CNN Press Release - Jeff Zucker will join CNN Worldwide as president of the multi-platform global news enterprise, it was announced today by Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of CNN parent company Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. In January 2013, Zucker will assume executive oversight of a portfolio of 23 branded news and information businesses that includes CNN/U.S., CNN International, CNN.com and HLN and reaches more than 2 billion people in some 200 countries around the world. Zucker will report to Kent and will be based at CNN in New York.
Zucker started his 25-year career with NBC as a researcher for NBC Sports' coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympic Games and rose to president and chief executive officer of NBC Universal. He was named executive producer of Today in January 1992; under his eight-year leadership, the program was the most-watched morning news show and the most profitable program on television. Zucker went on to executive-produce NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw and the network's coverage of the Persian Gulf War, the 1993 and 1997 presidential inaugurations and the 2000 elections. He was promoted to president of NBC Entertainment, president of the NBC Entertainment, News & Cable group and president and CEO of the NBC Universal Television Group. Currently, Zucker is executive producer of the syndicated daytime show Katie.
"Jeff's experience as a news executive is unmatched for its breadth and success," said Kent. "He built and sustained the number-one brand in morning news, and under his watch NBC's signature news programming set a standard for quality and professionalism. As a programmer, a brand-builder and a leader, he will bring energy and new thinking to CNN. I couldn't be happier to welcome him or more excited about what he'll accomplish here."
"I am thrilled to join the distinguished team of journalists across the worldwide platforms of CNN," said Zucker. "The global reach and scale of the CNN brand is unparalleled in all of news. Outside of my family and the Miami Dolphins, there is nothing I am as passionate about as journalism. I spent the most rewarding years of my career as a journalist, and it's where I look forward to spending many more. I am grateful to Phil Kent for this opportunity, and I'm excited to return to daily newsgathering and compelling storytelling in a place that values those above all else."
The original 24-hour news network, CNN has the greatest reach of any domestic news network. The CNN brand on television extends to 100 million households in the U.S. and 265 million households abroad, with significant online and mobile reach and a global newsgathering network with 45 locations. CNN signatures include Anderson Cooper 360°, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Piers Morgan Tonight, State of the Union, Amanpour and Quest Means Business, as well as award-winning documentaries, unrivaled breaking news coverage and peerless political reporting.
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.
As rumored last week by various tech blogs, CNN has bought out Zite, a popular news app for the iPad. Details from CNN below.
CNN Press Release: CNN has acquired technology company Zite, a news app for the iPad that gives users a personalized magazine-like experience, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. CNN has added Zite to its already robust portfolio of digital products as a separate, stand-alone business that will continue to innovate and provide users with the news and information they want.
“Zite represents the next generation of content discovery and personalized publishing, and CNN wants to help lead in that space,” said KC Estenson, general manager of CNN Digital. “We think we can advance the industry in a meaningful way that helps content creators expand their businesses while growing the distribution of a product that people already love. The Zite technology can also help CNN's Websites and apps serve more personalized content, making our current digital services even better.”
Zite is an iPad app that leverages deeper technology to provide an individually personalized experience. Zite surfaces content to users that they will find most interesting from a variety of sources across the Web by learning users' preferences and getting smarter as it’s used.
“Zite is thrilled about combining forces with CNN to create a world-class news discovery platform,” said Mark Johnson, CEO of Zite. “In CNN, we have found a partner who shares our vision and passion. Being part of the CNN family gives us the capital to grow Zite's business and continue to innovate in the space.”
Johnson will continue to run Zite’s day-to-day operations out of headquarters in San Francisco and will report to Estenson. Founder Ali Davar will stay on board as Executive Director. Mike Klass will continue to lead Zite’s technology R&D as CTO. Zite will be a wholly owned subsidiary of CNN.
Available for free on the iPad, users can download Zite from the App Store or iTunes.
About Zite:
Zite is a free, personalized iPad magazine that understands what you like and gets smarter as you use it. Zite helps you discover what you’ve been missing in one convenient app. Zite learns as you use it to bring you the articles you will find most interesting from a variety of sources across the web. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, Zite is wholly-owned subsidiary of CNN. To get to know Zite, go to www.zite.com.
This week, CNN's Apps (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android) have hit the 10,000,000 downloads mark. CNN President Jim Walton sent a note to staff members today regarding the milestone.
As you know, this week CNN and HLN began streaming their full 24-hour television channels on the Web and on Apps for iPhone and iPad to consumers of participating pay TV services. So far, we have received some very positive feedback and we are excited about this new opportunity to share our content.
We also hit another digital milestone this week. To date, more than 10 million consumers have downloaded CNN Apps globally on iPhone and iPad; Android tablets and phones; and Nokia devices. This, combined with 201 million page views to CNN's mobile Website in June, is evidence that consumers continue to rely on CNN to get the latest news and information, wherever they are.
CNN's first sports anchor, Nick Charles passed away Saturday after a lengthy battle with Cancer. He was 64 and is survived by his wife, Cory, a Senior Director of Guest Planning for CNN International and four children.
CNN Worldwide President Jim Walton sent an E-Mail to staff today regarding Nick:
With great sadness I send this to inform you our friend and former colleague Nick Charles died this morning.
As you may know, Nick had been ill for some time. He was public and extraordinarily generous with the story of his health struggles in recent months, notably in conversations with Sanjay Gupta for his show and a recent profile by Wayne Drash for CNN.com.
As a journalist and sports personality, Nick helped put CNN on the map in its early days. He brought intelligence, style and heart to his work–qualities that translated to our company and inspired those of us who worked alongside him. You’ll see some of that work in remembrances over the coming days.
We will share information on arrangements when we receive it. Our thoughts now are with Cory, Nick’s wife and our CNN colleague, his four children and the Charles family. Their loss is also a loss to CNN, to the sports world and to those of us who were proud and fortunate to call him friend.
CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta is hosting a special report Nick Charles: No Regrets, Lessons from the Fight which airs at 7:30 AM ET Sunday morning on CNN.
Former CNN President Burt Reinhardt has died aged 91, according to CNN.
Mr Reinhardt became President of CNN in 1983, previously serving as Vice President. He remained in the role until 1990. Mr Reinhardt went on to become vice chairman of the network until his retirement in 2000.
"I tell people that in my opinion, he's probably the most important and powerful news executive you've never heard of," said nephew Harlan Reinhardt.
"I'm sure a lot of people will talk about Burt's fiscal responsibility, but I think what set Burt apart from everyone else who has been at CNN was that he was quietly strong," said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. "And behind the scenes, this man has integrity and he's very competitive, but he wants to do things the right way. He's fair, but firm and he treated everyone with respect."
Reinhardt helped solidify the CNN logo as a strong symbol.
The logo, now commonly known as a "bug" in broadcast jargon, is almost always on the television screen during CNN's news coverage. This idea was the brainchild of Reinhardt.
Anderson Cooper noted Mr Reinhardt's passing during his show on Tuesday night.
CNN Press Release - Erin Burnett will join CNN Worldwide as anchor and chief business and economics correspondent, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. Burnett will anchor a weekday general news program and will contribute to CNN’s coverage of national and international breaking news events and contribute reporting to CNN.com.
Burnett will begin in June and will be based in CNN’s New York Headquarters.
“Erin Burnett is a talented journalist and her perspective will add meaningfully to CNN’s coverage of the top national and international news stories we cover each day,” said Walton. “Erin is the kind of all-star player that knows how to connect-the-dots and translate events into relevant information for viewers.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the world’s preeminent news organization,” said Burnett. “I cannot wait to launch our new show: tackling serious issues and telling great stories. The experience I gained at CNBC and NBC News will be invaluable as I expand my focus. I began my journalism career at CNN, so this is like coming home for me.”
“We are thrilled to have Erin Burnett join our lineup,” said Ken Jautz, executive vice president of CNN. “In addition to her daily show, which will launch this summer, Erin will add depth and dimension to CNN’s ongoing reporting on the top stories facing the nation and the world.”
Burnett joins CNN from CNBC where she anchored the weekday programs Squawk on the Street and Street Signs. Her focus on global business news included her reporting from locations as varied as China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She has focused extensively on the Middle East, covering stories in Iran, Iraq, Libya and, most recently, the revolution in Egypt.
Burnett anchored several documentaries while at CNBC, including, “India Rising: The New Empire,” “City of Money and Mystery,” “The Russian Gamble,” “On Assignment: Iraq” and “Dollars & Danger: Africa, The Final Investment Frontier.” In addition, Burnett was a contributor to NBC’s Today and Meet the Press and MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
Burnett is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and was selected as one of Fortune Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2009.
CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively-syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.
Bohrman named SVP & chief innovation officer for CNN Worldwide
In an internal memo to CNN staffers, network president Jim Walton announces a change at the top of the Washington DC Bureau. CNN's DC Bureau Chief and head of Special Events, David Borman, will assume a new role as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the network, reporting directly to Walton.
CNN Press Release - Scot Safon assumes the role of executive vice president overseeing the HLN network, effective immediately, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. Safon replaces Ken Jautz, who has moved into the position of executive vice president of CNN/U.S. Safon, who most recently served as CNN Worldwide’s Chief Marketing Officer, continues to report to Walton and is based in Atlanta.
Safon, a long-time Turner executive, has served as CNN Worldwide’s Chief Marketing Officer, where he supervised the development of all consumer and trade communication on behalf of CNN/U.S., HLN, CNN International, CNN.com, CNN Mobile and all CNN branded services. Safon has elevated the CNN brand worldwide and spearheaded some of the most high-profile, award-winning campaigns in CNN history.
“Scot is one of the most creative and passionate executives at Turner Broadcasting,” said Walton. “As HLN continues to distinguish its brand in the marketplace, we are thrilled to have someone with his leadership skills, consumer insights and commitment to innovation running HLN.”
Safon joined CNN Worldwide in August 2002 as its Senior Vice President of Marketing and Promotion and was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer in 2007. Safon has overseen the marketing and promotion of programs including Anderson Cooper 360, Nancy Grace, Joy Behar, Larry King Live, The Situation Room and Fareed Zakaria GPS. His team has been responsible for handling marketing and sales communications during CNN’s award-winning coverage of the 2008 and 2004 Presidential Elections, Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, the war in Iraq and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. He has also overseen the Emmy-winning campaign for the top-rated God’s Warriors and campaigns for award-winning primetime documentary series such as Black in America and Planet in Peril.
His campaigns for CNN.com, the world’s #1 news website, have included the multi-award winning “Power of CNN Under Your Command” campaign, and the “Where Information Meets Opportunity” campaign for CNN’s mobile and podcast services. His work with CNN International includes overseeing promotion development supporting the current “Go Beyond Borders” branding campaign.
Safon was named a 2006 “Brand Builder” by Television Week magazine, and his campaigns for Anderson Cooper 360 and CNN=Politics have been named “Campaigns of Distinction” by the magazine. Safon’s team led the charge on CNN’s groundbreaking Inauguration Day partnership with Facebook, which resulted in CNN.com/Live hosting the largest online video event in internet history.
Prior to joining CNN, Safon was senior vice president of marketing for Turner Network Television (TNT). In this capacity, he was responsible for all marketing efforts on behalf of TNT, including network branding, consumer and trade advertising, as well as the marketing and promotion of individual programming events, series and franchises. He supervised the marketing campaign that launched the network’s successful “We Know Drama” branding initiative in June 2001. He has also overseen campaigns for TNT’s specials, sports programming and original series, including the network’s coverage of PGA, NASCAR and the NBA.
Before joining TNT, Safon was in the ad agency world, handling campaigns for the CBS Television Network, working on campaigns for CBS Sports, CBS News and CBS International. He began his career in account management with D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, Inc.
Safon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and history from the University of Virginia and a Masters of Business Administration from Cornell University. CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.
CNN Press Release - Ken Jautz, a long time CNN executive who most recently oversaw the HLN network, has assumed the role of executive vice president of CNN/U.S. reporting to Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. Jautz replaces Jon Klein who will be departing the company after 6 years in the role.
Jautz has managed several networks for CNN and Turner Broadcasting in both Europe and the United States including HLN, CNNfn, and n-tv, a German national news channel. At HLN, Jautz revamped and re-branded the network, formally known as CNN Headline News, and created an entirely original line-up of evening talk shows that more than doubled the network’s prime time ratings. Under Jautz’s leadership, HLN launched such signature programs as Nancy Grace, Joy Behar, ShowBiz Tonight, Issues with Jane Velez Mitchell and Morning Express with Robin Meade.
“Ken has a rich history with CNN – as a reporter, bureau chief, programmer and news executive – and comes to this position with a proven track record,” said Walton. “He is a respected, strategic and decisive leader and is the right person to lead CNN into the future.”
Previously, Jautz served as executive vice president of CNN’s business news operations and the CNNfn network, as well as CNN Money. He also served as managing director of n-tv, a German news and television company partly owned by Time Warner. Jautz, who is fluent in German, had previously worked as a London-based business development executive at Turner Broadcasting Europe, helping launch channels in several European markets.
Jautz joined CNN in 1989 as CNN’s bureau chief in Germany. Prior to that he had been an international correspondent for The Associated Press. Among the stories Jautz covered as a journalist were the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent revolutions in East European countries, the 1991 Gulf War and the dissolution of both the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. Jautz is a graduate of Cornell University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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.
I have some news to share with you about our executive leadership and how our programming teams are going to work together to ensure we’re prominently featuring CNN’s quality journalism across our multiple platforms. Two accomplished CNN executives whom most of you know and have worked with are stepping up to new roles, effective immediately. A third senior leader will be brought on in the role of managing editor to help leverage our newsgathering resources across multiple platforms in a more collaborative way.
Ken Jautz is moving from HLN to CNN/U.S. to run the network as its executive vice president. Ken is a rarity—a working journalist who is an even better news executive. The reinvention of HLN is the latest in a string of successes he has led at CNN. Ken has launched, made profitable and turned around businesses for our news organization, Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner literally around the world. To his new assignment he brings deep experience as a reporter, both overseas and in the US; a CNN-wide perspective; and relationships from multiple positions within Turner. Most importantly, he has a demonstrated ability to collaborate and lead strong teams, and a track-record of programming successes.
Scot Safon assumes the executive vice president role at HLN and will run the network. Scot and HLN are in my view an inspired combination. He is an innovator; HLN is an ideal news and information laboratory. He is an expert in audience targeting and development; HLN’s audience is young, engaged and growing. And he is a charismatic leader who is passionate about journalism, storytelling and our brand. As Chief Marketing Officer of CNN Worldwide, Scot has led a dynamic team that has done award-winning marketing, advertising and promotion for CNN, HLN, CNN International and CNN.com.
Additionally, to put our multi-platform advantages more fully to work, we will be naming an executive vice president and managing editor of CNN Worldwide to lead collaboration across all platforms and elevate CNN’s unique journalism and analysis. A managing editor, with full access to our journalism resources and my mandate to shape and connect our newsgathering across networks, shows, and websites, is a new role for the organization. Ultimately, the goal is that the kind of front-page reporting and analysis that captures a news event, translates its meaning and shapes the dialogue about the story will continue to emerge in even more prominent and more accessible ways to CNN’s audiences. The search for this person is currently underway.
Our colleague Jon Klein is leaving CNN. Jon’s six years as head of CNN/U.S. are reflected in the quality of our coverage of signal news events during his tenure: the tsunami in South Asia, Hurricane Katrina, the 2008 election cycle and the Haiti earthquake, as well as shows like Anderson Cooper 360°, The Situation Room and Fareed Zakaria GPS, all of which bear his imprint. Jon has made important contributions to the CNN story, and he leaves with our respect and friendship, and with my sincere thanks.
We are going into a busy fall and winter with November elections and two new prime time shows on CNN. Ken, Scot and the new managing editor will impact these and all of the other events ahead, as will you. My expectation is that our leaders and our new operating discipline will put CNN’s advantages to work where they matter most: for our audience. Our coverage will be relevant and resonant; will have meaning for millions of people around the world; and it will reflect the qualities that CNN is rightfully famous for: commitment to truth, respect for facts, service to no political agenda and passion for journalism and analysis done right and well.
If the record number of nominations - 9,000 in total - received this year are anything to go by, the blue ribbon panel that will choose the finalists of the 2009 CNN Heroes will have their work cut out for them.
The panel, which includes: Colin Powell, Sir Elton John, Ted Turner, Mariane Pearl, Shakira and more, will select the top ten candidates, with voting for the eventual CNN Hero of 2009 opened to the public between October and November.
Speaking after nominations officially closed, Jim Walton - President of CNN Worldwide said:
“This record number of nominations is further evidence of the momentum CNN Heroes has built in just a few short years.”
...
“Viewers have been engaged by these stories of inspiration and accomplishment beyond our expectations. It is truly an honor to be able to introduce the CNN Heroes to our global audience every year.”
Now in its third year, CNN Heroes aims to recognise everyday people whose selflessness, dedication, and achievement are changing the world. CNN will announce the 2009 “CNN Hero of the Year” and honor the Top Ten CNN Heroes in a gala celebration to air on CNN Domestic on Thanksgiving, November 26, at 9pm (ET/PT) from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The event will also screen on CNN International and CNN én Espanol.
In the meantime, you can stay up to date with the latest news from CNN Heroes on this blog or via Twitter, CNN.com or Facebook.
Jim Bittermann ‘Chevalier’ of the National Order of the Legion of Honor
CNN Press Release - Last night, Tuesday June 30 Jim Bittermann received the highest decoration in France and was made ‘Chevalier’ of the National Order of the Legion of Honor, in a special ceremony presided over by the Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.
Ask CNN Senior European Correspondent Jim Bittermann what he does for a living, and he'll answer “For the past 30 years, I’ve been explaining France and the French to the rest of the world.”
Paris based correspondent, American-Irish, Jim Bittermann covers all French news and events for CNN International. At CNN with its round-the-clock coverage, Bittermann quickly became the face and voice for whatever was happening in France and in the Francophone world and for the past 10 years, he has covered events as diverse as the death of Princess Diana and the last days of Yassir Arafat, the French presidential elections, the EU referendum, the World Cup championship and recently the Air France Tragedy and the last visit of President Obama in France.
Apart from his frequent appearances on CNN and in CNN.com, Bittermann has in recent years also become a familiar personality as lecturer and panel moderator at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and a featured speaker at journalism events such as Global Fusion 2004 in London, the International Diplomacy Institute in Geneva. He has made numerous visits to schools and universities in the United States to explain his work and what life is like in France. He is also co-author of the book Live from the Trenches: the Changing Role of the Television Correspondent which is still read in American journalism schools. In 1999 Bittermann became a professor himself at The American University of Paris and has taught courses in Broadcast News Writing and Production, Politics and Media, and Paris Documentaries.
Jim is one of the few journalists to receive the Honor, and joins a distinguished list of non-French recipients from many walks of life including Dwight D Eisenhower, Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, Rudolf Nureyev, Elie Wiesel, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and General Norman Schwarzkopf. In the field of American television journalism, he joins Pierre Salinger from ABC, who received his honor in 1978. In this year’s Honor’s list, he is one of only two Americans, and of 13 foreigners, to be so honoured.
Jim Walton’s Note to Staff July 1, 2009
Last night, CNN’s Jim Bittermann was made a Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest recognition of merit, in a ceremony presided over by the French Foreign Minister at the Foreign Ministry in Paris.
Jim was recognized for his nearly 30 years of reporting from France, as well as for his teaching and volunteer service within the French media industry.
Founded in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte to recognize outstanding accomplishment, the Legion of Honour is awarded annually to 3,500 French men and women and a very few non-nationals—13 this year, only two of them Americans. Jim joins the distinguished company of non-French recipients including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Charles Chaplin, Orson Welles and Norman Schwarzkopf.
We’re all proud of this unique tribute to our colleague.
CNN Announces Finalists for ‘CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute’
CNN Pressroom - Performers for Dec. 6 Gala Include Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Wyclef Jean, Norah Jones; Presenters Include Glenn Close, Harry Connick, Jr., LL Cool J, Kyra Sedgwick, Jimmy Smits
CNN today revealed the names of 18 finalists for “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,” the culmination of a five-month audience nomination process through which ordinary people will be recognized for accomplishing extraordinary things. Hosted by CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Christiane Amanpour, “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” will air live globally on CNN/U.S., CNN International and CNN en Español on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 9 p.m. (ET).
In its first year of the CNN Heroes initiative, CNN received more than 7,000 nominations from viewers in 80 countries, nominating people from more than 90 countries.
Honorees will be announced at the Dec. 6 gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, which will include performances from Grammy Award winners Mary J. Blige and Sheryl Crow and a duet by Grammy Award winner Norah Jones and acclaimed performer-producer Wyclef Jean. Presenters will include Tyra Banks, Glenn Close, Harry Connick, Jr., Rosario Dawson, LL Cool J, Kyra Sedgwick and Jimmy Smits.
“We’re honored to shine the spotlight on some of the world’s lesser known heroes with the help of an esteemed slate of performers and presenters,” said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. “While other awards programs venerate those who are already celebrated, we are recognizing the unheralded, the ones who accomplish great things without the benefit of recognition.”
From May 1 through September, CNN Worldwide has featured everyday heroes across its television networks, digital services and at www.CNN.com/Heroes, encouraging viewers to nominate local heroes they deem deserving of recognition as a CNN Hero. The finalists in each of the six categories include:
· MEDICAL MARVEL – Peter Kithene of Seattle, who founded a clinic in his native Kenya that has provided services to more than 18,000 patients; Ann McGee of Las Vegas, who started a transportation program to provide free medical flights for families with gravely ill children; and S. Ramakrishnan of Ayikudy, India, a quadriplegic man who runs one of India’s largest centers for the disabled, serving people from 330 surrounding villages.
· YOUNG WONDER – Kayla Cornale, 18, of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, who developed a musical system to improve communications with autistic people; Dallas Jessup, 15, of Vancouver, Wash., who produced a video and an online program designed to teach young women and girls how to escape an attacker; and Josh Miller, 17, of Santa Monica, Calif., who established a student-run nonprofit group dedicated to motivating high school students of all backgrounds to succeed in school and life.
· CHAMPIONING CHILDREN – Dr. Rick Hodes of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, who has served as a conduit for Ethiopian children to receive essential vaccinations, surgeries and other medical procedures; Scott Loeff of Chicago, who founded a camp for children with Tourette Syndrome to enable them to fit in with other children; Steve Peifer of Kijabe, Kenya, who combated severe dropout rates in Kenya by ensuring that more than 11,000 children have daily lunches at school and access to computers.
· COMMUNITY CRUSADER – James McDowell, a U.S. Army sergeant major who serves with the 82nd Airborne in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and led efforts to encourage Afghan farmers to switch from growing poppies to equally profitable saffron bulbs; Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe of Gulu, Uganda, who opened a school in her town to rehabilitate girls devastated by the Lord’s Resistance Army; Julie Rems-Smario of Oakland, Calif., who founded a nonprofit agency that serves deaf survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
· DEFENDING THE PLANET – Florence Cassassuce of La Paz, Mexico, who invented a five-gallon bucket that can purify several days’ worth of water in four minutes; Irania Martinez Garcia of Guantanamo, Cuba, who has taught hundreds of residents to learn how to grow food efficiently while using organic and sustainable materials from the local dump and their own trash; and Mark Maksimowicz of St. Petersburg, Fla., who co-founded a volunteer armada of boats to help clean up North American coasts.
· FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE – Pablo Fajardo of Lago Agrio, Ecuador, who seeks to force one of the world’s largest oil corporations to pay more than $6 billion to clean up toxic waste in the Amazon rain forest; Rangina Hamidi of Stone Ridge, Va., who founded a company that enables women in her native Afghanistan to make money from their intricate embroidery skills; and Lynwood Hughes of Rocky Mount, N.C., who started a nonprofit group to help U.S. veterans secure their disability benefits.
Joel Gallen, who has helmed ambitious telethon events supporting victims of both the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina, serves as executive producer for the event. Gallen won a Peabody Award for “America: A Tribute to Heroes” and has been nominated for several Emmys throughout his career. Kelly Flynn is senior executive producer for the CNN Heroes initiative.
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.
Scot Safon Named Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer of CNN Worldwide
CNN Pressroom - Marketing and branding innovator Scot Safon has been promoted to executive vice president & chief marketing officer of CNN Worldwide, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. Safon oversees branding; consumer and trade advertising; and marketing and promotion of the CNN portfolio of networks and businesses, including CNN/U.S., CNN Headline News, CNN International and CNN.com., and their news and information programming, personalities and events. He is based in Atlanta at CNN world headquarters and reports to Walton.
“Our marketing and promotion efforts reflect a quality, intelligence and point of view that set CNN apart,” said Walton. “As a creative executive, Scot sets the tone for that work. But he is equally important to me and to our organization as a strategist and leader. His influence and impact are felt, and welcomed, throughout CNN. I’m pleased to acknowledge his contributions to our continuing success.”
Formerly senior vice president of marketing and promotion, Safon joined CNN in 2002. He and his marketing and promotions teams executed award-winning campaigns supporting the debut of CNN’s The Situation Room, Anderson Cooper 360, the re-launch earlier this year of CNN.com and CNN’s continuing election coverage. Previously, Safon headed marketing for TNT, where he conceived and guided campaigns supporting the network’s signature original films and miniseries including George Wallace, Door to Door, James Dean, Pirates of Silicon Valley and Gettysburg. Safon also led marketing efforts for the successful “We Know Drama” positioning that he helped develop.
Earlier, Safon managed the CBS Television account for Backer Spielvogel Bates and Grybauskas/Beatrice in New York, where he began his career with D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, Inc. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics and history from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Cornell University. Safon, who was named a “Brand Builder” by Television Week in 2006 for the Anderson Cooper 360 launch campaign, serves on the board of directors of Promax.
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 Stakes Claim in High-Definition Space with CNN HD
CNN Pressroom - Launch of CNN HD Is Company's First 24-Hour News Network in High Definition
CNN Worldwide this week launched its first 24-hour news network in high definition, marking the company’s global commitment to provide more news and information in that format for years to come.
CNN HD, which was made available on Saturday, Sept. 1, stands as a separate high-definition signal offering a programming line-up identical to the CNN/U.S. channel broadcast in the standard-definition format. As part of its initial entry into high-definition television, CNN will produce all of its New York-based programs, select documentaries and special events, including Planet in Peril and presidential debates, in high definition.
The launch of CNN HD is part of a continued rollout of high-definition offerings and innovations. CNN Worldwide’s high-definition plans go beyond upgrades of studios and production centers and include a significant investment in equipment in the field to ensure that its journalists can gather news in high definition. For example, crews will be equipped with a combination of HD cameras, laptop editors, trucks and fly-aways and the CNN Election Express, the network’s mobile HD production unit.
“As part of our strategic growth, we are aggressively investing in our newsgathering efforts worldwide to bolster CNN’s delivery of news and information across all available platforms and services,” said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. “Our move into HD is one of many significant ventures we have undertaken this year to increase CNN’s edge as the world’s news leader.”
For CNN HD, programs produced in high definition will include American Morning, CNN’s new 8 p.m. program anchored by Campbell Brown, Lou Dobbs Tonight, Anderson Cooper 360º, Lou Dobbs Weekend, Your $$$$$ and Open House. High-definition programming also includes Planet in Peril, a sweeping four-hour documentary featuring Anderson Cooper, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin. Filmed in high definition across four continents and 13 countries, Planet in Peril will air over two nights on CNN/U.S. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, and Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (ET/PT).
CNN’s first documentary filmed entirely in high definition will be CNN: Special Investigations Unit documentary Fed Up: America’s Killer Diet featuring Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent. It will air on Saturday, Sept. 22, and Sunday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (ET). CNN’s next two presidential debates – a Nov. 15 Democratic debate co-sponsored with the Nevada Democratic Party in Las Vegas and a Nov. 28 Republican debate co-sponsored with YouTube in Florida – will both be shot and produced in a high-definition format for live broadcasts.
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 Pressroom - Global Effort to Honor Heroes Receives 2,500 Nominations from 45 Countries in First Nine Weeks of Submissions
CNN has secured producer-director Joel Gallen, who has helmed ambitious telethon events supporting victims of both the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina, to produce “CNN Heroes,” a year-end awards gala to honor ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary deeds. In a live global broadcast from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, the event will include musical performances, celebrities presenting the honorees’ stories, and documentary tributes to the CNN Heroes and their accomplishments.
The gala is the culmination of the network’s global “CNN Heroes” initiative, which shines a light on individuals who have made their marks in areas ranging from the environment to civil rights to human health. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, along with an array of notable co-hosts to be announced later, will present “CNN Heroes” during a special live global broadcast on CNN/U.S. and CNN International on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 9 p.m. (ET).
“There are so few opportunities to celebrate the everyday heroes among us and to remind us all of what a difference just one person can actually make,” Gallen said. “I am proud to be a part of this worldwide event, and I look forward to telling these heroes’ stories in a way that reflects their dedication, their passion and their influence on our society.”
“We care deeply about the world that we cover, and we felt it was important to spotlight those people we are seeing who are dedicating their lives to help others.” said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. “I am very pleased to welcome Joel aboard and am glad that we will be able to tap into his expertise for this important project.”
For more than two months, CNN Worldwide has featured everyday heroes across its television networks, digital services and at www.CNN.com/Heroes. To date, CNN has received more than 2,500 nominations of people from 45 countries and continues to solicit nominations from its global audience. A blue-ribbon panel will select the winners.
Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions brings a wealth of creativity and experience in live-event tributes and awards-show productions. Only six days after Sept. 11, 2001, he produced and directed the musical telethon, America: A Tribute to Heroes, for which he received both an Emmy and a Peabody award. Among his many other credits, Gallen produced Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast, the MTV Movie Awards and several White House event specials during the Clinton administration.
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.
Tony Maddox Named EVP, Managing Director of CNN International
CNN Pressroom - Journalist and news executive Tony Maddox has been named to head CNN International, it was announced today by Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. As executive vice president and managing director of CNN International, Maddox assumes oversight responsibility for a news and information portfolio that includes five CNN services in English; CNN en Español; CNNj; CNN.com International; CNNArabic.com; the joint ventures CNN+, CNN-IBN and CNN Turk, as well as international newsgathering and editorial and programming oversight. Maddox is based in Atlanta at CNN world headquarters and reports to Walton.
“Tony brings to his new role a combination of professional skills and personal qualities that is increasingly rare in our industry,” said Walton. “He is a veteran journalist with broad and direct knowledge of the complexities of the world CNN covers. He is a businessman who understands the unique value of CNN’s brand and capabilities, and how to leverage them. And he is a leader who inspires teamwork, loyalty and individual excellence. Tony will guide a news business of extraordinary importance to extraordinary growth and influence.”
“CNN International is better placed than ever to deliver industry-leading standards of service to audiences around the world,” said Maddox. “The opportunity to lead the great CNNI team is a privilege.”
Formerly senior vice president of news operations for CNN International, Maddox was responsible for operational and administrative oversight of CNN’s 26 international bureaus and integrating international newsgathering activity into the larger CNN Worldwide organization. In addition, he managed the international news desk in Atlanta and supervised recruiting, training and development of newsgathering staff.
Maddox joined CNN in 1998 as managing editor for the organization’s Europe, Middle East and Africa coverage, based in London. While posted there, he directed wide-ranging reporting of world news events; developed CNN-branded shows for the international marketplace including Biz News, International Correspondents, Design 360 and CNN Business Traveller; was instrumental in executing the successful regionalization strategy of CNN’s newsgathering process that has resulted in coverage that is more local and in-depth; and oversaw the build-out of state-of-the-art studio facilities.
Previously, Maddox spent 13 years with the BBC as a reporter, producer, editor and news executive, posted in Belfast, Plymouth and Leeds.
CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources 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; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live video news service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and two Web sites.
CNN Pressroom
