Saturday, February 05, 2005

 

Anchor Go Round



CNN weekend anchor Fredricka Whitfield seems to be MIA again this weekend. CNN Business chick Christine Romans is anchoring Fred's shift today. I am assuming (got to watch that) Fred is on maternity leave. Pic from TV Heads
Update: Christina was in for Fredricka on Sunday as well.

# posted by ATN @ 12:02 PM

Friday, February 04, 2005

 

Right Wing Bloggers Targeting CNN


Source: Blog Herald Rebecca MacKinnon reports that right-wing blogs are targeting CNN over comments made by Eason Jordan, Chief News Executive of CNN at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in which he alleged that the U.S. military had been targeting journalists in Iraq.

During one of the discussions about the number of journalists killed in the Iraq War, Eason Jordan asserted that he knew of 12 journalists who had not only been killed by US troops in Iraq, but they had in fact been targeted. He repeated the assertion a few times, which seemed to win favor in parts of the audience and cause great strain on others.

My comment: This isn't the first time Jordan has made comments like this. Check out this post from November 2004. But I guess the Right Wing Bloggers need to do their part and defend the Pentagon.

# posted by ATN @ 8:16 AM
 

CNN Launches Yearly Award For African Journalists


Source: Xinhua News Agency Cable News Network has launched entries for the African Journalist of the Year awards competition.

The competition aims to reinforce the role played by journalists in Africa and is open to all African journalists and freelancers working for media organizations based in the region.

The entry forms are available on the internet and entrants must be at least 18 years old. Each person can only submit up to two entries per category by March 7.

The category winners will receive a state-of-the-art laptop computer with printer and a substantial cash prize. And the overall grand prize winner will get a further cash prize and will be invited to CNN headquarters in Atlanta.

# posted by ATN @ 8:05 AM
 

Where Are They Now



Today we feature Mike Kavanagh. Kavanagh is well known among the financial and broadcasting communities, having worked in the 1980's for CNN including daily business reports for the CNN Radio Network, anchoring news on CNN Headline News and working on CNN's Moneyline show. Mike still airs special series reports twice a year for the CNN Radio Network. What's he doing now? Kavanagh is a practicing Certified Financial Planner in Atlanta and hosts the radio show Money Matters on Newstalk 750 WSB in Atlanta, GA.

# posted by ATN @ 8:00 AM

Thursday, February 03, 2005

 

CNN 25: Top 25 Medical Stories


CNN continues it's look at the "TOP 25" when it airs Top 25: Medical Stories Sunday, February 13th at 8p.m. eastern. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta hosts an hour-long countdown of the top 25 medical stories from the last 25 years. CNN is celebrating it's 25 year Anniversary by presenting the top 25 stories in a given category every month. Coming in March will be the Top 25 business leaders. Don't forget about the special CNN-25 section at CNN.com.

# posted by ATN @ 9:50 PM
 

New Poll Ready for Your Input


We believe everyone should have their say SO let us know what U think will give CNN's ratings a boost: new anchors / reporters / talking heads; a total program schedule change OR leave CNN as is!

# posted by ATN @ 7:34 PM
 

SOTU Ratings #'s---Rehash


Source: Multichannel News Fox News Channel was the runaway cable news network of choice among most viewers watching President Bush’s State of the Union address Wednesday night.

Fox News averaged nearly 5.08 million viewers two-plus from 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Feb. 2, versus 1.02 million for Cable News Network and 716,000 for MSNBC, according to Nielsen Media Research data.

The performance represented a 14% viewership rise for Fox News over the 4.45 million who tuned in Bush’s 2004 State of the Union speech. CNN lost 48% of its watchers from the prior year (1.97 million), while MSNBC was off 1% from 721,000 from the 2004 address.

On the broadcast side, Fox led the way from 9 p.m.-10:30 p.m. with 8.18 million viewers, according to fast national results from Nielsen. ABC narrowly beat NBC -- 6.97 million-6.95 million -- over the two-hour period, while CBS counted an average of 5.36 million viewers.

# posted by ATN @ 6:30 PM
 

Where Are They Now



Former CNN Sports anchor/commentator Jim Huber is in the "Where are they now" spotlight. Huber came to CNN in 1984 after six years as sports anchor for WXIA-TV, the NBC affiliate in Atlanta. During that time, he also worked for CNN's sister network, TBS Superstation, as the writer of two documentaries chronicling the Atlanta Braves' pennant stretches: "It's a Long Way to October" and "A Tale of Two Seasons," the latter winning a CableACE.

The veteran sports reporter has won two Georgia Emmys, six Sportscaster of the Year awards from the Associated Press, five United Press International awards, a Unity Award in Media, two Sigma Delta Chi awards, a Gold award from both the New York and Houston Film Festivals and two CableACEs. While co-anchoring SPORTS TONIGHT with Nick Charles, the show was awarded two CableACEs for best sports information program. He has also been nominated for a Sports Emmy, the highest award in sports journalism. What's Jim up to these days? Well he's a commentator & writer for GolfPodium.com.

# posted by ATN @ 1:28 PM

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

 

SOTU Coverage



Here's a pic of CNN's slick graphics during coverage of the State Of The Union address. I really liked the animated LIVE graphic.

# posted by ATN @ 10:54 PM
 

Murdoch To Dare Cable Companies Not To Carry New Business Channel


Source: Multichannel News It looks like NewsCorp Head Rupert Murdoch will be using threats against cable operators to get his proposed business channel on the air. In a Multichannel News article Murdoch says News Corp. would not sacrifice the potential upside in affiliate fees received from cable and satellite operators for its existing networks to secure carriage for the new channels.(business and reality channel)

He added that any operator that threatens to drop an existing Fox network in retaliation for those higher affiliate rates would suffer the consequences

“Take the Fox News Channel,” Murdoch said. “It would be a very, very brave cable operator who would drop it today, almost at whatever price. It’s got a devoted following of at least 10% of the population, and most of them would march on these people.”

The article says the new business channel will launch in the second half of this year.

# posted by ATN @ 8:51 PM
 

Carlson: "MSNBC is on the move and I'm thrilled to join the team."


Source: Multichannel News Here's another article about Tucker Carlson's joinning MSNBC. Here are a few quotes from the article:

"Tucker and I have a long history together and I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with him at MSNBC," Kaplan said in a prepared statement.
"He is without a doubt one of the sharpest minds and best writers in this business,” Kaplan added. “His passion and enthusiasm are both energizing and remarkable. He is truly a pleasure to work with."

"This is a tremendous opportunity to do something creative and original in cable television," Carlson said in a prepared statement "MSNBC is on the move and I'm thrilled to join the team."

Broadcasting and Cable has another article about the news.


# posted by ATN @ 5:45 PM
 

CNN Student News Honors Black History Month


Source: Multichannel News Cable News Network’s CNN Student News kicked off its Black History Month programming this week.

Among Black History Month fare on the Turner Learning vehicle are features that explore the evolution of jazz and similar music; examine updates related to events such as the 1964 murders of civil-rights workers in Philadelphia, Miss.; and profile leaders including the late Shirley Chisholm, who served as the first African-American congresswoman, and Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court justice.

The show’s Web site (cnnstudentnews.cnn.com) also features a glossary of civil-rights terms, a brief history of segregation and testimonials regarding the role of young people in the civil-rights movement.

“CNN Student News is proud to offer extensive resources for teachers wanting to help today’s generation of students understand and remember the struggles and triumphs of people who came before them,” CNN News Services vice president Jerry DeMink said in a prepared statement.

“Our staff of in-house educators has developed specific user-friendly classroom materials perfect for Black History Month,” he added.

# posted by ATN @ 5:38 PM
 

Dolans Unscripted, Open House Talk to Special Guests for Weekend Debut


Source: CNN Pressroom A fashion icon, a financial expert and two top real estate developers join CNN’s two new weekend business programs as the shows’ first guests for their CNN/U.S. debuts on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Dolans Unscripted, an hour-long live show broadcast hosted by Ken and Daria Dolan, airs on CNN every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (ET). Open House, a half-hour real estate program hosted by Gerri Willis, airs every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. (ET).

For the premiere of Dolans Unscripted, fashion designer Kenneth Cole talks to the Dolans about his business success as well as his philanthropic work as chairman of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, a group spending hundreds of millions toward finding a cure for the disease. The Dolans also speak to Robert Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, about Social Security reforms. During the show, Ken Dolan tours Jacksonville, Fla., to make sure the city is ready for the economic effects of a Super Bowl.

For Open House, Willis talks to Chicago real estate mogul Sam Zell about the state of the housing market for 2005 and to real estate developer Lou Manfredini about home remodeling projects that pay off in the long run.

# posted by ATN @ 4:55 PM
 

Should CNN and CBS News Merge


Source: New York Observer Columnist Joe Hagan seems to think it would be smart for CNN and CBS to merge. Hagan writes: "Mr. Klein needs more viewers to justify his global news operation. Mr. Heyward needs more TV news platforms. So why don’t the two moribund outfits team up?" MORE

# posted by ATN @ 8:24 AM
 

It's Official, Tucker Lands At MSNBC


Source: Philadelphia Inquirer Almost a month after CNN's Tucker Carlson said he was joining MSNBC, it's actually going to happen.

MSNBC is expected to announce today that Crossfire's former conservative cohost will take over the 9 p.m. weekday slot formerly occupied by Deborah Norville. No launch date or format yet.

Carlson will anchor the hour-long show from the network's Secaucus, N.J., headquarters, says an MSNBC executive, speaking on condition of anonymity. Carlson and his family will relocate from Washington to the New York area.

"At this precise second, we have no official response," an MSNBC rep said yesterday. (Translation: Call me Wednesday.) Carlson didn't return messages left on his cell phone.

# posted by ATN @ 8:21 AM
 

Where Are They Now


Today we feature former CNN/CNN-SI anchor Justin Farmer. Justin has served as anchor/reporter for KWTV (CBS) in Oklahoma City, KDAF-TV (WB) in Dallas, Texas. Previous to that he worked as Sports Director for KTVX-TV (ABC) in Salt Lake City, Utah and for CNN/CNN Sports Illustrated in Atlanta. He also worked as a sports anchor/reporter at WPTV (NBC) in West Palm Beach, Florida. What's he doing now? Farmer is currently a morning news anchor at KDVR FOX 31 in Denver, Colorado.

# posted by ATN @ 8:17 AM
 

Where Are They Now CORRECTION


I need to make a correction. Tuesday I said Brad Huffines was fired in 2001 when actually he is and always has been a freelancer at CNN. I get my info off the web and I guess I need to start quoting the source. BTW, wanna thank CNN meteorologist Chad Myers for the heads up. Below is the e-mail recieved from Chad.


"Just an FYI....Brad was always a freelancer just like he is now. We used him more in the past when he was "between jobs".... but he was always freelance and therefore never "axed" from CNN. Brad is a really great guy. He drives in from Alabama at a moments notice to help us out. I just hate anyone to think he was ever fired. "

# posted by ATN @ 8:09 AM

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

 

Changes Already Underway at HLN?


For the second night in a row CNN-Headline News Tonight is not LIVE during primetime. Another obvious change is Mike and Erica are anchoring from the daytime HLN anchor desk. Is this to prepare for the new prime-time lineup which will debut on February 21?

# posted by ATN @ 9:06 PM
 

CNN "Fastest-Growing" Vs. '04


CNN/U.S. and Headline News are the "fastest-growing cable news nets versus the same time period year ago and prior month," a network press release said today. "CNN's 35% Growth Versus Prior Month is Driven By Younger Viewers," with 25-54 up 55% and 18-49 up 60%. In the 25-54 demo, five programs are up 50% or more, and Anderson Cooper 360 has experienced its "best month since launch." Meanwhile, Headline News outdelivered MSNBC and CNBC in January.

# posted by ATN @ 5:00 PM
 

Sunday Ratings #'s

Source: Tv Newser

Total viewers, total day: FNC: 1,367,000 / CNN: 599,000 / MSNBC: 218,000 Total viewers,

Primetime: FNC: 1,950,000 / CNN: 718,000 / MSNBC: 243,000

UPDATE:

CNN: 8pm (Anderson and Paula): 632,000 / King: 946,000 / Brown: 575,000

FNC: Shep: 1,497,000 / O'Reilly: 2,209,000 / H&C: 2,198,000 / At Large: 1,445,000

MSNBC: Hardball 7pm: 273,000 / Olbermann: 193,000 / Hardball 9pm: 216,000

# posted by ATN @ 11:58 AM
 

Where Are They Now


Today we feature one of the many meteorologists that have been seen on CNN over the years. Brad Huffines performed live and taped weather broadcasts for CNN, Headline News and CNN Airport Network up until late 2001 when he got the ax. Today, Brad is Chief Meteorologist for WAAY 31 News, serving Huntsville, Decatur and Florence Alabama. According to his WAAY bio Brad is still a freelance meteorologist and weather consultant at CNN.

Correction: Recieved this e-mail from CNN Met Chad Meyers:
"Just an FYI....Brad was always a freelancer just like he is now. We used him more in the past when he was "between jobs".... but he was always freelance and therefore never "axed" from CNN. Brad is a really great guy. He drives in from Alabama at a moments notice to help us out. I just hate anyone to think he was ever fired. "

# posted by ATN @ 8:08 AM

Monday, January 31, 2005

 

Blitzer, Zahn To Anchor CNN's Coverage of State of Union Address


Source: CNN Pressroom CNN’s Wolf Blitzer and Paula Zahn will anchor the network’s coverage of President George W. Bush’s fourth State of the Union address on Wednesday, Feb. 2. CNN correspondents Ed Henry and John King, Crossfire host Paul Begala and contributor Victoria Clark will provide reports and analysis throughout the network’s prime-time coverage of the address.

CNN’s Larry King will examine the State of the Union during a special edition of Larry King Live, beginning at 10:30 p.m. His guests for the hour-long program include Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and John Warner (R-Va.).

The prime-time coverage begins with a special edition of Paula Zahn Now from 8 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. in New York. At 8:50 p.m., Blitzer takes over anchoring duties, broadcasting live from the balcony of the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C., right before the State of the Union begins at 9 p.m. Following the address, Blitzer continues anchoring CNN’s live coverage, including the Democratic Party’s response to Bush’s address.

# posted by ATN @ 6:05 PM
 

Counting Chickens Before They Hatch?


Source: TV Newser Is Fox counting it's chickens before they hatch? TV Newser is reporting that Fox started airing "victory promos" Sunday. True, Fox probably "won" the coverage of the Iraqi elections BUT doesn't Fox always beat the other cablers on the weekend anyway? Yep, I'm trying to put a positive CNN spin on things all I can say at least CNN HAD REAL reporters and correspondents REPORTING not just TALKING about the elections. Below is the text from the promo. Try not to laugh too hard.

"Votes were cast, a country spoke out, and history was made. And only one network brought you live, fair and balanced coverage, from unmatched reporting to in-depth insight and analysis. More Americans chose Fox News Channel for complete coverage of the Iraq elections."

# posted by ATN @ 1:20 PM
 

The Great CNN Experiment Continues


Source: TV Newser "Iraq Votes" was the latest in a series of two-hour primetime broadcasts featuring anchors Anderson Cooper and Paula Zahn. (In the last month, a similar format has been used for the tsunami, "Defending America," and the inauguration.)

"They work really well," Klein said Sunday night. "They encourage our producers to think big -- that is, to think in terms of devoting a lot of producers and correspondents and camerapeople to the story, knowing there's plenty of room for all of them...It just creates a juggernaut of a program."

Klein also said the reports enable the audience to "really become involved in the story." Rather than programming two distinct hours at 7 and 8pm, the special reports highlights the size of CNN's newsgathering effort And he said he has been "very encouraged at the nimbleness" of CNN's staffers. "They never balk at the opportunity," he said. "They throw themselves into it, and their work is outstanding.

"Klein said the special reports would continue ("when the opportunity arises, and the story dictates, we will not be shy about jumping into the breach with a special report") but didn't say if the format could become permanent. "we're looking at all kind of programming possibilities, but it's way too early to tell what would work best," he concluded.

# posted by ATN @ 1:13 PM
 

CNNRadio Correspondent Wins Second Consecutive ‘Golden Mike Award’


Source: CNN Pressroom CNNRadio’s Los Angeles correspondent Jim Roope has won a Radio & Television Association of Southern California’s “Golden Mike Award,” marking the second year in a row he has won the award.

Roope’s winning entry is in the “Best Reporting by a Radio Network” category. The winning entry, “Walk of Fame,” is a light-hearted package done in Dr. Seuss-like rhyme. He won last year in the same category for a piece titled “Friday the 13th.”

Roope has been with CNNRadio since 2000. From Los Angeles, Roope covers a variety of news, including entertainment, politics, environment, sports, light features and natural disasters. Roope, along with his wife, Rosie, head the Southern California Chapter of Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a neuromuscular disease from which their son suffers.

# posted by ATN @ 1:08 PM
 

Where Are They Now


Andrew Holtz is in the spotlight today. Holtz is a former CNN Medical Correspondent. Holtz began his CNN career in Portland, Oregon covering the eruptions of Mt. St. Helens just as the network was launched in 1980. He was a Correspondent in CNN’s Los Angeles bureau before joining the Health Unit in Atlanta. Holtz worked at CNN for 17 years. What's he doing now? Today Holtz is an independent journalist covering health and medicine from Portland, Oregon. Visit his website. Posted by Hello

# posted by ATN @ 12:00 AM

Sunday, January 30, 2005

 

CNN Newsource Sales and Affiliate Relations VP Exits


Source: Tv Week CNN Newsource Sales and Affiliate Relations VP Rick Erbach is leaving. Erbach is taking the News Director's job at WGCL-TV in Atlanta.

# posted by ATN @ 7:17 PM
 

Coverage Of the Coverage: Iraqi Elections

WARNING: Commentary
Who had the best? Who sucked? I'm gonna leave that up to you. I'll admit I watched 2 hours and then hit the hay. Will say CNN had the most reporters/correspondents scattered across the region providing details of what was happening at the moment. CNN ran too many packaged stories but then again Fox did what they do best and had too many commentators/contributers on yacking.

What Fox lacked in coverage(it only had a couple of reporters/correspondents here and there) Geraldo made up with his orgasmic mood. I swear he was on something, maybe a little too much prozac. He surely didn't bother combing his hair but made sure he had that bulletproof vest on and the mighty Marines surrounding him. Can anyone really take this dude seriously after all the crap he's pulled over the years?

In the two hours I watched I asked myself what are we looking for? Sure this was a historic moment BUT did it warrant all night coverage? What were we waiting to see, a suicide bomber blow themselves up LIVE on TV? There are no exit polls to talk about. What's all the hoopla over?

Oh well ,the Iraqi elections are over with, now I guess we wait for the ratings of the coverage.

# posted by ATN @ 1:05 PM

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