 million dollar music-sharing platform, Clickradio, as well as other Internet companies.
The participants have given up family and creature comforts to focus on the pursuit of their dreams, but the official launch of the program was inauspicious. They gather for what they are told is an informal welcome reception at Google. In fact, the reception turns out to be a “Dragons’ Den,” a presentation opportunity for their business plans in front of their mentors and sponsors. It does not go well.
“I said to myself that they weren't ready,” says mentor Navarrow Wright to O’Brien, when she asks for his frank assessment of the Dragons’ Den presentations. Wright told the NewMe participants that their lackluster presentations were not well-received. His response to Williams, who offers reasons for the poor performances:
“You can make those excuses and at the end of the nine weeks, not be where you need to be. But you got to recognize, the only person that was in control of that fault was yourself,” Wright told the group. Wright founded GlobalGrind.com, a successful digital publisher of hip hop industry news and celebrity gossip, and is now the chief technology officer of Interactive One, the digital arm of syndicated, minority-owned radio company, Radio One.
Among the potential investors is Ron Conway, known as an “angel investor” – a person who provides capital to fledgling start-ups. Conway’s past Silicon Valley successes include Google, Twitter, and PayPal. He acknowledges would-be entrepreneurs face an uphill climb to secure the sought-after dollars from his firm. “We only invest in one out of 30 companies that we see,” he tells O’Brien. “That’s pretty brutal; I have to admit that a lot of it is who you know,” says Conway.
Digital entrepreneur and investor Michael Arrington, former editor of TechCrunch and founder of CrunchFund, has been previously outspoken in his beliefs that Silicon Valley is a meritocracy, but he acknowledges to O’Brien that it’s not a perfect one. Mitch Kapor, founder of Lotus Software Company and Kapor Capital takes that view further – that the tech industry is not immune to cultural biases:
“There is something in the dynamic of the start-up world that is quite meritocratic. People do start out on the outside and move to the inside by virtue of what, what they do. But is that really true? Is that true for African-Americans?” Kapor asks O’Brien rhetorically. “I have not been in the room recently when somebody said, ‘Oh, that’s an African-American-led company; I'm not going to invest there,’ but I guarantee you, from personal experience, that’s what people are thinking…The part that is meritocratic is great – and there’s a big part of it that isn’t. And so, please, let’s not fool ourselves and pretend otherwise in some self-congratulatory kind of way.”
The NewMe program concluded with “Demo Day,” a high-stakes formal presentation by participants before an audience of potential investors. Viewers will learn late in the documentary which start-up received expansion funding.
CNN, Google Team Up For Public Donations To Top 10 CNN Heroes
A month out from the live premiere of CNN Heroes 2011, the network has announced a new way for viewers to donate to organizations associated with this year's nominees. Details from CNN's press release below.
CNN Press Release:Supporters can now contribute to the CNN Heroes' Non-Profit Organizations through Google Checkout
In advance of the global live premiere of 2011's CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute on Sunday, December 11, at 8 pm ET, CNN and Google have teamed up to enable people around the world to donate to this year's Top 10 CNN Heroes and their causes.
Through Google Checkout, Google is providing payment processing functionality for donations made to the Top 10 Heroes' non-profit organizations. Google Checkout provides a fast, secure and free way to donate online using a credit or debit card. Beginning today, through December 31, 2011, online users can support the work of the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2011 by clicking the "donate" button on CNNHeroes.com and on each of the Top Ten Heroes' individual fan pages.
The CNN Heroes gala is the only show of its kind, bringing out Hollywood's brightest stars to honor individuals who are making extraordinary contributions to help improve the lives of others. This year's tribute show is hosted by Anderson Cooper and will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles at 8 pm ET, on Sunday, December 11, 2011. Since its inception, five years ago, "CNN Heroes" has received over 40,000 submissions from more than 100 countries and profiled over 150 heroes.
For more information, including video of the Top 10 CNN Heroes, links to their organizations, and highlights from previous years, visit: CNNHeroes.com.
HLN Presents Robin Meade Special: “Salute To Troops - Stories Of Courage"
HLN will debut a new Veterans Day special tonight at 7pm (eastern).
Hosted by Robin Meade, "Salute To The Troops - Stories Of Courage", pays tribute to US troops by reporting their stories of sacrifice and bravery. Full details from HLN's press release below.
HLN Press Release:“SALUTE TO TROOPS: STORIES OF COURAGE” ANCHORED BY ROBIN MEADE, PREMIERES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 @7PM, ET ON HLN
MEADE EXPLORES SACRIFICES AND TRIUMPHS OF AMERICA’S
IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WAR VETERANS
As the U.S. looks to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, HLN pays special tribute to those who served by reporting their stories of strength and sacrifice, in SALUTE TO TROOPS: STORIES OF COURAGE,” an HLN Veterans Day special anchored by Robin Meade, and premiering Fri, Nov 11, 7:00-8:00 p.m., ET.
Meade, host of HLN’s “Morning Express with Robin Meade” travels across the U.S. to locations that include Jacksonville FL, West Point, NY, Warner Robins, GA. and Norfolk, VA., to meet with veterans and their families whose triumphs over adversity can prove inspirational to all Americans.
Following its premiere on Veterans Day, the special will repeat on Sat, Nov 12 at 7 p.m., ET and Sun, Nov13 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., ET on HLN.
Featured subjects include:
· Captain Scotty Smiley: Meade reports from West Point, NY and interviews this renowned soldier who was blinded and partially paralyzed after an IED attack while serving in Iraq. She talks to Captain Smiley about returning to the military and how he found the strength to create a new life for himself and his young family.
· Blue Star Moms: Meade interviews members of this organization that was formed by mothers whose sons and daughters were already serving in the military when the US was attacked on Sep 11, 2001. The group provides servicemen and servicewomen with a little slice of home through care packages.
· Wounded Warriors: Meade meets with Dan Nevins and Bryan Wagner who share their stories of the battlefield, rehab and achievements since joining the Wounded Warrior Project, which empowers and encourages wounded heroes as they re-adjust to civilian life.
· Ride 2 Recovery: Meade rides along with returning soldiers, their families and friends on this bike ride designed to benefit injured veterans.
· Inside a Navy Destroyer: Meade travels to Jacksonville, Florida to offer an insider’s look into life at sea on the Navy Destroyer USS Farragut and interviews its commander.
· Family Reunion: Meade surprises two new mothers with an unexpected studio visit from their husbands who are just back from Afghanistan. One month later, Robin revisits the families in their homes to see how they are faring.
· Mr. Moms: Meade meets two active duty sailors who each have to fill in as “mom” while their wives are deployed overseas.
· USS Sullivans- Meade sees firsthand the heartbreak as families say goodbye to their loved ones. She talks to a mom and her three children as they watch their dad’s ship depart. She also speaks to a new bride as her husband ships out.
CNN Appoints Eric Sherling As Director Of Washington Programming.
Eric Sherling has rejoined CNN, taking up the post of director of Washington programming. Details from CNN's press release below.
CNN Press Release: Eric Sherling has been named director of Washington programming, it was announced today by Sam Feist, CNN Washington bureau chief and senior vice president. Sherling rejoins CNN after serving as executive broadcast producer of Good Morning America at ABC News.
In this role, he will oversee Washington political programming to include, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, John King, USA, State of the Union with Candy Crowley and Reliable Sources. Sherling also will play a lead role in CNN’s special campaign coverage to include debates, primary nights, and Election night programming.
“We are delighted to welcome Eric back to Washington and to the CNN family,” said Feist. “His experience speaks for itself. He’ll be an invaluable asset as the network heads into the 2012 election cycle.”
Sherling first joined CNN in 2000 as a producer in the network’s Atlanta headquarters and rose to become executive producer of Wolf Blitzer Reports in Washington. He served as supervising producer of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer when it launched in August 2005, later becoming executive producer of that program. Sherling began his career in television news as a producer at WTVQ in Lexington, Ky. and WFLA-TV in Tampa, Fla. Sherling earned his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Ithaca College and graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center.
New CNN Show The Next List with Dr. Sanjay Gupta Premieres November 13
CNN Press Release - Weekend Program to Spotlight Top Innovators Will Air Sundays at 2:00pm ET & PT on CNN/U.S.
CNN will launch a new weekly program The Next List with anchor and chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Sundays at 2:00-2:30p ET & PT beginning November 13. The program will feature profiles of exceptional individuals, who as agents of change are leading innovation, setting trends and making strides within various industries around the world. Each week, leading up to Sunday, vignettes from the program will air on CNN/U.S.
Dr. Gupta will introduce viewers to innovators from around the world who are on the cutting edge of change in their fields. We will hear from them, in their own words, about the challenges they faced and the innovative approaches they’ve developed to overcome obstacles. From science and education to sports and engineering, CNN will tell these thoughtful stories of unique game-changers across CNN platforms. The Next List will feature commentary on CNN.com/TheNextList from those profiled on the show, as well as the very latest on innovation and innovators from around the world.
Said Dr. Gupta, “All over the world, there are innovators who have worked in relative obscurity, quietly changing the world in unimaginable ways. As a global reporter, I have had the chance to see them at work, and I can’t wait to introduce them to viewers on The Next List.”
Dr. Gupta is the multiple Emmy®-award award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN. Gupta, a practicing neurosurgeon, plays an integral role in CNN’s reporting on health and medical news for American Morning, Anderson Cooper 360°, CNN documentaries, and anchors the weekend medical affairs program Sanjay Gupta, MD. Gupta also contributes to CNN.com and CNNHealth.com. His medical training and public health policy experience distinguish his reporting on a range of medical and scientific topics including brain injury, disaster recovery, health care reform, fitness, military medicine, HIV/AIDS, and other areas.
Award winning producer CNN’s Jim McGinnis will executive produce of The Next List. Most recently he was the executive producer of American Morning and was the executive producer of Lou Dobbs Tonight from July 2004 until November 2009. Prior to that, he was a supervising producer with the show for three years. McGinnis began his career at CNN in January 1989.
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 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.
Following the jury verdict in the Dr. Conrad Murray trial earlier this afternoon, CNN has announced a late programming change with the inclusion of a special one hour program tonight from 11:00pm (eastern).
CNN Programming note: CNN brings you a special investigation into the final days and hours of the legendary singer's life and death, plus heart-wrenching testimony from the last people to see him alive, as well as compelling moments from the trial. Michael Jackson: The Final Days airing on CNN tonight 11 p.m. ET/PT.
CNN International anchor Anna Coren has re-signed with the network, according to Monday's The Australian newspaper.
The article goes on to report that Coren will notch up more field work in 2012, with plans for her to do more reporting from the road.
Coren's move to Hong Kong to become a CNN International anchor/correspondent hosting World Report every weekday at 9am looks to have been a sprightly flight from the Today Tonight desk, where she carried the can for stories about grannies in chains.
It was an inspired career move and the fulfilment of an ambition.
"I always wanted to work at CNN," she says. "I remember when I was working for Channel Seven as a US correspondent, I thought I will work here for a couple of years and my transition will be to CNN."
She chased it, as did several Australian journalists working for the global network, including Stan Grant, former Nine reporter John Vause, Rosemary Church and Michael Ware. "They seem to like us," Coren says.
"It's testimony to the fact that Aussies thrive in that environment because we're hardworking and get in there and do it all. They're all-rounders. That's definitely what I want to be."
Coren plans to move from behind the desk more. The Hong Kong-based host has re-signed with the network and plans to do rotations on the road with CNN, including months in Pakistan and Afghanistan next year.
It is some way from Today Tonight. For example, Coren briefly returned to Australia for a half-hour interview with Julia Gillard (which aired last week). It is the first-time the Prime Minister has spoken to CNN. It is questionable whether she would give the time to Today Tonight.
You can read the full story from Monday's The Australian here.
FIXING EDUCATION is Focus of New “Restoring the American Dream” FAREED ZAKARIA GPS Primetime Special
CNN Press Release - Restoring the American Dream – FIXING EDUCATION Debuts Sunday at 8:00pm ET and PT
TIME Magazine Companion Story “When Will We Learn?” Hits Newsstands Friday
American primary and secondary education were once envied by much of the world, but over the last few decades U.S. students have fallen behind – while students in other countries have benefitted from improvements to their educational systems. CNN and TIME magazine’s Fareed Zakaria interviews innovative and creative leaders working on solutions to fix what ails American education in his November primetime special, Restoring the American Dream – FIXING EDUCATION, on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 8:00pm & 11:00pm ET & PT, and for a companion TIME magazine cover article, “When Will We Learn?” that hits newsstands Friday.
PISA, the Program for International Student Assessment, ranks 15-year-olds for basic skills achievement in 65 industrialized nations. In the latest PISA rankings, the U.S. ranks 15th in reading, 23rd in math, and 31st in science. Zakaria guides viewers through tours of what is working in education in countries with high rankings – to South Korea where students have more classroom time; and Finland, where professionalization of the teacher workforce has improved educators – in order to mine ideas for what could put U.S. education back on the right track.
Featured in the special are:
· Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, whose foundation has donated $5 billion dollars to schools, libraries, and scholarships tells Zakaria that the single most important determinant in the quality of a student’s education is the teacher. The Gates Foundation is the leading source of private money for education in the U.S..
· Salman Khan, founder of the Khan Academy, an educational organization that provides free, self-paced tutorials and student assessments online. Khan’s famous podcasts have delivered more than 83 million free lessons in math, science and other topics, and he tells Zakaria that customizing education can improve learning through leveraging how students learn differently. He thinks it would not be that difficult to teach all American students this way.
· NYU Professor, former Assistant U.S. Secretary of Education, and author (The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education, 2010) Diane Ravitch has spent a lifetime in education policy analysis and has seen education reforms come and go – and harm students. Ravitch supports a rigorous national curriculum and tells Zakaria that standardized testing, charter schools, and modeling public education after business models have politicized American education and degraded schools for a generation.
· Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, in Washington, now leads StudentsFirst, a nonprofit aimed at education reform through, among other measures, ending teacher tenure and supporting charter school alternatives to traditional public schools.
A FAREED ZAKARIA GPS Special: Restoring the American Dream – FIXING EDUCATION – debuts Sunday, Nov. 6 at 8:00p.m. and 11:00p.m. ET/PT on CNN/U.S. It will replay on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8:00p.m. and 11:00p.m. ET/PT on CNN/U.S. Preview available here: Fareed Zakaria and Brooke Baldwin discuss what makes a great teacher.
Fareed Zakaria’s TIME magazine cover story, When Will We Learn? hits newsstands Friday, Nov. 4.
CNN will launch a new format of news and conversation in the morning, including a 7-9am ET show anchored by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien in 2012.
O’Brien will anchor a new conversational ensemble program that explores top issues of the day while opening the conversation to people from all walks of life. O’Brien will continue to be a special correspondent for long-form documentaries at CNN.
“I couldn’t be more eager to return to daily news, to bring conversation and context to CNN viewers in the morning. I welcome the opportunity to give voice to people who aren’t often heard, and stories that are sometimes overlooked,” says O’Brien. “I love telling people’s stories, and I’m looking forward to bringing the perspective, heart and storytelling that have worked well in our documentaries to a morning audience”
“CNN has the opportunity in the morning to cover a wider range of stories from broader perspectives,” says Executive Vice President of CNN Ken Jautz. “We are planning to offer something original in the four-hour morning block to complement our direction in primetime.”
"This is an exciting time to be relaunching our morning show, with the morning television audience more up for grabs than it has been in years," says Executive Vice President and Managing Editor of CNN Mark Whitaker, who will oversee development of the new program. "With CNN's global reach and this unique cast of superb journalists as anchors, we have the opportunity to do something truly fresh and different."
Ashleigh Banfield and Zoraida Sambolin will anchor from 5-7am ET, kicking off the new CNN morning block with a new program covering a broad spectrum of the day’s news from two highly personable and passionate journalists.
Shannon High will join CNN later this month and will be executive producer of both programs. Most recently, High was the executive producer of development for NBC Peacock Productions, and before that served as MSNBC’s vice president of daytime program development, and vice president and managing editor. At MSNBC she developed The Dylan Ratigan Show and oversaw Morning Joe and daytime news. An award-winning producer, High has worked in local news in Miami, Houston and Charlotte as a manager and producer.
“I've dreamed of joining CNN for more than 20 years. It’s the gold standard of news -- the brand, the people and the product. I am excited to be stepping back into a daily anchor role with such a prestigious team, and I can't wait to get started!" says Banfield.
Sambolin adds, “I am completely thrilled to be coming to CNN. Ashleigh is an accomplished journalist with an incredible wit and dynamic personality. I look forward to collaborating with her and working together to inform, enlighten and build a strong relationship with our viewers.”
Since joining the network in 2003, O’Brien has reported breaking news from around the globe—including the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, hurricane Katrina, and the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. In addition, she has produced award-winning documentaries, including the acclaimed Black in America, Latino in America and Muslim in America. Earlier this year she was part of a CNN team that won an Emmy Award for their reporting of the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. O’Brien came to CNN from NBC, where she anchored the network’s Weekend Today show from 1999-2003. She was named Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists in 2010. That same year she launched a personal foundation with her husband, the Soledad O’Brien and Brad Raymond Foundation to send underprivileged youth to and through college.
Banfield has covered national and international stories including live reports from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, England, Israel (West Bank and Gaza), Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia. Most recently, she was a correspondent for ABC News, reporting for Good Morning America, 20/20 and Nightline. Prior to ABC, Banfield anchored and hosted three programs on TruTV (formerly Court TV); Banfield and Ford: Courtside, Hollywood Heat and Disorder in the Court. As a correspondent for NBC News from 2000-2004, Banfield reported for The Today Show, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw and Dateline. She received Emmy Award recognition for her groundbreaking 9/11 coverage from Ground Zero in New York City.
Sambolin was the Weekday Edition co-anchor of NBC5 News Today in Chicago and special assignment reporter and fill-in news anchor for Telemundo Chicago. She also served as host of Un Buen Doctor, a weekly Spanish language medical series airing on cable stations worldwide. Before joining NBC5, Sambolin was the creator and Emmy award-winning host and executive producer of Small Talk for Parents on WYCC-TV and Nuestros Ninos on WSNS-TV from 1999 to 2002.
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 Press Release - Velshi to Launch Signature Segments on CNN/U.S. and Anchor CNN International's ‘World Business Today’
CNN Chief Business Correspondent Ali Velshi is adding new roles across CNN Worldwide. Beginning next month, Velshi will provide business reporting and analysis for CNN’s domestic channel, launching signature segments that will interpret and explain a top story of the day. In addition, in 2012, he becomes an anchor of CNN International’s World Business Today, a daily global business news program. Velshi also continues as host of Your Money on weekends on CNN/U.S.
In Velshi's new role for CNN/U.S., he will take a look at one of the top economic, global or political stories of the day and deconstruct and translate it for viewers. Drawing upon Ali’s global business news experience, this segment is geared towards breaking down for audiences some of the most complex issues of our time.
Velshi is anchoring one-hour of CNN International’s World Business Today, which is broadcast live to over 200 countries across the world.
“Ali’s global business expertise is an asset that we want to showcase more broadly across a range of CNN programs," said Ken Jautz, Executive Vice President, CNN/U.S. "He will help viewers understand and decode some of the most complex and important stories of the day, particularly economic and global issues.”
CNN International Executive Vice President and Managing Director Tony Maddox added, “With new economic superpowers emerging across different continents, Ali brings the right mix of curiosity and business news experience to play a prominent role in reporting these crucial stories to CNN Worldwide’s global audience.”
Trusted for his hallmark explanations of complicated issues during the financial crisis and during times of political and economic uncertainty, Velshi will expand his now familiar role as a decoder of political and economic issues and fact-checking across CNN’s U.S. and International programming. He has reported extensively on the global financial meltdown since 2008; the financial collapses of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG and Lehman Brothers; the U.S. government’s bailout plan; the battle over the fate of the American big three automakers; and the U.S. debt ceiling and budget debate.
“I’m looking forward to the daily intellectual exercise of taking the most important and intricate issues, breaking them down and providing the context necessary to help the CNN viewer make the smartest decisions they can,” said Velshi.
Velshi’s in-depth reporting for CNN’s “How The Wheels Came Off” was honored with a National Headliner Award for Business & Consumer Reporting in 2010. He anchored CNN’s breaking news coverage of the attempted terror attack on a flight into Detroit, delivering CNN’s worldwide newsgathering for which the network was nominated for a 2010 Emmy. Velshi is the co-author of “How To Speak Money,” which releases on November 8, 2011; and author of “Gimme My Money Back,” which released in January 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.
New CNN Freedom Project Special: 'Death In The Desert' Premieres This Weekend On CNN International
CNN International this weekend debuts a new special in the CNN Freedom Project series.
In the 30 minute program, "Death in the Desert", correspondent Fred Pleitgen uncovers the horrifying story of African refugees who are enslaved or tortured, while trying to flee to Israel through the treacherous Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.
You can read a full debrief on special on CNN.com here. A preview of the special from CNN.com is below.
CNN's Freedom Project special "Death in the Desert" airs on CNN International from this weekend at the following times:
Saturday, November 5: 2100 GMT; Sunday, November 6: 0130 GMT, 1000 GMT, 1700 GMT; Monday, November 8: 0830 GMT.
