Saturday, September 25, 2004
Jeanne's Winds are Blowing
Carol Lin has been anchoring "wall to wall" huricane coverage since 8p.m. Eastern. Where's ol' dependable Miles O'Brien? Hopefully he will be on before the night is up. Anyway, Jacqui Jeras is in the weather center. CNN has used affiliate coverage only a couple of times so far and has been utilizing it's own people in the field. Anderson Cooper and Chad Myers are in Melbourne, Florida with Gary Tuchman in Fort Pierce and John Zarrella pulling duty in West Palm Beach. Who's missing? Where's Bill Hemmer, why didn't he make the trip to Florida this time?
Feel free to post your thoughts on CNN's Hurricane Jeanne coverage in the comments section!
Feel free to post your thoughts on CNN's Hurricane Jeanne coverage in the comments section!
# posted by ATN @ 11:11 PM 
Jeanne Expected to make CNN'ers do a 360
CNN will begin "wall to wall" coverage of Hurricane Jeanne this evening as the storm makes landfall. Even though the current program schedule doesn't reflect the change, "live" coverage will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern. Correspondents along the Florida coast include Anderson Cooper, Gary Tuchman, John Zarrella and Chad Myers . Gary and John both commented they are broadcasting from the same spot they were at for Hurricane Frances.
# posted by ATN @ 6:25 PM
Mean Jeanne....
Hurricane Jeanne is on the way. No word yet when on CNN will begin "wall to wall" hurricane coverage BUT as soon as we find out the schedule I will post it. CNN's Anderson Cooper is expected to be in Florida to cover the storm as it makes landfall. CNN correspondents Susan Candiotti and John Zarrella have been filing reports already today.
# posted by ATN @ 3:38 PM
Let's Hear From U: CNN Execs to take the "Headlines" Out of CNN/Headline NEWS Prime-Time
Looks like the NEWS will no longer be the star in prime-time on CNN-Headline News. Instead NEWS will be replaced with "NEWSTAINMENT." It was reported earlier this year that changes were on the way, possibly adding a debate style program to the line-up. Here's an article from Digital Spy:
A report on MediaBistro's TVNewser blog indicates that CNN Headline News is planning to revamp its primetime output next year.The blog reports that project "Blue Sky" will launch in January 2005, with the new programs being mainly produced at CNN's facility in New York City. Currently, all Headline News programmes air from CNN's headquarters in Atlanta.TVNewser reports that two "appointment viewing" shows are currently being looked at, with the channel's general manager telling staff in a conference call that "one or both may be approved soon." It was also indicated that a "handful" of jobs would be lost in the move.
Commentary: What are the folks at CNN thinking? CNN Headline News is a "Headline News Channel" and SHOULDN'T be converted to a"Newstainment" channel. COME ON CNN execs CNN-US can barely keep it's head above water during prime-time and you wanna take away the NEWS from CNN-HLN. Doing this will do nothing more than piss more people off, viewers and the staff who will get FIRED!!!! GEEZ...you can't leave well enough alone!!! Good luck to the "handful" of people who will be left without jobs. Anybody want to guess who will get the ax. I am predicting Sophia Choi and Stephen Frazier.
NOW, let's hear from U. What do you think about the proposed changes on CNN-HLN prime-time? All you have to do is post your suggestions in the "comments" section. To post ANONYMOUSLY simply click below on Comments THEN click on the words "post anonymously" under the sign in request. You DON'T have to register .
A report on MediaBistro's TVNewser blog indicates that CNN Headline News is planning to revamp its primetime output next year.The blog reports that project "Blue Sky" will launch in January 2005, with the new programs being mainly produced at CNN's facility in New York City. Currently, all Headline News programmes air from CNN's headquarters in Atlanta.TVNewser reports that two "appointment viewing" shows are currently being looked at, with the channel's general manager telling staff in a conference call that "one or both may be approved soon." It was also indicated that a "handful" of jobs would be lost in the move.
Commentary: What are the folks at CNN thinking? CNN Headline News is a "Headline News Channel" and SHOULDN'T be converted to a"Newstainment" channel. COME ON CNN execs CNN-US can barely keep it's head above water during prime-time and you wanna take away the NEWS from CNN-HLN. Doing this will do nothing more than piss more people off, viewers and the staff who will get FIRED!!!! GEEZ...you can't leave well enough alone!!! Good luck to the "handful" of people who will be left without jobs. Anybody want to guess who will get the ax. I am predicting Sophia Choi and Stephen Frazier.
NOW, let's hear from U. What do you think about the proposed changes on CNN-HLN prime-time? All you have to do is post your suggestions in the "comments" section. To post ANONYMOUSLY simply click below on Comments THEN click on the words "post anonymously" under the sign in request. You DON'T have to register .
# posted by ATN @ 12:10 AM
Friday, September 24, 2004
Hurricane Jeanne To Keep CNN Correspondents Busy Over Weekend
CNN is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Jeanne over the weekend. Friday afternoon CNN's John Zarrella broadcasted live from Florida as people there get ready for the storm. CNN's Karl Penhaul filed a report via video-phone from Haiti on the death and destruction the storm caused there when it moved through.Update 6:30p.m.-CNN has put up the radar loop up in the bottom right of the tv screen to show Jeanne's progress towards Florida.Update 7:55p.m. Anderson Cooper has announced he'll leave for Florida Saturday morning to cover the storm as it slams into Florida. Do you think CNN's new hire Rick Sanchez will help with coverage? Rick hasn't been seen on CNN since he helped cover Hurricane Ivan a week or two back.
# posted by ATN @ 5:15 PM
More CNN Shows Hit the Road
We've told ya' about NewsNight and Paula Zahn Now "hitting the road", now more CNN programs have been added to the list. According to an "On the Road" schedule on CNN.com, American Morning and Anderson Cooper 360 will both be making stops in Cleveland, Ohio and Tempe, Arizona in the next month or so. As reported earlier in the week News Night with Aaron Brown will be on the road next week making stops along the West Coast. News Night will be in Seattle, Washington Monday, 9/27, Portland, Oregon 9/28, San Francisco, California 9/29, Los Angeles, California 9/30, and will wrap up the week in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday.
Inside Politics will be broadcast Live from University of Miami, Miami, Florida on Wednesday 9/29, Cleveland, Ohio on 10/04-05, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 10/07, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 10/12-13.
American Morning will broadcast from Cleveland, Ohio on 10/05 and from Tempe, Arizona on 10/12.
Anderson Cooper 360 will broadcast from Cleveland, Ohio on 10/04 and from Tempe, Arizona 10/11.
Paula Zahn will host town hall meetings in Racine, Wisconsin on 10/07 and 10/14, Clark County, Ohio 10/21, and Orlando, Florida on 11/01.
The complete schedule can be found HERE!
# posted by ATN @ 4:08 PM
Judy Woodruff Stays Cool Under Pressure
CNN's Inside Politics host Judy Woodruff didn't lose her cool Wednesday when a protester kept on yelling "Dump Dan Rather," for nearly the entire 90 minute program. In an article at Palmbeachpost.com says it drove Woodruff's producers nuts. They tried talking to the guy in the cowboy hat, recommended he move around the corner to CBS' truck, and even called over the police. But the officers couldn't stop him because he was on public property. "Trust me, I'm not gonna touch this guy — not with all these cameras around," said one West Palm Beach policeman. "This ain't L.A." It got so bad that Woodruff had to give an on-air explanation to viewers about who was making the racket. Welcome to the road. This was Woodruff's first trip out on the campaign trail. You'll find the complete article HERE.
BTW, Judy commented at the end of the article about her future in the news biz. As for Woodruff's future, her CNN contract is up at the end of next summer. "I have no idea what I'm going to do," she said. "I'm focused right now on this election. All I can say is I love what I'm doing. I love covering politics."
# posted by ATN @ 12:04 AM
People in the News Goes Behind-the Scenes of Cirque du Soleil
CNN Press Release: In a rare, one-on-one interview, Cirque du Soleil founder and CEO Guy Laliberté talks with CNN’s People in the News about the rocky beginnings of his billion-dollar enterprise and his vision for its legacy. People in the News: “Cirque du Soleil” also gives viewers a colorful, behind-the-scenes look at world-renowned Cirque productions and the multitude of people who make them possible.The profile, reported by CNN anchor and correspondent Heidi Collins, airs Saturday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on CNN/U.S. (ET) and will re-air Sunday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
I am sure the schedule is subject to change should Hurricane Jeanne make landfall.
# posted by ATN @ 12:02 AM
Where are they now?
Today's edition of "Where are they now" is about a former CNN'er that can no longer be seen but her voice can still be heard on WDBO News/Talk 580 in Orlando, Florida. Who am I talking about? Donna Kelley! I am not sure how long Donna was at CNN but she was let go sometime after 9/11/2001. I remember Donna was on the air when I visited CNN Center in the summer of 2000. It was so funny, we were all amazed at the fact that she was wearing a "nice" top but wearing blue jeans. Of course viewers on tv didn't know she was wearing blue jeans since we see just from the waist up.
# posted by ATN @ 12:00 AM
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Here Comes Jeanne
Will Hurricane Jeanne keep CNN'ers busy this weekend? It could. Jeanne is expected to make landfall sometime Sunday along the Florida coast.
# posted by ATN @ 2:46 PM
Bring on the French
An article on Expatica.com says a 24-hour French news channel designed to rival CNN-International and BBC World "will see the light of day." French Communications Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres made the announcement yesterday though he declined to give a date for the expensive project. The French Communications Director said "he French International News Network, or CFII as it is known in France, is a "strategic necessity. The CFII, or "CNN a la francaise" as it is being called in some circles, has long been a dream of French officials keen to have their country's voice heard alongside the US and British viewpoints often presented on the two veteran global networks. French President Jacques Chirac pushed especially hard last year for the new channel to be launched after feeling France's position had been underplayed or misrepresented before and after the US and British invasion of Iraq, which he opposed. MORE
# posted by ATN @ 1:43 PM
Paula Zahn to "Hit the Road"
Paula Zahn will hold several town hall meetings before election day. The first will be held in Racine, Wisconsin October 7th. The meeting will be the first of four scheduled in swing states. Other stops include Bucks County, Pa., Springfield, Ohio and Orlando, Florida.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
# posted by ATN @ 11:21 AM
Where are they now?
You know it seems 2001 wasn't a good year for many CNN veterans. The bloodbath all began at the end of January 2001 when the AOL/Time Warner merger was finalized. One of the CNN veterans let go at that time was Greg Lefevre. From 1983 to 2001, Greg served as CNN San Francisco Bureau Chief and Correspondent. These days he can be found putting his years of experience to work as a Media Trainer/Industry Consultant. HERE's a link to his website.
# posted by ATN @ 11:13 AM
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Carville does "The Factor"...
Well it wasn't the knock down dragout I thought it would be BUT James Carville did defend his position of being an "informal advisor" to the Kerry Campaign and at the same time staying on as co-host of CNN's Crossfire. Bill O'reilly even plugged Carville's latest book, a childrens book, Lu and the Swamp Ghost. I am only glad the "interview" took place during the first 15 minutes of the program so I didn't have to endure the entire show.
# posted by ATN @ 8:36 PM
Get Ready World for The Daily Show on CNN-International
CNN-International viewers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East The Daily Show hits the airwaves this weekend. A source says the program will air on Saturdays and Sundays from 1;30AM - 2AM. According to CNN.com, the CNN International version is a compilation of the best comedy sketches that aired during the previous week on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," which is recorded weeknights before a live studio audience in New York. Geared toward a young, savvy late night audience, the program features Stewart's smart wit, satire and observations on U.S. and world current affairs. Other "Daily Show" correspondents, including Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms and Mo Rocca, provide news updates, in-depth reports and various other comedy sketches throughout program. Stewart also interviews major stars from the world of film, television and music.
# posted by ATN @ 7:20 PM
Dan Rather Protester Interrupts CNN Live Shot
From National Debate Blog: Judy Woodruff was set up next to the next CNN Election Express outside the Palm Beach County Convention Center this afternoon, where she was being persistantly shouted down by an anti-Dan Rather protestor who was repeatedly shouting "Stop Dan Rather Now!". He was also mixing in something about "democrats." Judy Woodruff finally acknowledged the guy saying that for those wondering what you are hearing is a guy who shows up at a lot of poltical events in Florida and makes alot of noise.
# posted by ATN @ 5:26 PM
Carville to Enter "The No Spin Zone" Tonight
What was posted as a "far fetched" idea here on CNN Blog a week or two back, looks like will come to pass. CNN Crossfire co-host James Carville is scheduled to appear on "The O'reilly Factor" on Fox "Opinion" Channel tonight. Look, it's right there in black and white.
# posted by ATN @ 1:35 PM
Eye on Iraq
There will be a special edition of News Night tonight. The program will examine the new government of Iraq and whether the schedule for elections is realistic. News Night with Aaron Brown airs at 10 p. m. Eastern.
# posted by ATN @ 12:33 PM
Where are they Now?
September 11th, 2001 was the end of the road for several folks at CNN including the anchor team of Lou Waters and Natalie Allen. Lou is currently working at KOLD-TV in Tucson, Arizona, while Natalie earlier this year came back to cable news at MSNBC.
# posted by ATN @ 12:30 PM
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
I'd "Rather" NOT....
Well it looks like Dan Rather WILL NOT be appearing on Larry King Live tonight. Bob Woodward, Al Franken and others will be on instead to discuss the CBS document scandal. BUT look at it this way they will be discussing Dan Rather.
# posted by ATN @ 5:06 PM
This and That...
> News Night will hit the road beginning Monday, September 27. A source says stops include Seattle, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. If you remember CNN-US General Manager Princell Hair announced last month News Night along with Lou Dobbs Tonight and Judy Woodruff would be "hitting the road" as the election gets closer. UPDATE: 5:11 p. m.- HERE's the press release.
>Are ya ready for the Presidential Debates? Broadcasting and Cable is reporting that NBC, ABC, and CBS will carry ALL THREE. Of course, the cablers are expected to carry them as well. The debates are set for Sept. 30, Oct. 8, and Oct. 13.
# posted by ATN @ 1:23 PM
Politics, Politics, Politics
Politics seems to be the news of the day these days and CNN is putting political programming front and center. We are getting ever so closer(not fast enough in my book) to the Presidential election and you can start your day with political news and info as Kelly Wallace presents 'Promises, Promises', a look at what the candidates promise to do on various issues and whether those promises are realistic. The reports are airing during American Morning all this week on CNN. Meanwhile Paula Zahn Now kicked off 'Prime Time Politics' last week. From now until election day, it's all politics on PZN. AND Paula now has her own "election booth" poll everynight. And don't forget Inside Politics has expanded to 90 minutes through election day.
# posted by ATN @ 9:50 AM
Enquiring Minds Wanna Know.....
Dang, I'm beginning to sound like the National Enquirer...Anyway, on Monday The New York Post was "Just Asking"....WHICH married CNN honcho is sweating bullets after his steamy instant-message chat with a sexy, 27-year-old CNN staffer was forwarded to dozens of the network's executives? Enquiring minds wanna know....
# posted by ATN @ 12:02 AM
Where are they now?
Remember a little sports show on CNN called CNN Sports Tonight? Well after it was cancelled co-anchor Fred Hickman found a home at the YESNetwork. Fred's co-anchor on CNN Sports Tonight, Vince Cellini can be found these days on The Golf Channel. BTW, both fell victim to the axe at CNN right after 9/11/2001.
# posted by ATN @ 12:00 AM
Monday, September 20, 2004
Weather.com remains #1 Stop for Weather News and Information
The Weather Channel has announced weather.com remains the #1 website for weather news and information. According to Nielsen//NetRatings, weather.com ranked the site's content as the 10th most popular on the web for the month of August, reaching some 26.7 million people for the month. These rankings were bolstered by record page viewings during Hurricane Charley, which made landfall in Florida on August 13.
Additionally the news release states on September 15 weather.com set records for unique visitors, page loads and video streaming. On Sept. 15 as Ivan neared, weather.com served 73,468,616 million pageviews to 7,250,447 million unique users, also set a record for peak pageviews per hour with 5.1 million and site delivered 2,288,674 video streams, a 4400 percent increase in streams served on a normal day. According to the news release The week of September 12, 2004 also showed the highest weekly number of downloads ever for Desktop Weather by The Weather Channel, the company's convenient desktop weather application. With a 400% increase over average weeks and a 50% increase over downloads during the week of Hurricane Frances. weather.com also had a record number of subscriptions to Desktop Weather Platinum, with more than 3 times the average number of sales for the week. MORE
# posted by ATN @ 3:10 PM
CNN= "Fox Lite" ?
Is CNN headed toward being the channel of the DNC? An article in The New York Times says "No matter how long the overlap between Mr. Carville and Mr. Begala's TV and campaign roles, that brand (Crossfire) and CNN itself are now as inextricably bound to the Democrats as Fox is to the Republicans." MORE
Meanwhile, in an article in the Chicago Tribune, CNN co-founder Reese Schonfeld says, "There's no such thing as an objective network. To an awful lot of Americans, Fox is the most objective network in the United States. And no matter what CNN says about objectivity, to the Fox viewer they're pink as hell. So if everybody's branding you as a liberal network, you might as well be one." MORE
# posted by ATN @ 12:05 AM
Bringing Home the Bacon
Cable World.com takes a look at a day in the life of CNN Advertising and Marketing COO Greg D'Alba during the Republican National Convention. Cable World writer Mavis Scanlon writes at the end of the article, " In coming weeks D'Alba may be feeling some heat from advertisers who paid top dollar for spots during CNN's convention coverage and expected higher ratings. Fox News led the ratings, handily beating even the Big Three networks on most nights." MORE
# posted by ATN @ 12:03 AM
Where are they now?
Sharyl Attkisson was a CNN anchor from 1990-1993. Attkisson left CNN for a job at CBS where she remains today. Not only did she get a new job at CBS but also a new look as well.
# posted by ATN @ 12:00 AM
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Coming Soon....
Have you ever wondered what happened to one of your favorite CNN'ers after leaving the network? Coming soon CNN Blog will let you know "What they are doing now."
# posted by ATN @ 2:02 AM
Did you know...
In September 2000, CNN opened its first fully integrated newsroom, capable of gathering and reporting news for multiple platforms, in Hong Kong.
# posted by ATN @ 12:35 AM
