CNN Observations

CNN's Florida Primary Coverage Numbers

2012-02-01T21:19:00.002-05:00

CNN today released the overnight numbers for its coverage of last night's Florida primary. TV by the numbers has the final figures here. CNN's press note below.

CNN Press Release: Nielsen Fast National data for Florida primary – Tuesday, January 31

Highlights:

CNN tops MSNBC in primetime (8-11p) and during key coverage block (7-11p)
CNN has a +64% advantage over MSNBC in primetime among target demo (25-54)
CNN showed the most primetime growth
CNN’s AC 360 tops MSNBC at 10p

During last night’s coverage of the Florida GOP primary, CNN topped MSNBC in primetime (8-11p) in both total viewers and in the key demographic adults 25-54. In total viewers CNN averaged 1.091 million, +11% more than MSNBC’s 984k and in the target demo posted 402k, an impressive +64% lead over MSNBC’s 245k. (FNC 2.504m/641k.)

CNN showed the most growth during primetime, increasing +92% among total viewers, FNC’s was up only +13% and MSNBC had a slight bump, +6% compared to the prior four non-event Tuesday averages. In the key demo, CNN increased triple digits, up +135%.

At 10p Anderson Cooper 360 also topped MSNBC in total viewers (865k vs. 841k) and had a 54% advantage over MSNBC (319k vs. 207k) in the demo 25-54.

From 7-11p, CNN also topped MSNBC in total viewers (1.041m vs. 966k) and had a +56% advantage in the demo 25-54 (377k vs. 241k). (FNC 2.442m/607k.)

Perspectives on the ‘Arab Spring’ – and What Comes Next to be Focus of CNN Dialogues Event

2012-02-01T12:23:00.004-05:00

CNN Press Release - February 09 Forum to be moderated by CNN International Anchor Hala Gorani at Atlanta’s Emory University

The political uprisings ignited in 2010 and 2011 in North Africa and the Middle East, labeled the ‘Arab Spring,’ have altered history and upended the balance of power in the region. The uncertainty and struggles that continue to unfold are the focus of “The ‘Arab Spring’: A Path to Democracy?,” a CNN Dialogues event that will be held at the Glenn Memorial Auditorium (1652 North Decatur Road) at Emory University in Atlanta on Thursday, Feb. 09 at 7:00pm ET.

CNN International anchor Hala Gorani will moderate a dynamic evening forum, exploring issues of democracy, women’s rights, the role of Islamists, and the role of social media in the uprisings from Tunisia to Egypt to Bahrain to Yemen with scholars, journalists, and activists. Gorani is based in Atlanta, but has reported from every country in the Middle East and North Africa, including Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. She spent much of 2011 covering the tumultuous political uprisings in the region, particularly the Egyptian revolution.

The panelists for this discussion are:

Lamees Dharif is an award-winning journalist and activist who has been active in the Bahraini resistance campaign. She has been banned from writing by the Bahraini government since the beginning of the democracy movement there;
Nic Robertson is a senior international correspondent, based in CNN’s London bureau. Robertson has been with the network for twenty years and covered every major global news event since that time, including war and conflict. Robertson has continued to provide key coverage for events associated with the ‘Arab Spring,’ including reporting on the democracy demonstrations and conflict in Libya, Egypt, Yemen, and Tunisia.
Ahed Al Hendi is a founder of the Syrian Youth for Justice and has worked as a journalist for publications including The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, and The Daily Beast. He lives in the United States.
Carrie Rosefsky Wickham is an associate professor of political science at Emory University, specializing in political opposition movements and political integration in the Arab World. She is the author of Mobilizing Islam: Religion, Activism and Political Change in Egypt: 1st Edition (2002).
Dalia Ziada is director of the Egypt office of the American Islamic Congress which promotes education and literacy for Arab youth. She is a published poet and active in pro-democracy politics.

This is the first CNN Dialogues event of 2012. Admission for this program is free, but pre-registration is required by visiting www.cnndialogues.com, or by calling the James Weldon Johnson Institute for Race and Difference at 404.727.2515, or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights at 404.991.6988.

About CNN Dialogues
CNN Dialogues represents a partnership between CNN, Emory University’s James Weldon Johnson Institute for the Study for Race and Difference and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights for a series of community discussions on major topics shaping our times, led by leading thinkers of the day. The planning committee for CNN Dialogues includes writer Pearl Cleage, Morehouse College President Robert Franklin, president and trustee of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Penelope McPhee, vice president for communications and marketing for Emory University Ron Sauder, executive vice president and director of programming for Atlanta’s World Affairs Council Cedric Suzman, president and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tisha Tallman, and Eric Tanenblatt of the Atlanta-based law firm of McKenna, Long, and Aldrich.

Amanpour to Become Centerpiece of New CNN International Lineup Launching this Spring

2012-02-01T12:04:00.006-05:00

CNN Press Release - Liza McGuirk named Executive Producer of Amanpour

Christiane Amanpour returns to CNN Worldwide this spring and will broadcast her signature program, Amanpour, in primetime in Europe and throughout the world in more than 200 countries as the centerpiece of a new CNN International lineup, it was announced today by Tony Maddox, executive vice president and managing director of CNN International.

Each weeknight on CNN International, Amanpour will deliver the definitive international news and interview program that CNN’s worldwide audience has come to expect of the preeminent global journalist. Amanpour will air weekdays at 3 p.m. and replay at 5 p.m. (ET) on CNN International. The half-hour show will air twice during European primetime, providing viewers with an additional opportunity to tune in for a distinct take on the challenging issues facing the world.

Liza McGuirk, an award-winning producer who has more than two decades of experience in television journalism both producing and reporting, will be the executive producer of Amanpour. McGuirk will be based in New York along with Amanpour.

In the unique relationship announced in December, Amanpour’s primary role is as global affairs anchor for ABC News blazing a trail in international reporting for American viewers, in addition to her new program on CNN International reaching a vast global audience. She will continue her courageous reporting in war-torn countries for all ABC News programs, platforms and online, including her unmatched ability to land major and rare exclusive interviews with world leaders - including last year’s only interviews with Moammar Gadhafi and Hosni Mubarak. As global affairs anchor for ABC News, her ongoing assignments range from the uprisings in the Middle East to Iran's nuclear program to the Eurozone crisis. Amanpour will also report on new conflicts, natural disasters and humanitarian crises, anchor four primetime specials on ABC and continue Around the World with Christiane Amanpour, her recently launched video series for ABCNews.com and Yahoo News.

“We are delighted to see Amanpour return to the heart of CNN International’s lineup,” said Maddox. “Christiane has proven herself time and time again to be the leading international journalist in television news and with Liza’s commitment to producing compelling television, Amanpour will showcase the very best CNN has to offer.”

“I’m thrilled that Christiane’s powerful, utterly original journalistic voice will once again be heard around the world, and I look forward to helping her shape an important program at a time of great global change,” said McGuirk.

Amanpour will be at the center of a dynamic new lineup featuring existing programs International Desk, Quest Means Business, Connect the World with Becky Anderson and Piers Morgan Tonight as well as a new weekday news program anchored by CNN’s Isha Sesay, who also appears on Anderson Cooper 360°.

With the launch of Amanpour, CNN International is once again offering Europe’s primetime audience a destination program featuring one of the world’s most distinguished journalists. Known for her tough questions and extraordinary depth of knowledge, Amanpour will focus on international stories shaping the news agenda, delivering sharp analysis to an audience of more than 280 million households in more than 200 countries around the world with CNN International.

Amanpour and McGuirk have previously collaborated on a number of projects for CNN, including the award-winning 1999 documentary about Iran, Revolutionary Journey. In June 2008, McGuirk launched the Sunday morning news and discussion program Fareed Zakaria: GPS, which was nominated for an Emmy after just months of being on air. Most recently she served as the executive producer of Parker Spitzer. She also worked at CBS News for eight years, including four years producing and writing segments for the late 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley. McGuirk reports to Mike McCarthy, senior vice president of programming for CNN International.

Amanpour spent more than 25 years reporting from around the globe for CNN. Most recently, she was CNN's chief international correspondent and anchored Amanpour on CNN International from September 2009 to April 2010. In the summer of 2010, Amanpour joined ABC News and became host of ABC News’ This Week, where she was the only Sunday morning anchor nominated for an Emmy award. Her body of work has earned nine News and Documentary Emmys, four George Foster Peabody Awards, two George Polk Awards, three duPont-Columbia Awards, the Courage in Journalism Award, an Edward R. Murrow award, an inaugural Television Academy Honor and nine honorary degrees.

CNNI’s new European primetime lineup (All times Eastern): 1 p.m. International Desk; 2 p.m. Quest Means Business; 3 p.m. Amanpour; 3:30 p.m. new Isha Sesay-anchored show; 4 p.m. Connect the World with Becky Anderson; 5 p.m. Amanpour (encore); 5:30 p.m. World Sport; 6 p.m. Piers Morgan Tonight.

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's January Numbers

2012-01-31T22:23:00.002-05:00

CNN today released their numbers for the month of January. CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: CNN TOPS MSNBC IN PRIMETIME

ANDERSON COOPER 360 TOPS MSNBC AT 10PM; UP 61% WHILE MSNBC LOSES VIEWERS

AC 360 ONLY SHOW TO HAVE RATINGS GAINS AT 8PM

CNN Tops MSNBC in Total Day Demo and Dayside

January 2012 Highlights:

CNN tops MSNBC in M-F and M-Su primetime in both total viewers and key demo
CNN tops MSNBC in total day demo and grows, while MSNBC loses viewers
CNN tops MSNBC throughout the daytime
AC 360 at 10p tops MSNBC in both categories and increases +61% in the target demo while MSNBC is down -18%
AC 360 at 8p grows +42% in key demo and +20% in total viewers; while MSNBC is down -29% and -12% respectively
Erin Burnett OutFront (7p) is up vs. CNN programming a year ago and at 11p tops MSNBC’s Ed Show in the key demo

In M-F primetime (8-11p), CNN topped MSNBC in both total viewers (976k vs. 942k) and in the target demo (329k vs. 225k) in January 2012. Compared to a year ago, CNN increased +58% in the key demo (329k vs. 208k) and MSNBC lost -14% of its primetime audience (225k vs. 262k). Without the debates, CNN still outperformed MSNBC in the key demo 25-54 (250k vs. 225k) this month.

In M-Su primetime, CNN topped MSNBC in total viewers (842k vs. 804k) and in the demo (282k vs. 219k). In total day, CNN bested MSNBC in the target demo (139k vs. 133k) and grew +7% (139k vs.130k) while MSNBC fell -14% (133k vs. 154k) compared to year ago. CNN also outperformed MSNBC in daytime (9a-5p) in January, averaging 126k in P25-54 vs. MSNBC’s 86k.

Show Highlights (January 2012 vs. January 2011):

10p, ET: AC 360 topped MSNBC in both total viewers (765k vs. 705k) and in the demo (282k vs. 179k) – and grew an impressive +61% among 25-54 (282k vs. 175k) and +28% in total viewers (765k vs. 596k). MSNBC’s Last Word was down -18% in the demo vs. a year ago (179k vs. 218k).

9p, ET: Piers Morgan Tonight did not launch until January 17 last year, and this year PMT was preempted five nights due to political coverage. Compared to last month (December 2011), the program was up +10% in the demo (170k vs. 155k).

8p, ET: AC 360 is the only program to post growth vs. a year ago; increasing +42% in the demo (177k vs. 125k) and +20% in total viewers (573k vs. 479k). MSNBC is down -29% (184k vs. 260k) and FNC is off -17% (615k vs. 739k) in the key demo.

7p, ET: Erin Burnett OutFront continues to show growth, increasing +8% in the key demo (138k vs. 128k) and +3% in total viewers (450k vs. 437k). The 11pm, ET replay (west coast primetime 8p, PT) of OutFront topped MSNBC’s Ed Show in the key demo (145k vs. 141k).

4p, ET: The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer topped MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan in both total viewers (581k vs. 499k) and in the demo (142k vs. 87k). Sit Room also grew vs. a year ago, increasing +11% in the target demo.

7a, ET: Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien grew +5% in total viewers vs. CNN programming a year ago (254k vs. 241k).

Reach:

CNN reached a cumulative audience of 97.955 million viewers in January, representing the network’s best month since August 2011. FNC followed with 82.921 million and MSNBC averaged 80.701 million.

CNN Previews Its Coverage Of Florida Primary

2012-01-30T21:34:00.006-05:00

CNN today released its plans for coverage of Tuesday's Florida Primary. Coverage will simulcast on CNN International. CNN en Español will also cover the Florida Primary. Details from CNN's press release is below.

CNN Press Release: As the focus of the next Republican Presidential primary battleground zeroes in on Florida, CNN plans to utilize resources across its platforms for coverage on the ground and from the CNN Election Center. Anchors Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett and John King will headline the network’s America’s Choice: The Florida Primary coverage beginning at 7 p.m. A special edition of AC360 will air following the network’s primary coverage at 10 p.m. and a special edition of Piers Morgan Tonight will air at midnight. All times Eastern.

CNN chief political analyst Gloria Borger and senior political analyst David Gergen, along with political contributors Donna Brazile, James Carville, Alex Castellanos and Ari Fleischer, will be on set in the CNN Election Center to offer insight and analysis throughout the evening.

Reporting from Florida on primary day will be anchor and chief political correspondent Candy Crowley live from the Romney campaign headquarters, national political correspondent Jim Acosta and Miami-based correspondent John Zarrella. CNN political contributors Erick Erickson and Roland Martin will be live from Miami. From Washington, chief White House correspondent Jessica Yellin will provide the latest updates on reaction from the Obama campaign.

Looking ahead to the Nevada caucuses, senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash and senior political correspondent Joe Johns will report live from Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, respectively, tomorrow night. Tom Foreman also will report live from a focus group location of undecided Republican voters in Las Vegas.

CNN Radio

CNN radio reporters Lisa Desjardins and Bob Costantini will cover the primary results for the CNN Radio network and its affiliates. Desjardins will gather sound for the American Sauce podcast and Costantini will produce a Political Notebook podcast.

CNN Digital

Users can check out the CNN Election Center to track real-time election results and analyze the exit polls and results thus far from Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. The GOP Delegate Calculator allows users after each caucus or primary to try their hand at predicting which candidates will win each state and eventually, the Republican presidential nomination. CNN.com will continue to provide the CNN Electoral Map with the most recent predictions on battleground states as updated by CNN’s political experts.

CNN.com will live stream campaign events leading up to and on the day of the Florida primary. To engage and comment on election night news as it happens, users can visit the CNN Politics Facebook page. On Twitter, users may follow @CNNPolitics for breaking developments and join the conversation by using hashtag #CNNElections.

CNN iReport, the network’s global participatory news community, will be asking for submissions related to the events in Florida, some of which will be shown on CNN.com and broadcast on CNN.

Across CNN’s mobile platforms, the latest election stories and opinion pieces will be available via CNN’s mobile website and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android phone and Android tablet. The new Election Center section can also be accessed on CNN’s mobile platforms. All apps will live stream the candidate speeches and events during the primary. On primary night, live results can be viewed on CNN's mobile website and in the CNN App for iPad.

CNN en Español and CNN International

CNN en Español will offer extensive coverage of the Jan.31 Florida primaries, one in which the Latino vote is expected to play its most significant role yet. On Tuesday, Washington D.C. correspondent Ione Molinares will be reporting live from Tampa, and reporter Rafael Fuenmayor will offer live updates with guests from Miami throughout the day. Starting at 7 p.m., Washington D.C. anchor Juan Carlos López will host a special edition of Directo USA from Atlanta joined by anchors Patricia Janiot and Fernando del Rincón, and a panel of political contributors Maria Cardona, Juan Hernandez and Roberto Izurieta to offer analysis of the events of the day.

CNN International will simulcast the domestic network’s coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Programming schedule for Tuesday, Jan. 31 – Florida Primary day (All Times Eastern):

7:00PM – 10:00PM: America's Choice 2012: The Florida Primary (Live)
10:00PM – 12:00AM: Anderson Cooper 360° – Special Edition (Live)
12:00AM – 1:00AM (Feb.1): Piers Morgan Tonight (Live)

Sanjay Gupta Special On Concussion In Youth Football Airs Tonight

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

CNN Domestic will tonight debut a new Dr. Sanjay Gupta special investigating the risks associated with concussion in high school football players. A preview and rundown of the program from CNN is below.

CNN Press Release: ‘Big Hits, Broken Dreams’ Examines Concussion Hazards in Youth Football

‘Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports’ documentary debuts Sunday, January 29, 8:00pm ET

Football is a cornerstone of family life in Greenville, NC, and four-time statewide football champion JH Rose High School is one reason why. But the costs for all of that football glory can be very high. The hard hits can mean concussion injuries and the community has borne terrible consequences.

In summer 2008, JH Rose junior and star running back, Jaquan Waller, died as a result of repeated concussion injuries. Weeks earlier, neighboring RJ Reynolds High School sophomore Matthew Gfeller had died from concussion injury. In 2010, JH Rose head coach Todd Lipe had to permanently sideline the varsity quarterback, AJ Flores, after he sustained his fourth football-related concussion. In 2011, JH Rose starting linebacker Gray Dixon was one of nearly a dozen players to sit out part of the season with a serious concussion.

In a new, one-hour documentary, CNN chief medical correspondent and practicing neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta had exclusive access to follow the JH Rose team for their full 2011 season, exploring concussion in high school football – what happens to the brain under concussive brain injury, and what parents, coaches, and athletes need to be aware of to try to protect themselves. Big Hits, Broken Dreams debuts Sunday, January 29 at 8:00p.m. ET.

In September 2008, Jaquan Waller hit a middle linebacker head-on during an intense practice. When he came off the playing field, Waller described headaches and balance issues, but the team trainer who later checked him, sent him home with no special instructions for further medical follow up. Dressed for practice the following day, team mate and friend Zach Rogers describes Waller as seeming “normal.”

But during that Friday’s game, some 48 hours after his first concussion, Waller sustained what has been described by others as a relatively low intensity hit, after which it was quickly apparent that something was very wrong with him. Waller seemed confused, began foaming at the mouth, and soon collapsed. Emergency medical services arrived approximately ten minutes after he was sidelined. Within the hour, Waller was declared dead.

The second guessing at JH Rose following Waller’s death has been painful. “You wouldn’t know how many times I thought about doing something different,” reflects Coach Lipe to Dr. Gupta in the documentary.

Superintendent Beverly Reep, PhD, acknowledges that having a certified athletic trainer on the field for practices and games, and having Waller medically evaluated following his first concussion, may have changed Waller’s outcome.

In 2008, the concussion protocol at JH Rose was not unique. Every season, according the Sports Concussion Institute in Los Angeles, one in ten high school football players get a concussion. Yet, despite this troubling statistic, the Center for Injury Research & Policy at the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital reports that less than half of American high schools have a certified athletic trainer on the field during games and practices. And many high school trainers are not actually athletic trainers, they may be skilled in first aid, but not certified to recognize possible head trauma. This is coupled with the fact that young players often want to return to play quickly – and some will even not tell the truth in order to keep playing.

Brock Niceler, MD, a Greenville family and sports medicine physician says that because their brains are still developing, “adolescents take longer to heal from their concussions, than their college or pro counterparts.”

“Everybody just thought that he just got his ‘bell rung,’” said Rogers of his friend, Waller in the documentary. “Nothing out of normal. It’s just how you play. You play hurt when you have to.”

Kevin Guskiewicz, PhD, one of the nation’s leading concussion researchers, feels that part of the problem is the terminology. Like Dr. Gupta, he prefers to refer to concussion as “brain injury” – since that is what it is – and he hopes the strong terminology will encourage players, families, and coaches to take the injury more seriously. And, Dr. Guskiewicz’s research demonstrates that even subconcussive blows to the head, particularly when repeated, can cause sustained cognitive impairment.

Coach Lipe and Dr. Reep have supervised the implementation of new procedures and protocols to improve the safety of the game since Waller’s death. Now, certified athletic trainers are present at practices and games and are considered essential. Athletes do not have the last word when it is time to assess whether they can play football. Cognitive baseline tests for each player are repeated at intervals during the season and following concussions, to determine if players are healthy enough to return to the game.

In addition to the documentary, more resources for athletes, parents, and coaches can be found on CNN.com about concussion. Online, Dr. Gupta, both a father and a neurosurgeon, describes why it is so important to protect young athletes – including young girls – from concussion and subconcussive blows. And Dr. Gupta has developed an online video demonstration of what happens to the brain when it sustains a concussion, which is supplemented by Dr. Guskiewicz’s “Five Things” viewers need to know about concussion.

Melissa Dunst-Lipman is a senior producer, and Nadia Kounang is a producer for Big Hits, Broken Dreams. Roni Selig is the senior executive producer for the CNN Medical, Health, and Wellness unit.

TV / Online Numbers For CNN's GOP Florida Debate

2012-01-27T23:33:00.002-05:00

CNN today released details of television ratings and statistics from their online coverage of Thursday's GOP Florida debate. Details from CNN below.

CNN Press Release: CNN'S GOP FLORIDA DEBATE WAS #1 LAST NIGHT; POSTS BEST CNN DELIVERY YET IN THE KEY DEMO 25-54

DRAWS 5.4 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS AND 1.7 MILLION IN KEY DEMO 25-54

ALSO DRAWS AN ADDITIONAL 1.2 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS AND 562K IN THE DEMO DURING WEST COAST PRIMETIME

ANDERSON COOPER 360 TOPS THE COMPETITION AT 10P

CNN.com total day video highest of last five CNN debates

According to Nielsen Fast National data, CNN's Florida debate (8-10p, ET), moderated by Wolf Blitzer delivered 5.4 million total viewers and 1.7 million in the key target demographic 25-54 last night, Thursday, January 26. This represents CNN's best debate yet this election cycle in the key demo and second best among total viewers (behind the Las Vegas GOP debate on 10/18). Last night's debate ranked fourth among all primary debates so far this cycle in the key demo (including broadcast) and second among cable-only debates (behind only FNC's 12/15 debate).

CNN was, by far, top rated during the 8-10p, ET time period last night among the cable news networks in both total viewers and the key demo. CNN topped FNC among total viewers by 160% (5.4m vs. 2.1m) and MSNBC by 444% (5.4m vs. 985k). In the target demo CNN topped FNC by 330% (1.7m vs. 405k) and MSNBC by 702% (1.7m vs. 217k).

During the west coast primetime airing (8-10p, PT/11p-1a, ET replay), CNN had an additional 1.2 million total viewers and 562k in the key demographic 25-54.

With post-debate analysis, Anderson Cooper 360 easily outperformed its cable news competition at 10p. AC360 topped FNC’s On the Record among total viewers by 30% (2.5m vs. 1.9m) and MSNBC’s Last Word by 130% (2.5m vs. 1.1m). In the target demo AC360 topped FNC by 88% (895k vs. 477k) and MSNBC by 261% (895k vs. 248k).

CNN Digital:

During last night’s CNN debate, CNN Digital’s stats include:

CNN.com page views were up 37% over the previous 4-Thursdays and up 5% over the average of the prior five CNN debates with 3.7 million page views. CNN.com page views for the day hit 46.8 million, up 6% over the average of the past five CNN debates.

Video starts on CNN.com were also up 71% over the prior 4 Thursdays and 45% over the prior debates with 4.9 million.

Mobile page views were up 6% during the debate. In total, CNN Mobile had 6.1 million page views for the day.

(Source: Omniture SiteCatalyst Prior 4-Thursday average based on 12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 1/12. Prior debate dates include 6/13, 9/12, 10/18, 11/22, 1/19.)

(Source: Bango. Prior 4-Thursday average based on 12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 1/12. Prior debate dates include 6/13, 9/12, 10/18, 11/22, 1/19. Note: International mobile site does not contain video.)

Users also interacted with CNN across social media.

Facebook:

For last night’s Florida Republican debate there were 3 postings on the main CNN Facebook fanpage which generated 3,000 likes and comments.

Source: Facebook fan pages CNN 6/13/11, 9/12/11, 10/18/11, 11/22/11, 1/19/12 & 1/26/12; CNN Politics 9/12/11, 10/18/11, 11/22/11, 1/19/12 & 1/26/12

Twitter:

The CNNbrk account had 13 posts surrounding the debate which were retweeted 2,100 times.

The hashtag #CNNDebate was a trending topic throughout the evening, ranking as high as #1 in the US and Worldwide throughout portions of the broadcast.

Wolf Blitzer and Erin Burnett were also trending topics during last night’s debate coverage, with Wolf Blitzer ranking as high as #3 and Erin Burnett ranked #8 in US throughout the broadcast.

Source: Twitter Analytics 6/13/11, 10/18/11, 11/22/11, 1/19/12 & 1/26/12

GetGlue:

The CNN Florida Republican Debate had over 5,700 GetGlue check-ins and generated an estimated 1.3 million impressions across Facebook and Twitter.

Source: GetGlue 9/12, 10/18, 11/22, 1/19 & 1/26

CNN en Español's Patricia Janiot Marks 20 Years At CNN

2012-01-27T07:49:00.004-05:00

CNN en Español senior anchor Patricia Janiot today marks 20 years with CNN. She was a founding anchor of CNN en Español when the network launched in 1997.

Since joining CNN in 1992, Janiot has reported extensively from Latin America and currently co-hosts CNN en Español's nightly news bulletin, Panorama Mundial. She is also an advisor to the executive vice president and general manager of the network.

CNN en Español will tonight air a tribute to Janiot with a special edition of Cala. During the one hour program, Janiot will discuss her favorite interviews and recall some memorable moments from behind the scenes. Janiot will also discuss her experience representing Colombia in the 1984 Miss World contest and her social work away from CNN en Español. The special airs at 9:00pm (eastern).

In addition to the special, you can view of gallery featuring images of Janiot's career at CNN here.

CNN's Florida Republican Presidential Debate

2012-01-26T03:28:00.003-05:00

CNN tonight hosts the final GOP Presidential debate before the Florida Primary on Tuesday January 31. The debate simulcasts on CNN International and CNN en Español. Details from CNN on what to expect follow below.

CNN Press Release: Wolf Blitzer to Moderate; Cooper, King, Burnett, O’Brien Anchor Special Coverage

Just days before Florida Republicans go to the polls to choose their nominee, the GOP presidential hopefuls will meet for a final debate hosted by CNN, the Republican Party of Florida and the Hispanic Leadership Network. CNN lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate the two-hour presidential debate which will take place at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on Thursday, January 26 at 8 p.m. ET.

Blitzer, John King, Erin Burnett and Soledad O’Brien will anchor their respective programs live and in Jacksonville on the days surrounding the CNN debate. Anderson Cooper will anchor special, post-debate coverage.

Reporting from Florida in the final days before the primary will be chief political correspondent Candy Crowley, anchor Brooke Baldwin, national political correspondent Jim Acosta, senior political correspondent Joe Johns, correspondent Ed Lavandera, Miami-based correspondent John Zarrella, and CNN Radio’s Bob Costantini. On the campaign trail covering the GOP candidates are reporter-at-large Peter Hamby, political reporter Shannon Travis, and political producers Rachel Streitfeld and Shawna Shepherd. CNN chief political analyst Gloria Borger, senior political analyst David Gergen and CNN political contributors Alex Castellanos, Donna Brazile, Ari Fleisher, John Avlon will be on hand in Jacksonville to offer insight and analysis for all programming.

Four presidential contenders will participate in Thursday’s debate: former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. In addition to questions posed to the candidates by Blitzer and Florida Republicans in the audience, 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.

CNN Digital

CNNPolitics.com will cover the Florida debate and primary and will be the online destination for all news and analysis related to the 2012 Elections. Users can check out the CNN Election Centerto track real-time election results and analyze the exit polls and results thus far from Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. CNN.com has also launched the GOP Delegate Calculator, which allows users after each caucus or primary to try their hand at predicting which candidates will win each state and eventually, the Republican presidential nomination. CNN.com will also continue to provide the CNN Electoral Map with the most recent predictions on battleground states as updated by CNN’s political experts as well as the 2012 Primary Caucus Calendar, an interactive datebook where users can slide over a specific month to see when states will hold their primaries and caucuses throughout the year.

CNN.com will live stream all of the events in Florida – the debate on Thursday as well as the events from the Florida primary next Tuesday. After Thursday’s debate, CNN.com will be live-streaming the Spin Room with CNN’s Jim Acosta. To engage and comment on election night news as it happens, users can view the CNN Politics Facebook page for political stories and photos of CNN’s favorite faces and also follow @CNNPolitics on Twitter for breaking developments all night.

CNN iReport, the network’s global participatory news community, will be asking for submissions related to the events in Florida, some of which will be shown on CNN.com and broadcast on CNN.

Across CNN’s mobile platforms, the latest election stories and opinion pieces will be available via CNN’s mobile website and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android phone and Android tablet. The new Election Center section can also be accessed on CNN’s mobile platforms. Additionally, all apps will live stream the debate and carry live video of candidate speeches and events during the primary. On primary night, live results can be viewed on CNN's mobile website and in the CNN App for iPad.

CNN en Español and CNN International

CNN en Español will offer pre-debate analysis starting at 7.45pm hosted by anchor Juan Carlos López and joined by the network's panel of political contributors Maria Cardona, Roberto Izurieta and Juan Hernandez. At 8pm, the network will carry the debate live with simultaneous interpretation and will feature López fielding questions for the candidates from attendees of the Hispanic Leadership Network Conference taking place in Miami. The debate will be followed by 30 minutes of analysis with our political contributors and guests onsite in Miami.

The debate will also be carried live on CNN International.

CNN Digital Numbers For 2011

2012-01-25T18:18:00.006-05:00

CNN today released data on the performance of its digital networks in 2011. The numbers from CNN below.

CNN Press Release: CNN Earns 73 Million Unique Users Monthly; Key Sections Post Double Digit Gains

According to end-of-year data, more people rely on CNN than any other television network for news and commentary – both online and on the go. In total, CNN Digital earned more than 73 million unique visitors in 2011, beating MSNBC by 38%, Fox News by 187%, ABC News Digital by 217% and CBS Interactive by 260%. With 2.3 billion total page views for the year, CNN Digital outperformed MSNBC by 83%, Fox News by 143%, CBS News by 819%, and ABC News Digital by 1013%. (Source: comScore Media Metrix, Jan – Dec 2011; average monthly)

In the wake of the Japanese Tsunami, CNN.com’s most trafficked day of the year was March 11, 2011 with 135.9 million global page views. (Click to enlarge slide below).

In addition to breaking news and events coverage, CNN.com’s sections that inspired passion and engagement earned double-digit gains for the year. With 15.7 million average monthly page views, the site’s Opinion section showed a 58% growth rate year over year. Earning a 64% gain in traffic over 2010, CNN.com’s Belief section averaged 7.8 million page views per month. Other beats that showed double-digit growth for 2011 include Living (11%), Travel (37%), U.S. (16%), World (23%), This Just In (29%), Marquee (18%), The Political Ticker (25%) and The Chart (17%).

Video

CNN.com served more than 101.3 million average monthly global video starts in 2011 – a 19% increase over 2010. Click here for CNN.com’s top ten days for video consumption.

Mobile

CNN Digital has remained No. 1 in mobile news for the past 4 consecutive years. In 2011, CNN Digital boasted 19.4 million unique users monthly, beating its nearest competitor – Fox News Digital – by more than 60% (Nielsen Mobile Media View, January – November 2011). CNN’s mobile website generated a monthly average of 210.4 million global page views for the year. (Bango Analytics, January 1 – December 31, 2011).

CNN’s mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Android and Nokia have now surpassed 17 million downloads, of which 13 million occurred in 2011. (iTunes Connect, Android Market, Ovi Store, January 1-December 31, 2011). In addition, CNN’s newly-acquired Zite application was named the best news app of 2011 by Apple iTunes and CNN’s app for iPad earned a spot as one Apple’s top ten free applications of the year.

Social

With nearly 1 million more fans than Fox News and 8 times as many fans as MSNBC, CNN’s Facebook fan page has the most followers of any news brand. On May 1, 2011, CNN had the highest number of interactions ever recorded in single day – over 42,000 likes and comments related to the death of Osama bin Laden. (Source: Facebook Insights)

On Twitter, @CNNBRK and @CNN have a combined total of over 9.4 million followers. @CNNBRK, with over 6 million followers, is the No. 1 news account on Twitter, 1.8 million more followers than its closest competitor, The New York Times. @CNNBRK also ranks as one of the top 25 accounts on all of Twitter. @CNN’s most popular tweet of 2011 (the death of Osama bin Laden) was re-tweeted more than 10,000 times. (Source: Twitter Analytics)

iReport

CNN is also home to iReport, the No. 1 participatory news community online. By adding more than 250,000 registered users in 2011 (up 11% YOY), the community has grown to over 1 million iReporters. At a 19% growth rate over 2010, more than 185,000 iReports were submitted last year. iReport set a monthly record in August with the addition of 38,000 registrants and a daily record with 8,000 new iReporter registrations on Aug. 23. (Source: iReport Internal Server Data)

CNN's Coverage Of Tonight's State Of The Union Address

2012-01-24T17:39:00.002-05:00

CNN today released details of its coverage of tonight's State of the Union Address. Coverage will be simulcast on CNN International. Details from CNN below.

CNN Press Release: CNN Presents Live Coverage of President Obama’s State of the Union Address and GOP Response

Special Edition of AC 360 to Follow

Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer will lead CNN’s coverage of the State of the Union beginning at 8 pm tonight along with John King and Candy Crowley. President Obama’s State of the Union Address will begin at 9:00 pm. The GOP response with Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will follow.

Blitzer and King will anchor the special coverage live from Capitol Hill, where chief political analyst Gloria Borger and senior political analyst David Gergen will provide analysis immediately following the address. In addition, senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash will report live from inside the Capitol surrounding the address while chief White House correspondent Jessica Yellin provides the latest reports and insights of the president’s remarks from the White House. Political contributors participating in tonight’s special coverage include Paul Begala, Ari Fleisher and Roland Martin.

A special edition of AC 360 will follow CNN’s State of the union coverage and analysis, and will air live until midnight.

CNNPolitics.com will offer extensive coverage and real-time analysis of the State of the Union address with live-blogging on the Political Ticker and reader interaction on CNN iReport. Additionally, the address will be live-streamed on CNN.com/Live, via the CNN App for, iPhone and Android.

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.

All Times Eastern

CNN iReport Notches Up One Million Users

2012-01-23T18:17:00.005-05:00

CNN today announced that CNN iReport has reached a major milestone - one million users worldwide. Details from CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: CNN iReport, the network’s global participatory news community announces a major milestone – the platform has reached more than one million registered contributors.

The news comes on the heels of a complete overhaul of the iReport site last November, the launch of Open Story, a storytelling tool that allows the community to participate in the news in real time and the release of a custom built app for Android.

iReport continues to set the standard in citizen journalism and has further plans to grow the platform in 2012. Included in those plans will be new tools and features designed to carry iReport into all the places where people are telling stories, and then connect them back to CNN and the wider web.

CNN's South Carolina Primary Coverage Ratings

2012-01-23T18:13:00.002-05:00

CNN is noting its numbers for coverage of Saturday's South Carolina Primary.

CNN Press Release: According to Nielsen time period data for South Carolina primary election night: Saturday, January 21

Highlights:

CNN tops MSNBC in primetime (8-11p) and during full coverage block (7-11p)

CNN has a +60% advantage over MSNBC in demo in primetime and +74% during full coverage block

CNN has its best election night performance so far this cycle

CNN increases from 2008 South Carolina GOP primary night in both total viewers and the demo

During Saturday night’s coverage of the GOP South Carolina primary, CNN topped MSNBC in primetime (8-11p) in both total viewers and in the key demo adults (25-54). In total viewers CNN averaged 1.148 million, +20% more than MSNBC’s 954k and in the target demo CNN had 394k, a +60% advantage over MSNBC’s 247k.

CNN had triple digit growth compared to the prior four Saturdays (excluding holidays) in primetime among total viewers and in the key demo. CNN was up +193% in total viewers (1.148m vs. 392k) and increased +237% in the demo (394k vs. 117k).

From 7-11p, CNN also topped MSNBC in total viewers (1.213 vs. 985k) and in the key demo 25-54 (417k vs. 240k).

South Carolina represents CNN’s best election night performance this cycle in total viewers, topping Iowa caucuses (1.213m vs. 1.173m) and NH primary (1.213m vs. 996k). Compared to the 2008 South Carolina GOP primary night four years ago, CNN grew in this year (2012) among total viewers (1.213 vs. 1.098m) and in the demo (417k vs. 380k).

CNN Newsource Adds René Marsh As National Correspondent

2012-01-23T18:10:00.003-05:00

René Marsh is joining CNN Newsource from WSVN, Miami. CNN says Marsh will serve as national correspondent for the network's affiliate service. Details from CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: René Marsh will join CNN Newsource from WSVN in Miami, Florida, as a national correspondent serving more than 800 affiliates, it was announced today by Paul Crum, vice president of news operations, administration and affiliate services for CNN/U.S.

Marsh will cover breaking news and topical news stories for CNN’s affiliates. She will be based in Washington, D.C. and will report from locations throughout the U.S.

“René is a sharp and poised reporter with a solid background in covering a vast array of news stories, from investigative to major breaking events. She will be on the frontlines of national breaking news and with her insights and presence, she will be a differentiator for our affiliate news partners and their viewers,” Crum said.

Marsh joins CNN Newsource from our affiliate WSVN in Miami, where she served as a general assignment reporter. Before WSVN, she was an investigative reporter and weekend anchor at CBS 6 in Albany, New York. While in Albany, she gained recognition covering major stories in New York State politics and for her investigation into an underground society operating out of public bathrooms in the Capital Region. She was also a reporter and anchor at KTAL in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Marsh graduated with honors from Binghamton University and holds a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

CNN Newsource, comprised of more than 800 affiliates including TV stations and local/regional cable news channels throughout North America, is the most widely distributed syndicated news service. Through continuous digital media distribution and five digital satellite channels, CNN Newsource provides partners with the news content necessary to produce competitive newscasts. This includes: CNN Worldwide's global newsgathering resources; the collective coverage power of CNN Newsource affiliates; customized live coverage of breaking news from CNN correspondents and localized CNN Money Matters reports live from the floor of the NYSE. Additionally, CNN Newsource stations benefit from CNN Newsbeam, which provides satellite time and fiber connectivity from CNN's vast global resources at lower than market rates. CNN Newsource also helps prepare tomorrow's journalists by providing service at no charge to colleges and universities through its Newsource in the Classroom program.

“America’s Choice 2012: South Carolina Primary” CNN Coverage

2012-01-21T17:54:00.003-05:00

CNN is noting its plans for covering the South Carolina Primary. Coverage will be simulcast on CNN International and begins at 6:00pm (eastern) tonight.

CNN Press Release: CNN’s “America’s Choice 2012: South Carolina Primary” Coverage Starts at 6 p.m. ET

CNN anchors Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, Candy Crowley, John King and Brooke Baldwin will lead CNN’s special coverage of the South Carolina Primary at 6 p.m. ET live from the CNN Election Center. A special edition of Anderson Cooper 360° will air at 11 p.m. followed by a special live midnight edition of Piers Morgan Tonight.

In addition, chief political analyst Gloria Borger, senior political analyst David Gergen, along with CNN political contributors, Donna Brazile, James Carville, Alex Castellanos, Erick Erickson, Ari Fleischer and Roland Martin will provide insight and analysis throughout the evening.

Correspondents on the ground in South Carolina include: Jim Acosta, Dana Bash, Joe Johns and Don Lemon. Jessica Yellin will report on the latest on the Obama campaign from the White House. Tom Foreman will report from a focus group of undecided Republicans in Jacksonville, FL.

TV / Online Numbers For CNN's Southern Republican Presidential Debate

2012-01-20T22:11:00.003-05:00

CNN today released details of television ratings and statistics from their online coverage of the Southern Republican Presidential Debate in South Carolina.

CNN Press Release: CNN'S GOP SOUTH CAROLINA DEBATE WAS #1 LAST NIGHT

DRAWS 5.03 MILLION VIEWERS AND 1.72 MILLION IN THE KEY DEMO 25-54

AC 360 Top-Rated at 10 pm

According to Nielsen Fast National data, CNN's GOP South Carolina debate (8:00-10:00pm*), moderated by John King, delivered 5.03 million total viewers and 1.72 million in the key demo 25-54 last night, Thursday, January 19. CNN was, by far, #1 during the 8-10pm time period last night among cable news networks.

CNN's South Carolina debate outperformed FNC's South Carolina debate earlier this week (1/16) in the key demo (1.719m vs. 1.573m). Last night's debate was CNN's best yet in this election cycle among the key demo (25-54) and its second best among total viewers (behind the Las Vegas GOP debate).

From 8-10pm, CNN topped FNC by +157% among total viewers (5.03m vs. 1.96m) and by +312% in the target demo 25-54 (1.72m vs. 417k). CNN also topped MSNBC by +512% (5.03m vs. 821k) in total viewers and by +1061% in the key demo (1.72m vs. 148k).

Following the debate, CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 ranked first in cable news at 10pm in total viewers, averaging 2.58 million, FNC followed with 2.15m and MSNBC posted 885k. In the key demographic 25-54 CNN delivered 892k at 10pm, while FNC trailed with 564k and MSNBC averaged 187k.

Fast National data is representative of 8:00-10:00pm. Final data will reflect actual debate time of 8:00pm-9:58pm.

As CNN notes, those numbers were for the overnight figures. TV Newser has the final debate numbers here.

CNN Digital statistics for last night's debate:

CNN Press Release: The CNN Southern Republican Presidential Debate drove the social conversation Thursday night for the CNN Debate.

CNN viewers posted on Facebook, engaged in the conversation on Twitter and 'checked-in' on GetGlue to share with their social followings what they were watching.

The following are the stats from last night's debate:

Facebook

· For last night’s South Carolina Debate there were 5 postings on the main CNN Facebook fanpage which generated more than 6,000 likes and comments. The highest of which was:

· Who came out on top in tonight's Southern Republican Presidential Debate? Live NOW on CNN.com: CNN's Jim Acosta hosts the post game discussion in the spin room with the candidates. - with nearly 1,800 likes and comments.

· Interactions (likes/comments) for the South Carolina Debate content were up 90% from the New Hampshire Primary and up 67% from the average of the four debates last year.

· The CNN Politics Facebook fan page added 9,000 new followers since the New Hampshire primary on 1/11 for a total of 61,000 followers. Posts on the fan page have generated over 5,500 likes and comments.

· Interactions (likes/comments) for this debates content were up 130% from New Hampshire Primary and up 12% from the average of the three debates last year. (CNN Politics Fan Page launched in early September)

Source: Facebook fan pages CNN 6/13/11, 9/12/11, 10/18/11, 11/22/11, 1/11/12 & 1/19/12; CNN Politics 9/12/11, 10/18/11, 11/22/11, 1/11/12 & 1/19/12

Twitter

· The CNNbrk account had 28 posts surrounding this debate which were retweeted 4,500 times. Retweets were up 406% compared to New Hampshire Primary and 258% from the average of the three debates last year.

· The hashtag #CNNDebate was a trending topic throughout the evening, ranking as high as #1 Worldwide throughout portions of the broadcast. John King was also trending topic last night, ranking #2 in US and #4 Worldwide.

Source: Twitter analytics 6/13/11, 9/12/11, 10/18/11, 11/22/11, 1/11/12 & 1/19/12

Source: Business Objects 1/1/12-1/20/12

GetGlue

· The CNN Southern Republican Presidential Debate had over 6,200 GetGlue check-ins and generated an estimated 1.2 million impressions across Facebook and Twitter.

Source: GetGlue 9/12, 10/18, 11/22 & 1/20

Meanwhile, debate moderator John King says he stands by his decision to ask Newt Gingrich about his marriage at the start of the Southern Republican Presidential Debate. King addressed the issue again on tonight's John King, USA.

David McKenzie Reports On 'Chocolate's Child Slaves' In New CNN Freedom Project Special

2012-01-20T02:00:00.002-05:00

In the latest installment of CNN's ongoing "Freedom Project" initiative, David McKenzie investigates what is happening to children working in the Ivory Coast's cocoa fields.

The special premieres today (Friday) on CNN International at 2000 GMT, with replays scheduled to air across the weekend. Details on additional airtimes, as well as a preview of the program from CNN, is below.

CNN Press Release: The CNN Freedom Project presents 'Chocolate's Child Slaves'

A decade after agreements and pledges were made to end the worst forms of child labour in the West African cocoa plantations, CNN’s David McKenzie in a CNN Freedom Project investigation travels deep into the heart of the Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, to find out exactly what progress has been made.

In September 2001 after a series of reports highlighted human trafficking and physical abuse in West African cocoa farming, which supplies an estimated 35% of the world’s cocoa, the global chocolate industry signed the Harkin-Engel Protocol, or ‘Cocoa Protocol’ an international agreement to end child labour in the production of cocoa. However, ten years on after the protocol, with the promised certification system that would ensure chocolate was free from the worst forms of child labour still not in place, CNN exposed, an industry which remains, for the majority, unchanged. What they discovered was shocking: a human trafficking network and farmers using child labour and a country bitter from an industry offering low prices and little more than broken promises.

Chocolate’s Child Slaves premieres Friday 20th January 2012: 8.00pm GMT.

After the premiere, CNN's Becky Anderson and Richard Quest will host a panel discussion with experts in the field of forced child labour in the cocoa industry.

Questions for the panel can be posted here or you can use #endslavery on Twitter as well as visit the CNN dedicated Freedom Project website, where CNN’s David McKenzie will be available for a live chat.

Additional air times on CNN International include:

Saturday 21st January 2012: 1400 GMT
Sunday 22nd January 2012: 0200 GMT, 0730 GMT, 1030 GMT and 2130 GMT.
Tuesday 24th January 2012: 0400 GMT, 1030 GMT and 1730 GMT.

Nina dos Santos Officially Joins CNN International

2012-01-19T08:00:00.004-05:00

CNN International has officially added Nina dos Santos to their anchor and correspondent team.

CNN says as well as continuing to co-anchor World Business Today, Nina will also be a regular substitute host of the network's other business programs, Quest Means Business and Global Exchange.

The announcement from CNN is below.

CNN Press Release: CNN International today announced that Nina dos Santos is officially joining the network’s roster of specialist business correspondents as it continues to deliver first class business programming to audiences around the world.

A familiar face already to viewers of World Business Today on CNN International, dos Santos has also presented the network’s coverage of a number of major news events over the past 12 months. She was part of the team that covered the British Royal Wedding, and was instrumental in CNN’s reporting of the Euro zone crisis – anchoring from the pivotal Brussels and Paris summits. She also reported from Rome as the crisis began to envelope Italy. Elsewhere, dos Santos was the first journalist to obtain a copy of IMF managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s resignation letter following his arrest in New York, and highlighted debate among female IMF staff about whether the organisation should have a woman at its helm.

As well as co-presenting World Business Today, dos Santos will be found standing in for Richard Quest on CNN International’s flagship business programme, Quest Means Business, and for John Defterios on the newest addition to its business stable, Global Exchange.

Deborah Rayner, VP & managing editor of CNN International, said: “We’ve built a vibrant portfolio of business programming here at CNN, and that has been based on highly talented, knowledgeable and engaging presenters. Nina’s business expertise taps into that perfectly and we’re delighted to welcome her as a permanent member of the team.”

Nina dos Santos added: “International business is at the heart of so many of the biggest stories around at the moment, so it’s wonderful to be part of an international network that follows it in such depth and detail.”

Before joining CNN, dos Santos worked as a freelance correspondent for NBC News. During that time she covered the Amanda Knox murder trial, Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the U.K, and the longest ever professional tennis match – at Wimbledon. She has also worked for Sky News and Bloomberg, as well as Dow Jones & The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times.

Dos Santos holds a BSc in Biological Sciences from Imperial College London and a Masters in Economics. She also speaks English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese and Spanish.

CNN International Relaunches Global NewsView Survey

2012-01-19T07:08:00.002-05:00

CNN International has partnered with Vision Critical to relaunch its Global NewsView survey.

Unveiled just over a fortnight ago, the new CNN Global NewsView survey continues to invite CNN International viewers to participate in regular discussions on the network's programming and news coverage.

There doesn't seem to be any indication of how regular new surveys will be available at this stage, but the previous partnership with market research company GfK produced a survey each week.

As with the previous incarnation of the CNN Global NewsView survey, permanent residents of the United States attempting to register will be denied membership. The reason, according to the website, appears to be an attempt to avoid confusion with CNN's domestic operations.

"This panel is aimed towards viewers of the CNN International TV channel (not CNN or HLN shown in the USA) so at this time, we are not accepting new memberships from permanent residents of the United States."

CNN International viewers who reside outside of the U.S. can register for the new survey here.

CNN's Arabic Website Turns 10

2012-01-19T06:17:00.004-05:00

Happy birthday to CNNArabic.com!

The website launched on this day (January 19) in 2002, with a mix of news, special reports and exclusive interviews in Arabic for readers around the world.

CNN is noting the 10th anniversary of the website with the press release below.

CNN Press Release: CNNArabic.com celebrates 10 years of coverage

Today marks a significant milestone in the history of CNNArabic.com, as the site marks 10 years since it began providing news in Arabic to audiences around the world.

Launched on 19 January 2002, the site has seen the Arab world change beyond recognition, and charted a decade of events across world news, theMiddle East, science and technology, business, entertainment, and sports for a global audience of Arabic speakers. Its mix of special reports, videos, exclusive interviews and daily stock market reports has gained the site around a million unique users per month and seven million page views per month.

The site has also become a key part of CNN’s international newsgathering capability, contributing to reporting across the network’s services. It has also played a pioneering role in reaching out the Arab world’s influential blogging community and introducing dedicated sections for Arabic-speaking social media groups.

“Right from the moment it launched, the layer of analysis, knowledge and nuance that CNNArabic has given to CNN’s coverage of the Arab world has been invaluable,” said Tony Maddox, senior vice president at CNN International. “It has enabled us to deliver a picture of events, issues, people and places in fully rendered detail, right across the network. Audiences across the globe turn to CNN for this considered coverage, and this is in no small part down to the hard work, dedication and resourcefulness of the CNNArabic team.”

The events of the Arab Spring have seen CNNArabic.com’s contribution become even more valuable to the network, especially online. "The contribution of CNNArabic.com to CNN’s coverage of global news has been vital to our digital success, especially during last year’s Arab Spring," said Susan Grant, executive vice president of CNN News Services. "We’re proud to celebrate CNNArabic.com's 10-year anniversary and their excellent coverage of the Arab world for audiences everywhere, whether in Arabic, English or Spanish."

Caroline Faraj, CNN Arabic digital services director, highlighted the interactive relationship the site has with its growing audience. “Our audience is a constant source of ideas and inspiration for us. Throughout our first decade they have given us ideas, suggestions and comments, and we have walked together step by step. This has been invaluable in delivering credible news and professional journalism across the network. We’re hugely thankful for this input and look forward to our next decade growing together.

The way in which the Arab world has embraced digital media over the past decade was also highlighted, "The digital revolution has had a profound impact across the Middle East, especially among the youth”, said Rani Raad, SVP & Managing Director, CNN International Advertising Sales and Business Development, “In a region that generates close to a thousand tweets a minute and has more than 36 million Facebook users, CNNArabic.com has been at the forefront – delivering a credible window on the region and beyond."

Speaking about the future plans for CNNArabic.com, Peter Bale, Vice President & General Manager, Digital, CNN International, added: “CNN Arabic is a vital and growing part of the CNN digital network. Its dedicated team has carved out a strong voice in the region and a big following among Arabic speakers worldwide. It is an authentically Arab service with the integrity and independence consumers and advertisers expect from the CNN brand. We aim to grow CNN Arabic to better serve one of the world’s most economically dynamic and newsworthy regions.”

CNN / Southern Republican Leadership Conference Presidential Debate Airs Tonight

2012-01-19T03:51:00.003-05:00

CNN will tonight host the final Republican Presidential candidate debate before the South Carolina Primary.

Moderated by John King, the debate will air live on CNN Domestic, CNN International and CNN en Español.

CNN Press Release: CNN to Host Final Debate Ahead of Crucial South Carolina Primary

John King to Moderate Jan. 19 Face-Off; Blitzer, Cooper, Burnett, O’Brien, Crowley Anchor from Charleston

On Thursday, Jan. 19, just two days before the highly anticipated primary election in South Carolina, CNN and the Southern Republican Leadership Conference (SRLC) will present a presidential town hall debate live from the North Charleston Coliseum. The two-hour debate will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be moderated by CNN anchor and chief national correspondent John King.

Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, John King and Soledad O’Brien will anchor their respective programs live and on-location in Charleston on Thursday. Then, on Saturday, Jan. 21, the anchors will be live beginning at 6 p.m. from the CNN Election Center for America’s Choice 2012: South Carolina Primary. A special edition of Anderson Cooper 360° will air at 11 p.m. followed by a special live midnight edition of Piers Morgan Tonight. Candy Crowley will report from South Carolina throughout Saturday evening and will anchor State of the Union on Sunday, Jan. 22.

Reporting from the field in the days leading up to the debate and primary in the Palmetto State will be national political correspondent Jim Acosta, senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash, CNN Radio Capitol Hill correspondent Lisa Desjardins, senior political correspondent Joe Johns, anchor Don Lemon, and national correspondents David Mattingly and Gary Tuchman. On the trail with the GOP candidates are reporter-at-large Peter Hamby, political producer Rachel Streitfeld, political reporter Shannon Travis and South Carolina-based political producer Shawna Shepherd.

The following five presidential contenders will participate in Thursday’s debate: former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. In addition to questions posed to the candidates by King and southern Republicans in the audience, 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.

CNN.com

In the days leading up to the South Carolina primary, CNNPolitics.com will be the online destination for all news and analysis related to the 2012 Elections. New for the South Carolina primary, CNN has launched the GOP Delegate Calculator. After each caucus or primary, users can try their hand at predicting which candidates will win each state and eventually, the Republican presidential nomination. CNN.com will also provide a CNN Electoral Map with the most recent predictions on battleground states as updated by CNN’s political experts as well as the 2012 Primary Caucus Calendar, an interactive datebook where users can slide over a specific month to see when states will hold their primaries and caucuses throughout the year.

On the day of the primary, CNN.com will live stream the events in South Carolina and live blog the night’s developments. As the primary results come in, users will be able to track them in real-time at the CNN Election Center. To engage and comment on election night news as it happens, users can view the CNN Politics Facebook page for political stories and photos of CNN’s favorite faces and also follow @CNNPolitics on Twitter for breaking developments all night.

CNN iReport, the network’s global participatory news community, will be asking for submissions related to the South Carolina primary, some of which will be shown on CNN.com and broadcast on CNN.

Across CNN’s mobile platforms, the latest election stories and opinion pieces will be available via CNN’s mobile website and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android phone and Android tablet. The new Election Center section can also be accessed on CNN’s mobile platforms. Additionally, all apps will carry live video of candidate speeches and events. On election night, live results can be viewed on CNN's mobile website and in the CNN App for iPad.

CNN en Español and CNN International

Starting at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, CNN en Español anchor Juan Carlos López will be joined by the network’s team of political contributors Maria Cardona, Roberto Izurieta and Juan Hernandez for pre-debate analysis. At 8 p.m., CNN en Español will take the debate live with simultaneous interpretation followed by 30 minutes of post-debate analysis.

The debate will also be carried live on CNN International.

CNN Digital Adds Director Of Photography

2012-01-18T22:20:00.000-05:00

CNN today announced Simon Barnett's hire as Director of Photography for CNN's digital networks. Details from CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: CNN Digital welcomes Simon Barnett, who starts today as Director of Photography. In this role, Barnett will oversee how the network’s photography will be used across CNN’s web, tablet, mobile, and emerging platforms, as well as lead the vision for integrating photography into CNN’s multimedia journalism efforts. He is based at CNN’s global headquarters in Atlanta, and will report to CNN Digital’s VP, Executive Creative Director, Marisa Gallagher.

In addition to his cross-platform photography responsibilities, Barnett will also play a key role with CNN Photos. Launched in the fall of 2011, CNN’s photo blog tells stories through compelling, powerful and inspiring imagery and has created an engaged community around photography’s power to connect people to the news. Barnett will work closely with the CNN Photos team to ensure its continued quality and success.

Barnett brings extensive experience to CNN, and previously held positions as Director of Photography for Esquire and Discover magazines, Managing Editor for Allsport USA and was a founding Picture Editor at ESPN the Magazine. He most recently served as Director of Photography for Life.com, which was awarded the 2011 ASME National Magazine Award for digital media for photography.

Throughout his career, Barnett has led other award-winning photo departments that have received accolades from the Overseas Press Club, World Press Photo, Deadline Club, Pictures of the Year, White House News Photographers' Association and Society of Publication Designers awards. While serving as the Director of Photography for Newsweek, the magazine won the ASME National Magazine Award for general excellence for their coverage of the events of 9/11 and achieved three of the top four selling issues in the magazine’s 78-year history.

CNN Teams With Hong Kong Restaurant For Branded Dining Experience

2012-01-17T05:05:00.007-05:00

CNN has partnered with 'The News Room' restaurant in Hong Kong to create a branded dining experience for customers.

CNN's programming will air live on screens around the restaurant, while images of CNN's coverage of iconic news events from the past three decades will be displayed on the walls, coasters and menus.

The initial branding agreement will run for two years. CNN's press release follows below.

CNN Press Release: CNN and ‘The News Room' Restaurant announce exclusive brand partnership in Hong Kong

CNN live broadcast and iconic news images feature in new restaurant in Quarry Bay

CNN announced today that it has entered into an exclusive brand partnership with ‘The News Room' restaurant in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.

Located minutes from the network's regional headquarters in Taikoo Place's Oxford House, the restaurant features CNN's live feed on LCD screens and iconic CNN news images from the past thirty years on menus, coasters and notably in black-and-white artwork on restaurant walls.

The unique and innovative brand association will initially last for two years as the region's leading news network secures a strategic and long-term branded environment in the dynamic media hub of Quarry Bay.

‘The News Room', part of premier restaurant group ‘Press Room Group', will receive targeted brand exposure across the international edition of CNN.com and the network's lifestyle and travel site www.cnngo.com.

"Hong Kong has been CNN's Asia Pacific HQ for more than fifteen years, so there are few more tangible or innovative ways to reaffirm our longtime presence than this unique branding partnership on our doorstep" said Chris Dwyer, Executive Director CNN Communications Asia Pacific. "The News Room features some of the most iconic news moments of the past thirty years, many of which people will have experienced through watching CNN. Coupled with screens showing our live feed, it's a first class branding opportunity to reach out to our discerning and upscale Hong Kong audience."

"The News Room is inspired not only by media legends, but also by the neighborhood context," said Louisa Harker-Marin, Press Room Group's Marketing Director. "Quarry Bay is home to much of Hong Kong's communications industry. As well as providing current news content for our customers, our partnership with CNN is great means of enhancing the restaurant's understated character with iconic archive imagery."

About CNN International

CNN is the world's leading global 24-hour news network and one of the world's most respected and trusted sources for news and information. The CNN brand is available to two billion people via 18 CNN branded TV, internet and mobile services produced by CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System Inc and a Time Warner company. CNN International is the international directorate of CNN Worldwide and distributes news via 14 services in seven different languages. CNN International can be seen in more than 280 million households and hotel rooms in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, including over 37 million across the Asia Pacific region and online at www.cnn.com/international

About The News Room

‘The News Room' is the latest addition to the Press Room Group's growing portfolio of restaurants. Located at 33 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay, The News Room is open daily from 7.30am weekdays and 10am weekends serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and weekend brunch. Industrial-style interiors comprising dark wood, polished timber and textured surfaces evoke a sense of warmth while wine-dispensing systems allow guests to try a variety of international wines. With their sophisticated tastes, trend-spotting instincts and eye for design, Press Room Group co-founders - Alan Lo, Paulo Pong and Arnold Wong - have changed the dining scene in Hong Kong. Together with The News Room, The Press Room Group portfolio of dining concepts now includes The Press Room, Classified, The Pawn and SML.

Piers Morgan Marks One Year At CNN

2012-01-16T15:01:00.007-05:00

Piers Morgan will tonight mark his one year anniversary at CNN with Chelsea Handler stepping in to interview the talk host.

In the video below, Morgan explains how his show has evolved from the original idea of a talk show with a celebrity focus to more of a news program.

Piers Morgan is interviewed by Chelsea Handler tonight from 9:00pm (eastern) on CNN Domestic and CNN International.

Nick Paton Walsh Joins CNN

2012-01-13T22:28:00.006-05:00

Nick Paton Walsh has joined CNN as an international correspondent. Walsh has been reporting for CNN as a freelance journalist since March 2011. He was previously Asia correspondent for the UK's Channel 4. CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: Award-winning correspondent Nick Paton Walsh joins CNN

Award-winning journalist Nick Paton Walsh has joined CNN as an international correspondent, it was announced by Parisa Khosravi, senior vice president of international newsgathering.

Walsh made his name and reputation as a tenacious and committed reporter through more than a decade working at the UK's Guardian newspaper and Channel 4 News.

"Nick is an accomplished and respected journalist, bringing with him an impressive portfolio of award-winning coverage on stories of global significance," Khosravi said. "We are pleased to add him to our excellent team of journalists at CNN and look forward to his reporting across the international news agenda," she added.

Nick first reported for CNN in March 2011, from Afghanistan and Pakistan. He was subsequently the first correspondent for CNN reporting live from Abbotabad covering the death of Osama Bin Laden, where he obtained exclusive video from inside the al-Qaeda leader's compound and broke the global story that a courier's cellphone signal had led American troops there.

Prior to taking up his position with CNN, Walsh spent several years traveling to Kabul as Channel 4 News' Asia correspondent. Amongst numerous stories during his time with the British broadcaster, he was embedded with troops in locations across Afghanistan from Kandahar to Helmand, gained rare access to a tiny and isolated American outpost near the Pakistani border which was overrun by insurgents and covered the 2009 presidential election crisis.

Previously, while Asia and foreign affairs correspondent at Channel 4 News he secured a rare and exclusive interview with the Russian alleged arms dealer Viktor Bout, while his teams' reports on alleged human rights abuses in Sri Lanka at the end of the civil war led to their forced deportation from the country. Walsh was also the program's undercover correspondent in Zimbabwe for the violent 2008 elections, reported on the July 2008 war between Russia and Georgia, the Mumbai hotel sieges in India, Naxalite rebels in Chhattisgarh, India and the protests that shook Bangkok in May 2010.

From 2002 to 2006, he was the Moscow Correspondent for the Guardian newspaper during the rise of Vladimir Putin. He reported on both the Dubrovka theatre siege and the Beslan school hostage crisis, alongside the revolutions in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan and developments from the troubled North Caucasus.

Walsh won the British Press Awards' Young Journalist of the Year in 2000 and four years later was nominated for their Foreign Correspondent award for the Guardian's coverage of the Beslan school hostage crisis. He won Amnesty International's Gaby Rado Award for his work in the former Soviet Union and their television award for his work in Sri Lanka in 2010. In February this year his work in Kandahar, Afghanistan was part of a body of reports that won Channel 4 News the prestigious Broadcast television award for news and current affairs coverage.

Lizzie O’Leary Joining CNN As Aviation & Regulation Correspondent

2012-01-12T16:20:00.003-05:00

CNN today announced the hiring of Bloomberg's Lizzie O'Leary. She will assume the role of Aviation and Regulation Correspondent when she starts at the network later this month.

CNN Press Room: Lizzie O’Leary will join CNN in the newly-created aviation and regulation correspondent position, it was announced today by Sam Feist, CNN Washington bureau chief and senior vice president. O’Leary will report on all facets of U.S. transportation, including air, rail, maritime and space, in addition to covering the many agencies in Washington that have a daily impact on the lives of Americans.

“Lizzie brings to the beat everything we’re looking for,” said Feist. “She is a smart and experienced reporter, and I look forward to Lizzie joining our ranks as we expand reporting out of the Washington bureau.”

O’Leary joins CNN Washington from Bloomberg Television, where she was D.C.-based correspondent covering politics and economic policy. In that role, she reported on the global credit crisis, the housing market and the government’s financial rescue package. In 2010, she interviewed U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner during a trip to Mumbai, India. She was also first to break the news that major American automaker Chrysler would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Previously, O’Leary was producer and reporter for National Public Radio. She got her start in journalism at ABC News, where she was a member of the Peabody Award-winning team that covered the terror attacks of September 11th.

O’Leary earned her master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and graduated cum laude with her bachelor’s degree from Williams College.

CNN Sees Bump With NH Primary Coverage

2012-01-11T22:47:00.003-05:00

CNN today released a first look at the overnight numbers for its coverage of the New Hampshire Primary vs. FNC and MSNBC. Details from CNN below.

CNN Press Release: CNN Tops MSNBC in Primetime for New Hampshire Primary

CNN tops MSNBC in primetime in both total viewers and key demo

CNN has a +64% advantage over MSNBC in the target demo

FNC has only a slight bump compared to regular night of programming

During last night’s coverage of the GOP New Hampshire primary, CNN topped MSNBC in primetime (8-11pm) in both total viewers and in the key demo adults 25-54. In total viewers CNN averaged 1.11 million vs. MSNBC’s 1.05m and in the key demo 25-54 CNN had 401k a +64% advantage over MSNBC’s 245k.

Comparing the New Hampshire primary to the prior four Tuesdays (excl. 1/3 Iowa), FNC’s audience was relatively unchanged in total viewers, increasing just 4% (2.25m vs. 2.16m), while CNN grew triple digits +106% (1.11m vs. 541k) and MSNBC was up 17% (1.05m vs. 903k). In the key demo 25-54 CNN increased even more, up +164% (401k vs. 152k), MSNBC increased 21% (245k vs. 203k) and FNC only grew 15% (550k vs. 478k).

Patrick Oppmann Appointed To CNN's Havana Bureau

2012-01-11T04:47:00.005-05:00

CNN has appointed Patrick Oppmann to the network's Havana bureau. He will be responsible for covering Cuba and the surrounding region for all CNN television and digital networks.

Since joining CNN in 2000, Oppmann has worked as Assignment Editor and then Field Producer with the network’s Miami Bureau. In 2010, he was one of CNN's main correspondents reporting on the rescue of 33 trapped Chilean miners.

The Havana bureau position was previously held by Shasta Darlington who is now based at CNN's bureau in São Paulo.

CNN Announces New App For Windows Phone

2012-01-11T02:14:00.004-05:00

CNN has announced the forthcoming launch of the CNN App for Windows Phone. The news was revealed Tuesday at the consumer technology trade show CES. The app is expected to be available within a month. Early details from CNN below.

CNN Press Note: The CNN App for Windows Phones will provide the latest news and video from CNN's reporting around the globe. Offering a robust user experience, the CNN App takes full advantage of Windows Phone 7 features to offer a vivid, panoramic interface, the ability to pin sections of the app to a home screen, Live Tile for real-time news updates, and direct access to iReport, CNN's participatory news community. For the first time on an app, users will have the ability to submit an iReport while simultaneously capturing the event. Launching globally for free in the next month, the CNN App will be exclusive to Nokia users for 90 days and then available on all Windows Phone devices as they come to market.

"The CNN App will offer Windows Phone users a customizable CNN experience shaped for their environment," said Louis Gump, vice president of CNN Mobile. "The Windows platform and Nokia phones will enable millions of people to plug in using the CNN app and interact with the world – where, when and how they want."

Errol Barnett Named New Host Of CNN International's Inside Africa

2012-01-10T22:59:00.000-05:00

Errol Barnett has been named as the new host of CNN International's Inside Africa. Barnett replaces Isha Sesay. The announcement was made on the Inside Africa facebook page late Tuesday.

"We have a very special announcement about Inside Africa. We are pleased to welcome CNN’s Errol Barnett, who has moved to the continent to become the new host of Inside Africa.

Errol will be embarking on a journey of discovery around Africa, and we invite you to take this journey with him. This week, we start in Zambia – where you will experience everything from the historical town of Livingstone to a bungee jump from the bridge near Victoria Falls.

After years of incredible work on the show, Isha Sesay will be moving on to focus on BackStory and her work with AC360, among her many other projects. Thanks again to Isha for everything, and welcome Errol to the IA Team!"

Barnett's appointment to hosting duties means the program will now be hosted full time from the African continent itself. It was previously taped at CNN International's headquarters in Atlanta. On Twitter, Barnett commented that he was "thrilled to be joining the [Inside Africa] team".

Christian Purefoy Leaves CNN

2012-01-08T05:10:00.005-05:00

Christian Purefoy, CNN's West Africa correspondent, has left the network. He announced his departure from CNN a few days ago on his facebook page.

"Dear All, I have now moved on from CNN - I'd like to thank everyone for the support over the last seven years! But this is not the end...

... this is an extremely important year for Nigeria and I'll be returning in the New Year with a BIG project (but no Naija wife yet!)"

Purefoy joined CNN in 2005 and initially worked as a producer, editor and cameraman. He was appointed to correspondent in 2008 and reported on various news and feature stories from his base in Lagos, Nigeria.

Vladimir Duthiers, AC360 production assistant and CNN journalist, is currently reporting from Nigeria for CNN.

CNN's New Hampshire Primary Plans

2012-01-07T06:14:00.003-05:00

CNN yesterday released its coverage plans for next Tuesday's New Hampshire Primary. Details on CNN en Español's coverage is also contained in CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: CNN in High Gear for New Hampshire Primary Coverage

As the race for the Republican presidential nomination heats up, CNN anchors Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, Candy Crowley, John King and Soledad O’Brien will headline CNN’s Jan. 10 coverage of the New Hampshire primary election live from the CNN Election Center and the Granite state beginning at 7 p.m. Chief political analyst Gloria Borger, senior political analyst David Gergen, and political contributors James Carville, Ari Fleischer, Dana Loesch and Roland Martin, will offer expert analysis throughout the evening. Piers Morgan will broadcast a special edition of Piers Morgan Tonight at midnight.

Also reporting from New Hampshire will be CNN senior political analyst Ron Brownstein, along with CNN political contributors, Donna Brazile, Erick Erickson, David Frum, Mary Matalin and Hilary Rosen.

CNN correspondents on the ground in New Hampshire will be national political correspondent Jim Acosta, senior political correspondent Joe Johns, senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash, chief White House correspondent Jessica Yellin, and CNN Radio correspondents Bob Costantini and Steve Kastenbaum. CNN reporters embedded in early primary voting states over the last several months will also be in New Hampshire to play a role in coverage, including New Hampshire-based political producer Rachel Streitfeld, political reporter Shannon Travis and political producer Shawna Shepherd. Reporter-at-large Peter Hamby will look one step ahead in the primary contest, live from South Carolina.

Anchors Candy Crowley, John King, Soledad O’Brien, along with Reliable Sources host Howard Kurtz, will report and anchor their respective programs from New Hampshire in the days leading up to the New Hampshire primary. Crowley and O’Brien will remain in New Hampshire through the primary to anchor coverage from the ground the evening of Jan. 10. Through the weekend and primary day, CNN will give viewers an unfiltered look at GOP candidates by airing extensive live events from the campaign trail.

Programming on Tuesday, Jan. 10 – New Hampshire Primary Day

5 a.m. – 7 a.m. Early Start with Ashleigh Banfield and Zoraida Sambolin– live from CNN Election Center
7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien– live from N.H.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CNN Newsroom – live from CNN Election Center
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer – live from CNN Election Center
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. John King, USA – live from CNN Election Center
7 p.m. – 12 a.m. CNN America’s Choice 2012: New Hampshire Primary – live from N.H. & CNN Election Center
12 a.m. – 1 a.m. Piers Morgan Tonight – live from CNN Election Center

Technology and Social Media (#CNNElections):

Anchor and chief national correspondent John King will utilize innovative features on CNN’s Magic Wall to explore incoming results. Anchor Erin Burnett and chief political analyst Gloria Borger will drive the dual-screen “FlickBoard” to explain how exit polls are calculated. Animated 3-D virtual voters will again be used to help explain how a primary works.

The network will aggregate social media conversations happening using the hashtag #CNNElections. Those tweets will be displayed in the lower third of the screen throughout CNN’s programming and will display user sentiments about candidates and issues in real time.

CNN.com

In the days leading up to the New Hampshire primary, CNNPolitics.com will be the online destination for all news and analysis related to the 2012 Elections. New for the New Hampshire primary, the CNN Electoral Map will provide the most recent predictions on battleground states as updated by CNN’s political experts, and the 2012 Primary Caucus Calendar will serve as an interactive datebook where users can slide over a specific month to see when states will hold their primaries and caucuses throughout the year. Across CNN’s mobile platforms, the latest election stories and opinion pieces will be available via mobile web and the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android phone and Android tablet.

On the day of the primary, CNN.com will live stream the events in New Hampshire and live blog the night’s developments. As the primary results come in, users will be able to track them in real-time at the CNN Election Center. To engage and comment on election night news as it happens, users can view the CNN Politics Facebook page for political stories and photos of CNN’s favorite faces and also follow @CNNPolitics on Twitter for breaking developments all night.

CNN iReport, the network’s global participatory news community, will be asking for submissions related to the New Hampshire primary, some of which will be shown across CNN.com and broadcast on CNN.

CNN en Español and CNN International

CNN en Español will offer extensive coverage of the Jan. 10 New Hampshire primaries with correspondent Adriana Hauser reporting live from New Hampshire throughout the day. Starting at 7 p.m., the network will offer periodic updates with Washington, D.C. anchor Juan Carlos López. At 9 p.m., López will host a special edition of Directo USA from Atlanta joined by anchors Patricia Janiot and Fernando del Rincón, and a panel of political contributors Maria Cardona, Juan Hernandez and Roberto Izurieta to offer analysis of the events of the day. Gustavo Valdés will be reporting live from South Carolina throughout the day for a look ahead to the next prize in the primary race.

CNN International will simulcast the domestic network’s coverage beginning at 7 p.m.

Fast National Numbers For CNN's Coverage Of Iowa Caucuses

2012-01-04T21:10:00.000-05:00

CNN today sent out a press note with fast national numbers from Tuesday night's Iowa caucuses coverage. Details from CNN below.

CNN Press Note: Fast Nationals for Tuesday, January 3 (Iowa Caucuses)

As the only news organization that doesn’t take sides, CNN had a strong performance during Tuesday’s Republican Iowa caucuses topping MSNBC in both total viewers and the key demo 25-54 during all key day parts.

CNN also showed the most growth among total viewers compared to the prior four Tuesdays, increasing +142% (1.310m vs. 541k), while FNC increased just 22% (2.631m vs. 2.158m) and MSNBC was up 32% (1.195m vs. 903k) during primetime. In the target demo 25-54, CNN also grew the most, increasing +220% (486k vs. 152k), while FNC was up 43% (684k vs. 478k) and MSNBC grew 49% (303k vs. 203k) vs. the prior four Tuesdays.

Primetime: (8-11p)

CNN: 1.31m total viewers/486k target demo 25-54
FNC: 2.63m/684k
MSNBC: 1.20m/303k

Late Night: (11p-3a)

CNN: 839k total viewers/347k target demo 25-54
FNC: 1.82m/645k
MSNBC: 693k/228k

Full Block: (7p-3a)

CNN: 1.0m total viewers/390k target demo 25-54
FNC: 2.15m/637k
MSNBC: 932k/259k

CNN Names Amy Entelis Senior Vice President for Talent and Content Development

2012-01-04T11:22:00.001-05:00

CNN Press Release - CNN has named Amy Entelis to a newly created position of Senior Vice President, Talent and Content Development for CNN Worldwide, it was announced today by Mark Whitaker, CNN Worldwide Managing Editor.

Reporting directly to Whitaker, Entelis will be responsible for show development, including pilots and content acquisitions, and talent recruitment and strategy for all CNN networks and platforms including CNN, HLN and CNN International. Entelis will begin on January 17 and will be based in CNN’s New York offices.

Entelis has had an extensive career in television news as a producer and as a senior executive, spending more than 30 years at ABC where she was Senior Vice President of Talent Strategy, Development and Research until May 2011. While at ABC, Entelis hired and developed the careers of hundreds of journalists, both on and off-air, including recruiting and managing talent for the network’s most high-profile programs including Good Morning America, World News, Nightline and 20/20. Following ABC, Entelis served as Executive Vice President, Talent Strategy at Sucherman Consulting Group.

“Amy's eye for talent and gift for nurturing it are legendary throughout the television industry,” said Whitaker. “In this key new executive role, she will help us even better showcase the great anchors, reporters and producers we already have at CNN and our other networks, attract the next generation of talent, and work with program developers both inside and outside the company to create our shows and specials of the future."

“This position offers me a special opportunity to work with the talented journalists of CNN and to contribute to shaping its programming vision,” said Entelis. “I am thrilled to be joining the CNN team.”

Entelis served in a number of capacities while at ABC News. In addition to hiring and cultivating on-air talent, Entelis oversaw all off-air editorial recruiting, hiring and growth and development opportunities. She created mentoring programs, career development initiatives and a diversity advisory board. For ten years she led ABC News’ Business Affairs department, supervising all talent negotiations. As Senior Vice President of Talent Strategy, Development and Research, she was responsible for the news division’s strategic plan for on-air and off-air talent.

Entelis began her career on the weekly news magazine 20/20, and then spent five years as a producer at World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, specializing in business and economics reporting. ABC News President Roone Arledge recruited Entelis for her first management role with a mandate to develop women and minorities for on-air positions. Later at ABC, Entelis pioneered the first system in network news that coordinated the identification, recruitment and development of on-air talent.

Entelis has received many awards for her work as a producer, including the National News Emmy, the duPont Columbia Award, the Front Page Award from the Newswomen’s Club of NY, the Headliner Award, and the Planned Parenthood Award. A graduate of Vassar College, Entelis received her Masters in Journalism from Columbia University and serves as a member of the Board of Visitors of the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted network for news and information on television and has the leading news website in the U.S. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the U.S.; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

CNN Iowa Caucuses Coverage Debrief

2012-01-04T03:47:00.031-05:00

CNN's marathon coverage of the Iowa caucuses ran several hours overtime than initially planned, and here's why. In a nutshell, the margin of victory is one of the closest ever for a GOP presidential contest.

As CNN's coverage, simulcast worldwide on CNN International, ploughed well into the early hours of Wednesday, you could be forgiven - at certain points of the broadcast - for wondering whether you were actually watching CNN or a very slick Saturday Night Live parody. For those who may have bailed on CNN's coverage before midnight, here's a quick recap of what you missed...

Forget the flashy graphics, revamped magic wall, redecorated Studio 7, virtual Weebles and every other gimmick CNN threw at its Iowa caucuses coverage Tuesday, it was two GOP officials who appeared to steal the show... and possibly handed CNN the opportunity to be the first network to reveal the reasons behind the confusion that led to the delayed results announcement.

As we were left with the final result hanging in the balance, Wolf Blitzer and John King tried to get to the bottom of the missing caucus information from Clinton County, Iowa, by talking to Edith Pfeffer, Chair of the Clinton County Republican Party, and Carolyn Tallet.

The live to air phone conference immediately spawned Twitter buzz with #Edith peaking at number two on the social network's trending section in the U.S. Video of the conversation is in the player below.

The phone conversation was one of several lighter moments during CNN's marathon 8 hour + coverage. As Mediaite's Frances Martel writes:

"As Erin Burnett tried to explain a pie chart showing the way voters had veered related to what they considered the most important issue, using her new Magic Wall move, “the flick.” The “flick” somehow did not get the pie chart onto the second screen as attempted until the third try, by which Burnett and Gloria Borger were cracking up.

Anderson Cooper seemed to sense that all was lost and asked, “have we all just given up?” to which Ali Velshi responded “it is evident from the social media screen that people are going to sleep.” For no apparent reason, this made Cooper explode in laughter. “Again with the social media screen? This is the third hit and I still don’t understand what the hell this thing shows!” Velshi then tried to explain– but not before telling Roland Martin to stop laughing. It didn’t really seem to stop him– or anyone else on the set– from laughing."

Watch video of the shenanigans listed above in Mediaite's video here.

The lighter moments of CNN's coverage post-midnight soon led to someone suggesting a new show: "CNN After Dark". CNN's anchors, pundits and producers soon got in on the act, with a new logo for the proposed show designed on the hop and displayed on the projection screens in Studio 7.

Image credit: CNN contributor Dana Loesch.

Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley was apparently reminded earlier in the night to use the network's #CNNElections hashtag in her tweets. Crowley tweeted:

The CNN superstar didn't seemed too concerned by the reminder, with subsequent tweets still published sans the hashtag.

While most of the memorable "Youtube moments" occurred post-midnight (eastern), it was hard to miss this little nugget at the start of Tuesday nights coverage. CNN unveiled a brand new ident that briefly points to the network's election coverage history. You can view the "CNN America's Choice" ident in the video below.

CNN eventually wrapped up coverage shortly after 3:30am (eastern) - the last of the cable networks to sign off by more than 30 minutes.

Early online reaction and related mentions of CNN's Iowa caucuses coverage:

"CNN the TV place to be for coverage of amazing, super-tight Iowa race" - David Zurawik

"Tight Race Catches TV Anchors by Surprise" - Brian Stelter

"Iowa Caucuses: CNN Holograms Return, Get Mocked By Anderson Cooper" - Jack Mirkinson, Huffington Post

"Television networks bring something new to Iowa" - David Bauder, AP

CNN Political Coverage - Our forum members weigh in on CNN's Iowa caucuses coverage.

Vale: Jim Huber, Former CNN Sport Anchor

2012-01-02T22:45:00.011-05:00

Former CNN sport anchor Jim Huber died Monday after earlier being diagnosed with acute leukemia.

Huber was the first anchor of CNN's World Sport program in 1993 (pictured right) and was later an anchor and reporter for CNN/Sports Illustrated, the 24-hour sports news network from CNN and Sports Illustrated. He also hosted CNN’s Pro Golf Weekly and Sporting Life with Jim Huber. Most recently, Huber was a reporter and essayist for TNT.

David Levy, president of sales, distribution and sports at Turner Broadcasting issued a statement earlier tonight on Huber's passing.

"The Turner Broadcasting family suffered a great loss and we are saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend, Jim Huber. A terrific Emmy Award winning journalist and essayist, Jim made so many contributions during his more than 27 years with our company. He was a gentleman and wonderful individual and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his wife, Carol, and son, Matt."

Colleagues, both past and present, were quick to offer their tributes on Twitter tonight.

"Terribly sad to hear of Jim Huber's passing. A true gentleman & wordsmith who greatly aided my transition from sportswriter to CNN reporter" - John Giannone

"So Sad to hear of the passing of Jim Huber. A great storyteller and greater person. Worked with Jim for 8 yrs. at #CNN" - Dave Breyer

"Shocked and sad to hear of the passing of ex CNN Sports reporter Jim Huber. One of the great storytellers." - PCNN

"My formative years at @CNN were spent watching Jim Huber work. I am sad I have heard his voice for the last time." - Scott Walker

"Very sad to hear that Jim Huber has passed away. Jim anchored the first ever edition of CNN's World Sport back in 1993." - Don Riddell

"Sad to hear the news of the passing of CNN Sports Jim Huber.. A terrific, Emmy Award-winning journalist and essayist." - Bob Kovach

"Just seeing news about Jim Huber's death. He provided many quality journalistic moments on CNN Sports Tonight. Sad to read about it." - Joe Rutland

The Situation Room Unveils New Logo

2012-01-02T20:00:00.001-05:00

The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer today debuted a new look with refreshed titles and graphics, including a revamped logo.

What do you think of the new look?

Picture credit: The Situation Room facebook page.

CNN Debuts New Morning News Block

2012-01-02T18:15:00.003-05:00

CNN Domestic today debuted its new morning news block of "Early Start" and "Starting Point".

Early reaction to CNN's 5am show "Early Start" has been mixed on our forum with users commenting:

Lazlo: "It has potential to be a show that I could watch regularly when I'm up early enough."

Axl0706: "They are really working hard to come across as relaxed, cute and kinda funny. That's fine for their first show, but I hope they are going to cut it out starting tomorrow, because it's already beginning to be a little annoying."

Charles: "...the content isn't all that different from Wake Up Call, but we all know by now that CNN can never do a program with content that's truly unique from everything else on the schedule. Ashleigh and Zoraida appear to have good on air presence, but I really hope the light banter isn't permanent. I think it's in CNN's best interests to differentiate themselves from the other morning cable programs by focusing more on the news and less on anchor banter."

excel99: "Very good choice of anchors. Bright (at 5am!) and seemingly genuine chemistry. Encouraging to see the show not lead on politics. But very low 'volume' of stories, even as brief headlines. Wouldn't have wanted to watch to get updated on the latest news. Did not like the 'phoning someone up who wasn't warned in advance' feature. A best a gimmick, at worse it's what is expected from an entertainment show, not a news channel."

madaboutpenny: "Compelling reason to wake up extra early to watch this show? Not-so-much. Except I will say that this Zoraida Sambolin lady is super-solid. Ashleigh Banfield has always (and continues to) get on my nerves a bit. She's very... interrupt-y. And it's not just nerves."

Geoffrey: "...Also, the wake up call segment was weird. They teased this hugely famous person and it was Kerry Kennedy. Didn't exactly live up to the promotion and hearing someone who just woke up stumbling to come up with coherent thoughts for a few minutes is not what I want to see when I just wake up and turn on CNN. (Wolf Blitzer was the unlucky victim in the 6:00 hour.) And it didn't seem like they covered that many stories but, as someone said earlier, it could be because of Iowa (or it could just be what CNN and the rest of cable does these days: only a few stories an hour)."

Watch the first 30 seconds of "Early Start" below from CNN.

Meanwhile, "Starting Point" with Soledad O'Brien debuted with a live broadcast from Waveland Cafe in Des Moines, Iowa; kicking off CNN's coverage of Tuesday's Iowa caucuses. Watch the opening moments of "Starting Point" from CNN below.

"Early Start" with Ashleigh Banfield and Zoraida Sambolin airs weekdays from 5:00am to 7:00am (eastern) and "Early Start" with Soledad O'Brien airs weekdays from 7:00am to 9:00am (eastern).

Change Of Weather At CNN International

2011-12-30T07:53:00.000-05:00

Guillermo Arduino has left the CNN International weather team for a full-time anchor position at sister network CNN en Español.

Arduino has been tapped to anchor Mirador Mundial, a 60 minute weekend news bulletin. He will continue to host CNN en Español's technology news show Clix, and will still be a presence on CNN International as he retains hosting duties of the monthly World View and iReport for CNN.

Arduino, a 12 year veteran at CNN International, was farewelled following his final weather hit on World Report Thursday.

As a result of Guillermo Arduino's departure from the international weather team, Jennifer Delgado moves from overnight weather duties to dayside.

Announcing the move on Twitter earlier this week, Delgado said:

Watch World Report anchor Rosemary Church offering Jennifer Delgado a fine send-off from the graveyard shift at the close of Friday's bulletin in the video below.

CNN Domestic's New Morning News Block Debuts Monday

2011-12-30T06:35:00.004-05:00

CNN Domestic will kick off 2012 with two new programs debuting January 2.

"Early Start" with Ashleigh Banfield & Zoraida Sambolin will air 5:00am to 7:00am (eastern) weekdays and "Starting Point" with Soledad O'Brien will air 7:00am to 9:00am (eastern) weekdays.

CNN unveiled Twitter accounts for both shows on Thursday. You can follow @earlystartCNN and @startingptCNN for the latest from the show producers and hosts.

CNN has also released a video introducing new recruits Banfield & Sambolin. Watch the trailer from CNN below.

CNN's Coverage Of Iowa Caucuses

2011-12-29T03:27:00.003-05:00

CNN yesterday released their coverage plans for the January 3 Iowa caucuses. Details in CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: CNN Plans Expanded Coverage of Iowa Caucuses

Countdown to Iowa: Final 48 Hours Kicks off “America’s Choice 2012” on New Year’s Day

On Jan. 3, the night of the Iowa caucuses, CNN anchors Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett, Candy Crowley and John King will lead CNN’s election night coverage from 7 p.m.-midnight from the CNN Election Center and live from Iowa. Chief political analyst Gloria Borger, senior political analyst David Gergen, along with political contributors James Carville, Ari Fleischer, Dana Loesch and Roland Martin, will be on hand to offer expert analysis. Piers Morgan will broadcast a special edition of Piers Morgan Tonight at midnight.

The day kicks off with Soledad O’Brien in her new time slot, reporting and anchoring from Des Moines, Iowa from 7-9 a.m. and Ashleigh Banfield and Zoraida Sambolin anchoring from the CNN Election Center from 5-7 a.m.

Leading up to and through caucus night, chief political correspondent Candy Crowley will anchor and report from Iowa beginning Dec. 28 through Jan. 3. In addition, State of the Union with Candy Crowley will originate live from Des Moines on Jan. 1 at 9 a.m./noon, ET.

On Sunday, Jan. 1, CNN will kick off the network’s “America’s Choice 2012” coverage with a prime-time special Countdown to Iowa: Final 48 Hours with Blitzer anchoring live from the Election Center. The two-hour political special will air at 8 p.m. and replay at 11 p.m. In addition, CNN will launch The Contenders 2012 series on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The distinctive coverage, anchored by Crowley live from Iowa, will give viewers a chance to learn more about the 2012 GOP presidential candidates by capturing unedited, uninterrupted remarks from campaign events throughout the weekend.

“As the only cable news channel that has not chosen a side in this election, CNN will tap into the expertise of our anchors, reporters and analysts to equip viewers with information to decide for themselves about the candidates,” said Sam Feist, CNN senior vice president and Washington bureau chief. “In an election year where international events and the economy and jobs are of great concern to voters, CNN provides broader and more in-depth reporting than any other network.”

CNN will have more reporters on the ground in Iowa this year than in past Republican primary elections. On the ground in Iowa will be national political correspondent Jim Acosta, senior political correspondent Joe Johns, senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash, chief White House correspondent Jessica Yellin and CNN Radio Capitol Hill correspondent Lisa Desjardins. In addition, reporting from Iowa will be CNN senior political analyst Ron Brownstein, along with CNN political contributors Paul Begala, Donna Brazile, Alex Castellanos, Erick Erickson, David Frum and Mary Matalin.

CNN reporters who have been embedded in key, early voting states for the past several months including political reporter Shannon Travis, political producers Shawna Shepherd and Rachel Streitfeld and CNN’s political reporter-at-large Peter Hamby will all be in Iowa playing a role in caucus night coverage.

Technology and Social Media (#CNNElections):

On caucus night, Tuesday, Jan. 3, CNN will unveil a brand new Election Center studio, complete with new technology and data visualization capabilities. Anchor and chief national correspondent John King will utilize new features on CNN’s Magic Wall to explore the incoming results more in-depth than in the past. CNN will also utilize dual-screen technology to examine demographics and to track how voters cast their votes via CNN’s entrance polls. In addition, the network will aggregate social media conversations, by using #CNNElections, and display users’ sentiments about particular candidates or issues in real time.

CNN.com:

Online on the day of the Iowa caucuses, CNNPolitics.com will host real-time reports from the network’s political correspondents and anchors on the ground in Iowa and the region throughout the weeks leading up to the voting there.

On caucus night, CNN.com will live stream the events in Iowa. Users will also be able to track results by county as they come in at the CNN Election Center and through the CNN Apps for iPad, iPhone and Android. Also launching in time for the Iowa caucus is the CNN GOP Delegate Calculator. After each caucus or primary, users can submit their best guesses for which presidential candidates will win each state and compare their predictions to those of the CNN political experts.

CNN iReport, the network’s global participatory news community, will be asking for submissions related to the Iowa caucus, some of which will be shown across CNN.com and broadcast on CNN.

CNN en Español and CNN International:

CNN en Español will offer extensive coverage of the Jan. 3 Iowa Caucuses with correspondent Ione Molinares reporting live from Iowa throughout the day. Starting at 7 p.m., Washington D.C. anchor Juan Carlos López will host a special edition of Directo USA and will be joined by a panel of political contributors Maria Cardona, Juan Hernandez and Roberto Izurieta to offer analysis of the events of the day and the perspectives for this primary election process. CNN International will simulcast the domestic network’s coverage beginning at 7 p.m.

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.

- ALL TIMES EASTERN -

Happy Holidays from CNN Observations!

2011-12-25T12:33:00.004-05:00

The Brief Returns To CNN International

2011-12-17T03:10:00.005-05:00

Just over a month after being removed from the CNN International schedule, The Brief has been reinstated - albeit in a repurposed format.

The Brief, now a weekly 30 minute news review and analysis program, airs live every Friday in the timeslot it occupied for over 2 years at 1600 GMT. The program repeats across the weekend.

As well as retaining the signature theme and graphics package, Jim Clancy remains as host. On Twitter, Clancy describes the new format as "a work in progress".

Two New Appointments For CNN Political Unit

2011-12-16T14:00:00.004-05:00

Mark Preston and Paul Steinhauser have been upped at CNN. The announcement from Sam Feist, CNN senior vice president and Washington bureau chief is below.

CNN Note: As we move in to 2012, I am pleased to announce new positions for two of our key leaders of CNN Politics.

MARK PRESTON becomes CNN Political Director. In this role, Mark will be CNN’s primary contact with political campaigns at both the state and national level. His work is integral to organizing critical CNN events such as presidential debates and forums. He will help set editorial direction for CNN’s programs during the election season, including primary and election nights. Mark is also one of the great political reporters in Washington and we will continue to lean on Mark’s reporting and analysis both on TV and online throughout the coming campaign. Mark will report to Eric Sherling.

PAUL STEINHAUSER becomes CNN Political Editor and supervising producer of the CNN Political Unit. He will be responsible for overseeing CNN’s political newsgathering operations. As the leader of the political beat, Paul will be responsible for assigning and managing CNN’s political coverage team including correspondents, producers, desk editors, polling, research, and the CNN Political Ticker. Paul’s proven leadership and keen political analysis will be invaluable as CNN heads into this historic election year. Paul and the Political Unit will report to Edith Chapin.

Cooper, Griffin Back For CNN New Year Special

2011-12-16T13:53:00.003-05:00

Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin will once again ring in the new year on CNN and CNN International. Details from CNN below.

CNN Press Release: Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin will again co-host CNN’s celebration of the New Year’s Eve celebration on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (ET). The odd-couple will ring in the new year for CNN’s "New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” live from NYC’s Time Square.

"Get ready, America. Pull up a chair and a box of your finest wine, because you've never seen a New Year's Eve show like this,” said Griffin. “By the time I'm done with him, Anderson's hair is going to be even more gray. In fact, the night is going to be so wild, his hair is actually going to turn brown again."

“Kathy Griffin scares me. I’ve said this often to CNN management directly and through my attorneys,” said Cooper “She continues to appear by my side on New Year’s Eve, so clearly no one is listening to me”

CNN correspondents will provide reports from celebrations across the country and around the world. Isha Sesay will join Cooper and Griffin from the crowds in Times Square and Gary Tuchman will report live from Central Park for the annual Midnight Run. Correspondent John Zarrella will be live in Key West, Florida and Brooke Baldwin from Nashville, Tennessee. The show will simulcast on CNN International. After Anderson and Griffin sign off from Times Square at 12:30a.m. (ET) CNN’s Brooke Baldwin and Marty Savidge will take over from Nashville and count down to midnight, central time.

Leading up to “New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” will be “Best and Worst of 2011,” an Anderson Cooper 360° special, which will air at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.(ET). The special will count down to the new year by looking back at 2010, anchored by Tom Foreman, who will shine a spotlight on the highs and lows of the past twelve months in politics, pop culture, the economy, entertainment, and much more. A re-air of Piers Morgan Tonight will air at 9 p.m. (ET).

CNN 2011 Ratings Highlights

2011-12-15T18:38:00.002-05:00

CNN has released highlights of its 2011 ratings performance. Details from CNN below.

CNN Press Release: CNN HAS SIGNIFICANT RATINGS GAINS IN 2011, UP +30% IN PRIMETIME

Anderson Cooper 360 Tops MSNBC at 10p and Grows +37%

At 8p AC 360 is Up +40%; while FNC and MSNBC are Down

Piers Morgan Tonight is Up +26% vs. Larry King a Year Ago

CNN Tops MSNBC in Total Day and Daytime

Highlights:

Nielsen YTD-December 11, 2011 vs. same time period a year ago (12/27/10-12/11/11 vs. 12/28/09-12/12/10)

Primetime: CNN is up +30% (FNC down -16%, MSNBC up 2%)

Total Day: CNN is up +22%, topping MSNBC (a year ago MSNBC topped CNN)

Dayside: CNN outperforms MSNBC by +71%

Since AC 360 moved to 8pm, the program is up +40%

AC 360 at 10 pm tops MSNBC and is also up +37%

Piers Morgan Tonight is up +26% vs. Larry King a year ago

Erin Burnett OutFront is up in total viewers vs. same time period a year ago

The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer tops MSNBC’s Hardball at 5p

Fueled by program line-up changes throughout CNN’s schedule and the successful leveraging of breaking news stories – CNN had significant double-digit ratings growth across all dayparts in 2011 – while FNC lost viewers and MSNBC had very modest gains. CNN grew an impressive +30% in M-F primetime in 2011 and topped MSNBC in total day this year.

Daypart Highlights:

In M-F primetime, CNN increased +30% (242k vs. 186k) in the target demo 25-54 and +16% in total viewers (743k vs. 641k) vs. the same time period a year ago. FNC is down -16% (527k vs. 627k) in the demo and lost -10% among total viewers (2.23m vs. 2.47m) and MSNBC had slight gains in 2011, increasing just 2% (255k vs. 251k) in 25-54 and 4% in total viewers (914k vs. 881k).

In 2011, CNN topped MSNBC in total day (6a-6a) in both the demo (163k vs. 149k) and in total viewers (485k vs. 437k). Last year MSNBC topped CNN in the total day/demo (142k vs. 134k). CNN also had the most growth in 2011, increasing +22% in the key demo vs. 2010 (163k vs. 134k), FNC was down -9% (277k vs. 304k) and MSNBC increased just 5% (149k vs. 142k).

During dayside (9a-5p), CNN had a +71% advantage over MSNBC in the demo (161k vs. 94k) and +55% more total viewers (552k vs. 355k).

Show Highlights:

Since Anderson Cooper 360 moved to 8p in August, the program has shown impressive growth, up +40% in the demo (196k vs. 140k) and +31% in total viewers (623k vs. 476k) vs. same time period a year ago. Last year, MSNBC had an 86% advantage over CNN, now CNN has erased that gap and has a +5% advantage over MSNBC. Rolling up CNN’s 8p programming from the beginning of the year, CNN was the only program to show growth in 2011 -- increasing +27% in the key demo (185k vs. 146k) and +17% in total viewers (599k vs. 511k); while FNC was down -15% in the demo (676k vs. 799k) and lost -7% in total viewers (2.99m vs. 3.23m). MSNBC was also down 8p this year, decreasing -19% in 25-54 (221k vs. 272k) and was down -12% in total viewers (922k vs. 1.05m).

AC 360 at 10p topped MSNBC in both the demo (283k vs. 237k) and in total viewers (783k vs. 774k). Last year, MSNBC topped CNN at 10p in the demo. The 10p show delivered solid gains in 2011, increasing +37% among 25-54 (283k vs. 207k) and +18% in total viewers (783k vs. 666k). FNC was down -17% (401k vs. 486k) in the demo and off -12% in total viewers (1.68m vs. 1.91m) and MSNBC was up 12% in the demo (237k vs. 211k) and increased 24% among total viewers (774k vs. 624k).

Since launching at 9p on January 17, 2011 Piers Morgan Tonight improved substantially over Larry King a year ago -- increasing +26% in the key demo (222k vs. 176k) and growing +9% in total viewers (735k vs. 672k). FNC declined at 9p, losing -13% of its audience in the demo (521k vs. 597k) and is down -10% in total viewers (2.09m vs. 2.32m). This year, MSNBC is up 12% in the key demo (288k vs. 258k) and grew just 4% in total viewers (1.01m vs. 964k).

CNN’s 7p programming this year (roll up of John King, USA and Erin Burnett OutFront) is also up vs. a year ago – increasing 22% in the key demo (174k vs. 143k) and +13% in total viewers (538k vs. 478k). Since Erin Burnett OutFront launched in October the 7p time period has registered gains of +9% among total viewers (502k vs. 460k) and +1% in the demo (142k vs. 141k) compared to the same time period a year ago.

The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer topped MSNBC’s Hardball at 5p (177k vs. 158k) in the target demo this year and has grown +16% (177k vs. 152k) vs. a year ago.

CNN’s Sunday morning programming has also seen solid gains in the key demo this year with State of the Union with Candy Crowley (9a) increasing +19% (162k vs. 136k), Fareed Zakaria GPS (10a) growing +24% (154k vs. 124k), and Reliable Sources is up +37% (175k vs. 128k).

CNN Presents, home of CNN’s long-form documentary programming (Sunday at 8p) has also seen significant gains this year, increasing +38% in the target demo (174k vs. 126k) vs. the same time period a year ago.

Audience Reach:

Throughout 2011, CNN held a consistently strong advantage over its competitors in cumulative audience. On an average monthly basis for 2011 to date (Jan-November) CNN reached 99.4m viewers, 20% ahead of FNC (82.8m) and 23% in front of MSNBC (80.7m).

HLN 2011 Ratings Highlights

2011-12-15T18:27:00.004-05:00

HLN has released highlights of its 2011 ratings performance. Details from HLN below.

HLN Press Release: HLN BREAKS RATINGS RECORDS IN 2011
Network Experiences Highest Delivery Ever

Key Programs Post Best Ever Milestones; Shows Experience Triple Digit Growth

Fueled by the launch of new programming, coverage of high-profile trials and continued success of established shows, HLN is experiencing a landmark 2011. The "must see, must share" news network is posting its best ever Total Day among total viewers (334k), up +21% vs. 2010*, the greatest year-over-year gain across all cable news networks. In M-Su Prime, HLN is up +12% in P2+ (501k vs. 449k) and +3% in P25-54 (149k vs. 145k) vs. prior year.

*Nielsen YTD-December 11, 2011 vs. same time period a year ago (12/27/10-12/11/11 vs. 12/28/09-12/12/10)

Programming Highlights Include:

Morning Express with Robin Meade (6-10 a.m. ET) is topping MSNBC's "Morning Joe" in P25-54 (153k vs. 148k) for the second straight year, ranking #2 among cable morning news shows.

Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell (7-8 p.m. ET) is up +22% in P2+ (508k vs. 416k) and +2% in P25-54 (156k vs. 153k).

Nancy Grace (8-9 p.m. ET) had her best telecast ever in both P2+ (2.9M) and P25-54 (1.3M) on 7/5 and is up +8% in P2+ (748k vs. 693k) vs. 2010. Grace's social media platforms also had a banner year, including her Facebook page which currently has more than 830,000 fans, increasing +66% since Jan, and on average, receives 8,000 plus daily likes and comments. @nancygracehln has increased 25x vs. Jan, with 193,000 Twitter follwers.

Dr. Drew (9-10 p.m. ET) is delivering a solid 592k P2+ and 172k P25-54 since launching on 4/4, an increase of +20% and +26%, respectively, vs. same time period last year.

HLN Special Report w/Vinnie Politan (5-6 p.m. ET) is averaging an impressive 541k P2+ and 156k P25-54 since premiering on 5/2, increasing +176% and +93%, respectively, vs. same time period last year.

HLN Weekend Mysteries (Saturday's 7 p.m.-6 a.m.) is up +66% in P2+ and +56% in P25-54 since debuting on 3/5 vs. same time period year-ago .

Coverage of the Casey Anthony and Conrad Murray Trials Resulted in Additional Milestones for HLN, Including:

During the quarter hour the Anthony verdict was read on 7/5 (2:15-2:30 p.m. ET), HLN was the most watched network in all of television, delivering 5.2M total viewers and 1.9M P25-54.

Anthony closing arguments on Sun, 7/3 ranked as HLN’s best day ever among P2+ in Total Day (2.2M).

During the quarter hour the Murray verdict was read on 11/7 (4:15-4:30 p.m. ET), HLN delivered 2.1M P2+ and 762k P25-54, and ranked #1 among all ad-supported cable networks among P25-54 during the entire 4-5 p.m. ET hour.

Candy Reid Leaves CNN International

2011-12-15T00:37:00.001-05:00

CNN International sport anchor Candy Reid is leaving the network after 11 years.

Reid announced her departure via Twitter on Tuesday, writing (in part), "Breaking News: It's my penultimate 'World Sport' show! I'm leaving after 11 great years at CNN...". She went on to tweet that she is moving into freelance work.

Prior to joining CNN, Reid played on the professional Women's Tennis Tour for two years. From 1994 to 1997, she represented Great Britain in international tennis events and she completed at the Junior Wimbledon championships in 1994 and 1995.

Anchor Anna Coren and meteorologist Guillermo Arduino made note of Reid's departure on World Report, Wednesday.

During her final sign-off, Candy Reid listed some of her personal highlights during her time at CNN, the biggest being the chance to interview Roger Federer on several occasions.

CNN International Chief Tony Maddox Reflects On 2011

2011-12-14T05:46:00.004-05:00

Tony Maddox, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of CNN International, talks to Sarah Marshall from journalism.co.uk about 2011's big news events and how his network handled them.

"I think it's been the most demanding year we can remember", Maddox said. "I think it's been the succession of big stories, of differing types, in different locations and the sequence with which they all unfolded.

"We've had a few end of year meetings at CNN and none of us could recall a more intense, more demanding or busier news period than this one in terms of the range of stories, geographical locations and logistical challenges we have been faced with."

Looking back on the year Maddox said: "If I'm proud of one thing this year it's the way in which we have gone from one story to the next. We've gone from the uprisings in the Middle East, without missing a beat, to the disaster in Japan. That's the mark of a great news organisation."

Without naming other broadcasters he praised them, acknowledging that CNN is not the only news outlet to rise to the challenges of 2011.

And with so many major news stories CNN has found "very, very significant growth" in daily, weekly and monthly reach both online and in terms of viewer numbers.

You can read the full article with Tony Maddox online here.

Christiane Amanpour Returning To CNN International

2011-12-13T17:52:00.011-05:00

Christiane Amanpour is returning to CNN International early next year, where she will host a nightly global affairs program.

Amanpour left CNN in 2010 to host ABC's This Week. Her return to CNN had been speculated in recent months and weeks with reports first emerging from The New York Post in October this year.

It's reported that Amanpour will still remain at ABC News and split her time between the American broadcast network and CNN International.

CNN statement on Amanpour's return:

Christiane Amanpour will return to CNN with a nightly news broadcast on CNN International, the network announced Tuesday.

Amanpour, who left CNN in 2010 to become host of ABC's "This Week," will remain a global affairs anchor for ABC News as part of a "unique arrangement," CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton said.

"Christiane Amanpour has been synonymous with international reporting and with CNN for many years," Walton said. "We could not be happier that through this unique arrangement with ABC News her experience and global perspective are returning to a nightly news broadcast for our international audience."

Amanpour said in a statement that she is excited about the opportunity.

"This role is groundbreaking, bold and very different! I am thrilled and honored," she said.

A note from CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton to Staff:

December 13 2011
Jim Walton's Note to Staff:

This afternoon we announced that Christiane Amanpour is returning to CNN to host an evening newscast on CNN International beginning in 2012. In a unique arrangement with ABC News, Christiane will continue to report for their news programs, as well. We could not be happier than to welcome back to the CNN organization the leading international journalist working in television news, who also happens to be our longtime colleague and friend. I wanted to share the news with you as it is breaking.

ROBIN LIM NAMED 2011 CNN “HERO OF THE YEAR” AT CNN’S FIFTH ANNUAL CNN HEROES: AN ALL-STAR TRIBUTE

2011-12-11T22:50:00.005-05:00

CNN Press Release - December 11, 2011 - In a star-studded ceremony Sunday night at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Robin Lim was named the 2011 CNN Hero of the Year.

Christy Turlington Burns introduced Lim as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes while host Anderson Cooper announced her name as the CNN Hero of the Year at the end of the evening. Each of the Top 10 CNN Heroes received $50,000, and Lim’s nonprofit, Bumi Sehat Foundation, will receive an additional $250,000 grant.

In Indonesia, women are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications than women in developed countries. After Lim’s younger sister died from pregnancy complications, she became a professional midwife and dedicated her life to offering free prenatal and birthing services to low-income Indonesian women. Since 2003, Lim’s“Yayasan Bumi Sehat” (Healthy Mother Earth) clinic has provided medical assistance to thousands of women in Bali and Aceh, Indonesia.

The star-studded ceremony included celebrity participants Jerry Seinfeld, Sofia Vergara, Mary-Louise Parker, Ice Cube, Laura Dern, J.R. Martinez, will.i.am, Christy Turlington Burns, George Lopez and Kurt Warner. Miley Cyrus, Chris Colfer and Emma Roberts presented to youths who were recognized and honored by CNN as “Young Wonders.” Miley Cyrus also performed her triple platinum hit “The Climb”, while Kid Rock performed a powerful version of "Care" from his platinum selling album, “Born Free.”

Now in its fifth year, CNN Heroes is a multi-platform campaign that shines a spotlight on individuals who go to extraordinary lengths to serve others. This year, the campaign received over 10,000 submissions from more than 100 countries.

For more information, including photos and video highlights from the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, as well as information on all the Top 10 CNN Heroes for 2011, please visit CNNHeroes.com.

Anderson Cooper with 2011 CNN Heroes

Anderson Cooper Hosts

Kid Rock Performs

Sofia Vegara Presents

Miley Cyrus Performs

CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute - Stage Construction Time-Lapse Video

2011-12-11T02:43:00.007-05:00

With just hours to go until the live premiere of the 2011 CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, CNN has released a time-lapse video of the new CNN Heroes stage being constructed. Built over four days, the video is compressed into one minute.

CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute will screen live tonight at 8:00pm (eastern) on CNN Domestic, and simulcast live on CNN International and CNN en Español. More of what you can expect the actual special is in our blog post below.

Celebrity Presenters Revealed For 2011 CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

2011-12-09T17:36:00.006-05:00

With just days to go until the live CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, CNN has announced more details on the show, including the celebrity presenters appearing on the night. Details from CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: CNN, the worldwide leader in news, announced new show details and additions to the line-up for CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. Hosted by Anderson Cooper, the show honors everyday people doing extraordinary things, and will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA, globally on CNN's networks including CNN/U.S., HLN, CNN International and CNN en Español. Additionally Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the multiple Emmy®-award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN, will conduct exclusive backstage interviews streamed live on CNN.com during the show with bonus content available on CNN's mobile apps for iPad, iPhone and Android.

Each of the Top 10 CNN Heroes, whose profiles are available to view at www.cnnheroes.com, received a $50,000 grant for being named as this year’s honorees. One of 2011 CNN Heroes will be named the “CNN Hero of the Year” live on the tribute show, as voted by fans across the globe, and will receive an additional $250,000 grant to further aid their charitable work.

During the live broadcast, the Top 10 CNN Heroes will each have his or her story told by a celebrity. CNN is proud to announce additional celebrity presenters and participants including:

• Jerry Seinfeld, Stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and television and film producer

• George Lopez, entertainer and long-time supporter of CNN Heroes, will be introducing Hometown Heroes, showing viewers what you can do to be a hero in your very own backyard

• Sofia Vergara, Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG-nominated actress

• Mary-Louise Parker, Award winning actress, Showtime’s Weeds and supporter of Hope North Uganda

• Ice Cube, Rapper, actor, screenwriter and producer

• Laura Dern, Golden Globe Award winning Actress and star of HBO’s Enlightened

• Chris Colfer, Golden Globe winner, two-time Emmy nominee, SAG nominee, and star of Fox’sGlee, will be presenting to youths who are being recognized and honored by CNN as “Young Wonders.”

• Emma Roberts, Actress, will be presenting to youths who are being recognized and honored by CNN as “Young Wonders.”

Joining Colfer and Roberts in presenting the “Young Wonders” is Miley Cyrus, who will also be performing her triple platinum hit “The Climb” and Kid Rock will perform a special live version of "Care" from his platinum selling album, “Born Free.”

This news comes on the heels of announcing Dancing with the Stars winner and All My Children actor, J.R. Martinez, 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, as presenters last week.

As previously announced, J.R. Martinez, will be co-hosting the live pre-show, Showbiz Tonight @ CNN Heroes, with AJ Hammer, host of HLN's evening show, Showbiz Tonight. Holly Robinson Peete will be hosting the social media suite on the red carpet. Showbiz Tonight’s correspondent, Kareen Wynter, will also be part of the pre-show, interviewing the arriving celebrities on the red carpet.The Showbiz Tonight @ CNN Heroes pre-show will air live on CNN and HLN at 7 PM ET/ 4 PM PT.

CNN and GetGlue have teamed up to offer limited edition CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute stickers. Through their mobile devices, GetGlue app users can ‘check-in’ to the broadcast to unlock exclusive stickers that can be shared on social platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

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 waving all transaction fees enabling 100 percent of the donations to go directly to the CNN Heroes’ non-profit organizations.

Kelly Flynn is the Senior Executive Producer for the “CNN Heroes” initiative and CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. This year’s show will be produced by Ian Stewart and Hamish Hamilton of Done and Dusted.

Airtimes for 2011 CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute:

CNN/US (Domestic) : (all times ET)

12/11 7pm SHOWBIZ TONIGHT @ CNN HEROES PRE-SHOW CNN & HLN LIVE

12/11 8pm CNN HEROES: AN ALL-STAR TRIBUTE LIVE

12/11 10pm CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

12/12 12am SHOWBIZ TONIGHT @ CNN HEROES PRE-SHOW CNN & HLN

12/12 1am CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

12/12 3am CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

12/17 8pm CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

12/17 11pm CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

12/18 2am CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

12/24 7pm CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

12/25 6pm CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

CNN International: (simulcast US premiere + 2 CNNI exclusive airings – see local times below)

12/11 8pm US ET

12/11 10pm Buenos Aires

12/12 1am GMT/London

12/12 2am Europe/Africa

12/12 5am Abu Dhabi

12/12 6:30am New Delhi

12/12 9am Hong Kong

12/12 7am US ET

12/12 9am Buenos Aires

12/12 12noon GMT/London

12/12 1pm Europe/Africa

12/12 4pm Abu Dhabi

12/12 5:30pm New Delhi

12/12 8pm Hong Kong

12/12 3pm US ET

12/12 5pm Buenos Aires

12/12 8pm GMT/London

12/12 9pm Europe/Africa

12/13 12mid Abu Dhabi

12/13 1:30am New Delhi

12/13 4am Hong Kong

CNN en Espanol: (simulcast US premiere + add'l replays)

12/11 8pm US ET

12/13 1pm US ET

12/14 2am US ET

12/17 6am US ET

12/17 3pm US ET

12/18 12noon US ET

12/25 TBA

12/31 TBA

CNN International Scoops 5 Gongs At Asia Television Awards

2011-12-09T00:56:00.008-05:00

CNN International was named Cable & Satellite Channel of the Year and Cable & Satellite Network of the Year at the 2011 Asia Television Awards on Thursday. In total, the network nabbed five awards with other wins including:

- Best News Presenter or Anchor: Anna Coren (World Report)
- Best Single News Story / Report: Bangladesh Begging Boy (reported by Sara Sidner)
- Best Social Awareness Programme: The CNN Freedom Project: Nepal's Stolen Children

CNN International's Talk Asia missed out on the award for Best Talk Show, but was highly commended by the judging panel.

Source: Asia Television Awards

T.J. Holmes To Leave CNN

2011-12-07T13:50:00.005-05:00

TVNewser has confirmed that CNN Saturday and CNN Sunday anchor and CNN Newsroom fill-in anchor T.J. Holmes and his plan to leave CNN at the end of the year.

In a memo to CNN staff members, director of programming Janelle Rodriguez says Holmes "will be leaving the company at the end of the year to pursue other opportunities."

Holmes came to CNN from NBC11 in San Francisco after making stops in Little Rock, AR and Joplin, MO.

No word on where Holmes is headed or who will land in his weekend morning spot on CNN Domestic.

Update: BET confirms signing T.J. Holmes to a deal.

Hala Gorani: The World Is Not Enough

2011-12-07T13:42:00.007-05:00

Recently, CNN International's Hala Gorani was interviewed by Enigma Magazine for their November issue. In this article, she talks about heading out to a breaking news story, career goals, and the want to start a family.

And how does it work at a network like CNN? Who decides that critical point when they say we’re going to call in a senior anchor like you to cover a story?

To be quite honest, if I want to go, I don’t wait for them to ask me. I’ve never waited for someone to ask me to do anything. Sometimes it’s ‘yes’, sometimes its ‘no’, sometimes it’s doable, sometimes it’s not. But when it’s a historic story like Egypt, there’s little push back. I’ve been extremely lucky to have the support of my bosses to anchor big stories internationally. Whether it’s the Middle East, Haiti, or the Gulf oil spill, I’ve hardly had to ask. From the moment I send my first email they say, ‘Fine pack up and go’. While I was waiting for a visa to Syria to cover their uprising, it was nice to come to Egypt and cover important developments here following the Revolution. The world hasn’t been paying much attention to Egypt because of what’s happened in Japan and Libya, but I’m very glad I came.

What is your ultimate dream for yourself?

I’d like a family of my own. I think it’s about time. I hope it happens in the next two years.

CNN International Reviews Defining Moments of 2011

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

CNN International is getting in early on the end-of-year retrospective season with the premiere of 'Defining Moments 2011' this weekend. The hour-long special's first airing is Saturday, with repeats scheduled for Sunday and Monday. Details and times from CNN below.

CNN Press Release: As a remarkably tumultuous year in international news draws to a close, the world’s news leader looks back at some of the most compelling reporting and extraordinary events in a CNN special: Defining Moments 2011.

Around the world, CNN has been at the forefront of every major event. With unprecedented access and incomparable global reach, the network has brought fast, accurate and impartial reports live from the frontline.

CNN reporters witnessed revolt across the Arab world that toppled governments, and were on the ground in Japan as citizens braved disasters both natural and manmade. In Defining Moments 2011, CNN reflects on this historic and dynamic year, from the death of Osama Bin Laden months before the tenth anniversary of September 11 to the slow disintegration of the Eurozone, the terror attacks in Norway, bombings inMoscow and the ongoing widespread famine in East Africa.

Defining Moments 2011 takes viewers on a journey, remembering a year of stories that had audiences all over the globe glued to their screens. Go back inside Moammar Gadhafi's compound on the day Tripoli fell. Relive the moment Prince William married Kate Middleton. Look back at the launch of NASA’s last space shuttle as it headed skyward for the final time, and reflect on the devastation that followed some of the worst floods parts of Australia, Brazil and Thailand have experienced for decades.

Defining Moments 2011 invites viewers to look back on a year that will stay in the collective memory for a long time.

Airtimes this weekend:

Saturday 03 December: 1400 GMT, 2000 GMT, 0200 GMT
Sunday 04 December: 1100 GMT, 0400 GMT
Monday 05 December: 0400 GMT, 2000 GMT

Management Moves At HLN; CNN International

2011-12-01T19:26:00.007-05:00

TV Newser reports of management moves at HLN and CNN International.

TVNewser has learned that after two years as HLN’s senior vice president, [Bill] Galvin will move to CNN International as SVP of business development and sports programming, responsible for special coverage and sponsored content of CNNI. He will also be in charge of sports coverage across CNN Worldwide.

[Katherine] Green will move into the role of SVP and managing editor at HLN. She has served as the SVP of programming at CNNI since 2007. [Mike] McCarthy, currently VP of coverage and feature programming at CNNI, will be promoted to her former post.

Click through to TV Newser to read the memos from CNNI boss Tony Maddox and HLN's Scot Safon.

CNN's November Numbers

2011-11-30T23:46:00.000-05:00

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.

Icon and Revealed Off CNNI Schedule

2011-11-29T17:58:00.002-05:00

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

2011-11-29T03:53:00.008-05:00

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.

CNN International's COP17 Ecosphere Project

2011-11-27T04:00:00.000-05:00

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 Welcomes New Baby Girl

2011-11-26T05:26:00.010-05:00

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 Looks Ahead To Euro 2012

2011-11-25T23:57:00.000-05:00

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:

Saturday 3 December at 0830, 1730 and 2200 GMT

Sunday 4 December at 0730 GMT

Monday 5 December at 0830 GMT

CNN's Ratings Win With GOP National Security Debate

2011-11-23T19:45:00.004-05:00

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 Killed In Accident

2011-11-23T19:37:00.003-05:00

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.

New Larry King Special To Air In Early December

2011-11-22T17:50:00.005-05:00

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

2011-11-22T00:15:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-21T19:51:00.008-05:00

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

2011-11-21T19:45:00.001-05:00

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.

Anchor-Go-Round Weekend On CNN International

2011-11-19T23:07:00.014-05:00

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

2011-11-18T16:51:00.005-05:00

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)

Hugh Riminton Back At CNN International (Briefly)

2011-11-18T02:05:00.002-05:00

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

2011-11-17T18:41:00.006-05:00

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 Leaving HLN

2011-11-17T16:39:00.006-05:00

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 App Now Available On Android

2011-11-16T02:24:00.003-05:00

CNN Money has launched a new app for Android powered devices. Details from CNN below.

CNN Press Release: New app features personalized stock tracking, breaking news alerts

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.

Download the Android app here.

CNN Relaunches iReport.com

2011-11-16T02:10:00.002-05:00

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

2011-11-14T11:53:00.005-05:00

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.”

Read the full story from TheDrum.co.uk here.

Staff Cuts Hit CNN

2011-11-13T18:30:00.004-05:00

Catching up with a story that broke Friday...

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.

Full story from The Wrap here and TV Newser here

New 'Black in America' Special Debuts Tonight On CNN Domestic

2011-11-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

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

2011-11-12T02:59:00.004-05:00

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"

2011-11-11T06:00:00.002-05:00

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.

2011-11-09T18:39:00.003-05:00

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

2011-11-08T10:43:00.002-05:00

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.

CNN Special - Michael Jackson: The Final Days

2011-11-07T17:23:00.002-05:00

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.

Anna Coren Re-Signs With CNN International

2011-11-06T19:05:00.004-05:00

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

2011-11-03T11:55:00.004-04:00

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.

Soledad O’Brien Returns to Mornings with New Show, New Direction

2011-11-03T11:20:00.000-04:00

CNN Press Release - Ashleigh Banfield and Zoraida Sambolin Co-Anchor 5-7am; Soledad O’Brien Anchors 7-9am

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.

Ali Velshi Takes New Roles Across CNN Worldwide

2011-11-03T11:17:00.004-04:00

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

2011-11-03T03:29:00.007-04:00

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.

CNN en Español Connects with Audiences Through a New Internet Experience: CNNEspanol.com

2011-11-02T12:37:00.001-04:00

Starting today, CNN en Español reinforces its multi-platform content strategy with the launch of CNNEspanol.com, where users can find the latest breaking news, the network’s best videos, exclusive interviews and news stories from around the globe, all with the high standards that CNN and its team of journalists deliver.

Cynthia Hudson, Senior Vice President and General Manager for CNN en Español and Hispanic Strategy for CNN/U.S. said: “This is a new platform available to our audience to get all the breaking news they have come to expect from us and at the same time an invitation to establish an enhanced level of engagement with CNN en Español. Now our massive social media following has a space to interact directly with our network and gain privileged access to our content.”

CNN en Español (@CNNEE) has the number one Spanish-language news account in Twitter with nearly 1,5 millions of followers, and almost 850.000 fans on Facebook.

CNNEspanol.com offers the most relevant news headlines and multimedia content specifically curated for its users. In addition to news, photo galleries, videos, and polls, the site provides exclusive content from each show and interviews beyond what is broadcast on CNN en Español, as well as opinion articles written by the network’s contributors.

Through CNNEspanol.com, users will also be able to watch the behind the scenes, news and events from the perspective of CNN en Español’s anchors and reporters, in order to connect more closely with the network. Moreover, CNNEspanol.com will provide users with a platform to interact with news anchors and reporters through social media and to become CNN reporters through iReport by sending their videos, photos and stories from wherever they may be.

Visit http://www.cnnespanol.com.

CNN en Español

CNN en Español, CNN’s independently produced 24-hour network in Spanish, provides continuous news coverage of major world events, live breaking coverage supported by context and in-depth analysis, worldwide business and financial news, global weather updates, sports and feature programming on such topics as health, technology and entertainment. It is currently available in 27 million cable and DTH households throughout Latin America, and 7 million households across the United States. In its 14 years, the network has set the standard for credible, timely and relevant news coverage that offers viewers a unique way to engage with their world, providing them with all the news, information and actuality they need to stay informed and make smart decisions to secure their futures.

First Look: CNNI's Global Exchange Promo Hits Airwaves

2011-11-02T02:47:00.004-04:00

We get our first indication of the possible theme to CNN International's upcoming business show, 'Global Exchange', in this 30 second promotion that started running on the network late Tuesday.

It's interesting to see a promotion for the show so early, considering CNN International rarely pre-promotes new live news shows with a produced promotion before it launches. It often takes at least a month before we see any such spots. The only recent examples of CNN International airing promos for such shows before they actually launched would be the pre-promotion periods for (the now defunct) 'Amanpour' and 'Piers Morgan Tonight', even though the latter isn't always strictly live and is produced by CNN Domestic.

It's also worth noting for the unitiated - Global Exchange launches on Monday November 7 on CNN International. This spot, recorded from the Asia-Pacific feed, notes Tuesday as the launch day (due to the time difference).

CNN Posts Gains In October Across Television And Online

2011-11-02T02:12:00.002-04:00

CNN has posted gains across TV and online for the month of October. Details in CNN's press release below.

CNN Press Release: WHILE CNN GROWS; MSNBC IS DOWN -25% AND FNC IS OFF -28% IN PRIMETIME. CNN OUTPERFORMS MSNBC AT 8 AND 10 PM. CNN Up Over Last Year Online and On Mobile

October Highlights:

While CNN grows in primetime vs. a year ago, MSNBC and FNC primetime programming have double-digit losses.

At 8p and 10p, AC 360 tops MSNBC in the key demo 25-54 and grows vs. a year ago; while MSNBC and FNC experience double-digit declines.

Piers Morgan Tonight is the only 9pm program to grow among 25-54, while MSNBC and FNC are down double-digits.

Erin Burnett OutFront at 7p grows from CNN programming a year ago.

Despite the cable news network’s significant ratings bump due to heightened viewership from the rescue of the Chilean miners last October, CNN showed growth in key day parts and primetime programming while MSNBC and FNC declined vs. a year ago.

In M-F prime (8-11p), CNN topped MSNBC in the key demo (233k vs. 197k) and was up +25% vs. a year ago. MSNBC was down -25% and FNC was off -28% among 25-54. (Omitting CNN’s Republican debate on October 18, CNN averaged 197k in the key demo, tying MSNBC. Without the Republican debate, CNN also still grew vs. a year ago – increasing +5% among 25-54.)

CNN outperformed MSNBC in total day (6a-6a) among total viewers (409k vs. 402k) during October. In addition, CNN grew +5% in the key demo (128k vs. 122k), MSNBC was down -10% (129k vs. 143k) and FNC lost -15% of its audience (253k vs. 299k) compared to a year ago.

CNN also topped MSNBC during dayside programming (M-F 9a-5p) in total viewers (519k vs. 344k) and in the demo 25-54 (139k vs. 85k). Compared to a year ago, CNN increased +5% in the key demo 25-54; MSNBC was up +5% and FNC was down -16%.

Show Highlights:

8p, ET: Anderson Cooper 360 topped MSNBC in the demo (178k vs. 175k) for the third consecutive month. The CNN program was the only program at 8 pm to show growth vs. a year ago– increasing +21% (178k vs. 147k), while MSNBC was down a staggering -36% (175k vs. 272k) and FNC dropped -28%.

9p, ET: Piers Morgan Tonight is also the only show at 9 pm to gain demo viewers compared to last year – increasing +4% (176k vs. 170k) , while MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show is down -21% (217k vs. 276k) and FNC declined -24% (457k vs. 598k).

10p, ET: Anderson Cooper 360 continued to top MSNBC in the demo (234k vs. 188k). October represents the 6th straight month that AC 360 topped MSNBC at 10p in the key demo 25-54. Despite heightened viewership a year ago, AC 360 grew +2% (234k vs. 229k), MSNBC is down -22% (188k v. 241k) and FNC lost one quarter of its audience, declining -25% (376k vs. 503k).

7p, ET: Launch-to-date (October 3-28) Erin Burnett OutFront has also seen growth compared to CNN programming a year ago, increasing +8% in the key demo (146k vs. 135k) and growing +7% in total viewers (490k vs. 458k). MSNBC is down -3% among 25-54 vs. a year ago (177k vs. 183k) and FNC is off -16% (379k vs. 449k).

4p, ET: Launch-to-date (October 3-28) The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer (new time slot) topped MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan in both total viewers (674k vs. 401k) and among 25-54 (175k vs. 92k). The Sit Room also grew compared to programming a year ago, increasing +26% in the key demo (175k vs. 139k) while MSNBC is down -5% (92k vs. 97k) and FNC is off -15% (235k vs. 278k).

Reach:

CNN reached a cumulative audience of 95.2 million viewers in October, FNC followed with 78.5 million, while MSNBC was third with 77.7 million.

CNN Digital:

CNN.com

CNN.com had nearly 1.2 billion page views and watched 95.1 million videos globally during the month of October. Video starts were up 15% over last month and 13% over last year.

The World Section on CNN.com had 96.0 million page views, an increase of 37% over last year, as two of the month’s top five articles were about the Amanda Knox trial. The Tech Section had 31.7 million page views, up 19% over last year. The largest increase occurred in the Opinion Section, with a 72% boost in page views since October 2010.

CNN.com’s top three blogs this month were The Political Ticker, This Just In and The Marquee Blog, which contributed to October traffic. Among the top five blogs, CNN’s Belief Blog saw a 14% increase in page views since October 2010. (Source: Omniture)

CNN Mobile

Global page views for CNN’s mobile website reached 204.4 million and were up 24% compared to last October. (Source: Bango Analytics, October 2011)

In September 2011, CNN Digital Network on mobile reached 20.7 million unique visitors, and continued a streak as the top mobile news property for over 4 years. (Source: Nielsen Mobile MediaView, September 2011 – most recent available)

Conrad Murray Trial Coverage Boosts HLN Numbers For October.

2011-11-02T02:09:00.000-04:00

HLN's gavel to gavel coverage of the Conrad Murray trial has boosted the network's numbers for October. The full details in HLN's ratings report for the previous month in the press release below.

HLN Press Release: HLN Dayside Ratings Surge with Triple Digit Gains During Dr. Conrad Murray Trial Coverage in October

HLN Posts Largest Gains of Any Cable News Network During Daytime Programming

In October, HLN increased by double and triple digits compared to a year ago in both total viewers and the 25-54 demo due to increased viewership for the network’s exclusive coverage of the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray.

12 noon up 35% among total viewers (257k vs. 191k) and up 3% among 25-54 (89k vs. 86k)

1p up 44% among total viewers (306k vs. 212k) and up 25% among 25-54 (100k vs. 80k)

2p up 55% among total viewers (330k vs. 213k) and up 6% among 25-54 (106k vs. 100k)

3p up +132% among total viewers (426k vs. 184k) and up +58% among 25-54 (123k vs. 78k)

4p up +189% among total viewers (512k vs. 177k) and up +99% among 25-54 (139k vs. 70k)

5p up +191% among total viewers (494k vs. 170k) and up +97% among 25-54 (138k vs. 70k)

6p up +132% among total viewers (496k vs. 214k) and up +83% among 25-54 (148k vs. 81k)

7p up +23% among total viewers (496k vs. 404k) and up +4% among 25-54 (144k vs. 139k)

During the hours of 11a to 7p, HLN had the greatest gains of any cable news network in October versus year-ago (up 98% among total viewers and 42% among 25-54), far better than MSNBC (up 16% among total viewers and 1% among 25-54) and FNC (down 14% among total viewers and 20% among 25-54).

HLNTV.com Quietly Launches

2011-10-31T21:43:00.007-04:00

CNN sister network HLN (formerly CNN Headline News) quietly launched their new website, HLNtv.com recently.

The site features "The HLN 10" which is a list of the Top 10 stories the network is covering, a live stream, as well info on talent and shows, which at this time revert to the CNN.com show pages.

What do you think?

CNN International To Launch New Abu Dhabi Business Program

2011-10-31T07:35:00.002-04:00

Following last week's announcement from veteran CNN journalist Jim Clancy that his program, 'The Brief' was finishing up, CNN International has announced a new hour-long business show titled 'Global Exchange', to be anchored by John Defterios. The program debuts November 7 and will originate from CNN's Abu Dhabi bureau.

CNN Press Release: CNN International is expanding its business programming portfolio this autumn with the launch of ‘Global Exchange’, an hour-long weekday focus on the emerging markets looking at how emerging market news is framing the new world order.

Alert to the huge impact that the BRICS and other emerging markets are having on the world’s economy, ‘Global Exchange’ will report, analyse and interpret the events, players, trends and indices that are impacting and influencing the global financial community, at a time when business has never been a more significant part of the news agenda.

"CNN is constantly looking to anticipate its audience's needs, and dynamic, relevant business output has long been core to the news mix we offer,” said Katherine Green, CNN International’s Senior Vice President and General Manager. “Now we’re going a step further. There is no question that understanding the impact of emerging markets on your business is key to unlocking future success in the global marketplace. ‘Global Exchange’ will provide the information and context that matters to keep our smart, forward-looking audiences right on top of the emerging market news they need to know. The international spread of our correspondents and contributors makes us perfectly placed to cover the countries and markets that really matter.”

Global Exchange

Anchored out of Abu Dhabi at the cross roads between east and west, ‘Global Exchange’ draws extensively on CNN’s network of international correspondents to provide a unique vantage point on the new dynamics at play in today’s business world. The show is presented by emerging markets editor, John Defterios, whose expertise is flanked by regular contributions from Robyn Curnow and Errol Barnett in South Africa, Luis Carlos Velez across Latin America, Shasta Darlington from CNN’s soon-to-open Brazil bureau, Mallika Kapur in India, Ramy Inocencio in Hong Kong and Richard Quest from the UK, bringing audiences the stories and interviews that matter from Brazil to China, Russia to India, Africa to Central Asia and beyond.

‘Global Exchange’ also includes the ‘GX20’, a global hotlist of some of the world’s biggest economic thinkers. The GX20 will be drawn from the key emerging markets, from across China, Russia, India and South Africa, contributing daily to the show and bringing an added dimension to the business stories that count. There will also be a dedicated look at Generation Xchange, the youth who make up the real foundation for future growth.

The show also features ‘Along the Silk Road’, a weekly five minute bespoke segment that will explore the burgeoning trade and investment links from the Middle East to Asia – Beijing, Mumbai, Istanbul, Kabul, Moscow, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Dubai. The series surveys the export driven economies, countries with vast capitals of reserve and natural resources, which economic forecasters pinpoint as the ringleaders of growth for the next quarter of a century. ‘Along the Silk Road’ will be a high quality blend of polished feature reports and high profile interviews with newsmakers – those at the cutting edge of this geo-political shift.

The new show will have a dedicated webpage at www.cnn.com/globalexchange featuring the latest facts and figures from emerging markets, plus expert analysis from contributors and presenters.

Audiences can also follow the show on Twitter at @CNNGlobalEx for the latest show news, guest information and more.

‘Global Exchange’ is a strong addition to CNN’s vibrant portfolio of business programming, a fresh complement to the successful ‘Quest Means Business’ show, the recently expanded ‘Marketplace’ franchise, and the long-running popular World Business Today strand, at a time when business stories continue to set the world news agenda.