Saturday, July 09, 2005

 

Hurricane Dennis: Coverage of the Coverage


As of 5pm EDT it looks as though pre-emption of regularly scheduled programming has already begun on CNN. People in the News was on the schedule to air this hour BUT instead viewers are getting an extended edition of CNN Saturday with Fredricka Whitfield.

Somthing I have found very strange the last half hour IS CNN.com has had this Breaking News banner on it:"Birmingham, England, police evacuating the city after intelligence suggested some type of threat, the switchboard operator said." No mention of the news on the air. It seems everybody else is all over the story on the air.

UPDATE: 5:16pm EDT Apparently CNN has already reported on this. Fred said an update is on the way. CNN must have reported this while I was watching The Weather Channel for a while.

Additional: CNN.com wants to hear from folks with hurricane stories, pics OR video. The website says: "Some of the videos, photos and audio submitted may be selected for use in CNN.com's Hurricane Season special report, CNN television programming or other CNN programming services about hurricanes."

UPDATE: 5:51pm EDT CNN is using a bumper coming back into coverage. It declares, "CNN, Your Hurricane Headquarters".

UPDATE: 6:00pm EDT Carol Lin is now at the anchor desk. ADD: Meteorologist Jacqui Jeras is manning the weather center.

UPDATE: 7:15pm EDT The new On the Story is on the air. Jacqui Jeras was on the air at the top of the hour with a Hurricane Dennis update and is back on the air again now. Jeras just said to expect updates every 15 minutes.

UPDATE: 8:00 pm EDT A repeat of a CNN 25 special has been pre-empted as CNN goes into full 'storm alert' mode. I wonder if Larry King Live will be pre-empted as well?

UPDATE: 9:00 pm EDT Looks as though Larry King Live will air as scheduled. Jacqui Jeras did just advise Dennis is now a category 3 storm. And it looks as though the graphics department has finally started sprucing up the 'CNN Hurricane HQ' graphic. Come on lets add some wind and thunder in there.

UPDATE: 10:00pm EDT I guess it's safe to assume CNN is now in full Storm Alert Mode as it kicks off continuous coverage of Hurricane Dennis. Carol Lin is once again at the anchor desk, going at it solo. Jacqui Jares is in the weather center.

UPDATE: 10:30pm EDT Wow, former CNN'er Jeff Flock just appeared on CNN talking about his new project, HURRICANENOW.COM. We have also seen reports from John Zarrella and CNN Met Chad Myers. Wonder when Anderson will pop up?

UPDATE: 10:50pm EDT CNN Met Jacqui Jares now reporting Dennis is moving more westward. Alabama seems to be inline to get the brunt of the storm. Additional: You'll find the new track map HERE.

UPDATE: 11:00pm EDT Carol Lin still at the anchor desk and Jacqui Jares still manning the controls in the weather center. Forget to mention this in any of the previous posts but CNN airs from time to time a short little promo which says something like, " When the weather becomes the news, depend on CNN".

UPDATE: 11:47pm EDT Remember that "CNN is Your Hurricane Headquarters" bumper i mentioned earlier? Well it seems the CNN graphics department has transformed it. Instead of just a slide with those words on it, the bumper is now animated and the voicing now has alot more force behind it. Maybe just a little more tweaking and it will be good to go. Additional: Alright, it seems they have made several variations of the bumper. Probably smart since it will be used for 24 hours or so.

UPDATE: 12:08am EDT CNN is still LIVE, with Carol Lin at the anchor desk. Wonder who will eventually take her spot? CNN's newest "MET" Bonnie Schneider is now taking care of the duties in the weather center.

UPDATE: 12:59am EDT Carol Lin just signed off and Betty Nguyen is gonna pilot the ship til the O'briens take over with a special edition of American Morning at 6am EDT.

UPDATE: 1:37am EDT CNN rolls on as the ONLY cable news outlet with LIVE Hurricane Dennis coverage. The Weather Channel is also live throughout the night. I'm heading to bed. See ya tomorrow!! Oh I guess that's later today.

# posted by ATN @ 5:00 PM
 

Can't Wait For CNN's Live Coverage of Dennis?


I have gotten several requests for links to LIVE web coverage of Hurricane Dennis. The first station I have come across offering streaming coverage is WKRG in Mobile, Alabama (a CNN affiliate) . I will try and post more as I find them.

* CNN Affiliate WMBB in Panama City, Florida is live streaming.

UPDATE
* WIAT in Panama City

* WFOR, Miami: LIVE streaming at 6, 7, 10, and 11 PM EDT.

# posted by ATN @ 3:24 PM
 

New Format of 'On The Story' Debuts Tonight


It's a new time and format for the Ggobal edition of On the Story when it makes its debut tonight. According to the DC Post, new hosts Kyra Phillips and Christiane Amanpour will be joined by CNN's Joe Johns, Jeanne Meserve, Richard Quest and Barbara Starr. Topics on the agenda include the London attacks and the Supreme Court vacancy. Barring pre-emption from Hurricane Dennis coverage, the new format of On The Story is set to debut tonight at 7pm EDT and repeat Sunday at 10am EDT. (this weekend it looks as though it will be pre-empted for hurricane coverage on Sunday)

# posted by ATN @ 10:57 AM

Friday, July 08, 2005

 

TWC Geared Up For Dennis

Got an e-mail from a reader saying I hadn't posted anything about The Weather Channel's plan to cover Hurricane Dennis. Well I wasn't able to find an official press release for their plans BUT they are, as you can imagine, devoting alot of resources to the coverage.

So with that here's what I know and this is according to weather.com: Janine Albert is in Sanibel Island, Florida; Mike Seidel is in Mobile, Alabama and Jim Cantore in Pensacola, Florida. I am sure as the storm gets closer to the US we'll see more reports from more Weather Channel OCM's.

And just like CNN, The Weather Channel has alot of video and other resources available on it's website. And it seems TWC is already in 'Storm Alert Mode' as its normal taped programming is not airing as I type this.

# posted by ATN @ 8:13 PM
 

FNC Springing Leaks and Not Happy At ALL


Yes, analyzing of the June Nielson numbers continue BUT I found these numbers interesting. In an article today in The Washingtonian it points out FNC apparently sprung a BIG leak in the coveted 25-to-54 age demographic.

According to the article, "The O’Reilly Factor took a dive between last year’s second quarter and the same quarter this year; the host lost about a quarter of his viewers in the age range that advertisers crave. Last year he had 640,000 viewers in the 25-to-54 demographic; the number dropped to 468,000 this April, May, and June. Comparing June 2004 to June 2005, he dropped from 645,000 to 511,000.

Sean Hannity in the 9 pm time slot also lost among these viewers. He dropped 20 percent of his 25-to-54 audience in June and 24 percent through the quarter when compared with 2004.

But the biggest loser was Shepard Smith at 7 pm. Comparing the two Junes, Smith’s 25-to-54 viewers went from 514,000 to 348,000. His second-quarter numbers were not so dire, a drop of 29 percent."

But as we all know FNC pushes the “P2+” ratings count overall viewers rather than carving them up by age.

And now that brings me to this point in the article where FNC PR was asked to comment on the failing numbers: "Paul Schur, Fox News’s PR man in Washington, said he would not comment on ratings, especially those in the key demographic.

“Call CNN,” said the testy Schur. “I’m sure they would be happy to discuss their horrific ratings in June.”"

Boy sounds like the reporter struck a nerve. Funny how FNC is always ready to tout BIG WINS but you ask about something that didn't go their way, they just lose it.

BTW, according to the article CNN's 25-to-54 demographic numbers were up. Paula Zahn’s numbers were up 19 percent, from 165,000 to 196,000; Larry King’s ratings rose 3 percent, from 287,000 to 296,000; and Anderson Cooper’s increased 5 percent, from 158,000 to 166,000.

# posted by ATN @ 7:51 PM
 

First on WHAC: CNN Plans for Covering Hurricane Dennis


According to CNN/US President Jon Klein CNN/US is gearing up for a wild weather weekend. In an e-mail to WHAC, here's how Klein summed up CNN's plans to cover Hurricane Dennis:

"It's a wild weather weekend at CNN, with extensive coverage already underway - as the only network with a Havana bureau, we've been covering Dennis's arrival and impact using our Havana buro chief, Lucia Newman.

Anderson Cooper jets from London to the teeth of the storm to report live on Sunday, joining several dozen reporters, producers, and camera crews deployed thruout the possible landing zone.

The indefatigable Team O'Brien will anchor a special edition of American Morning Sunday from 6a-2p. Fredricka Whitfield and Tony Harris 2-6. Kyra Phillips and Wolf Blitzer 6-midnight. Carol Lin midnight onward.

Chad Myers and our entire corps of crack meteorologists mans the CNN Weather Center round the clock beginning tonight, offering periodic updates."

We've got by far more resources to throw at this story than anyone, and we're using 'em!"

UPDATE: 4:22pm EDT According to information provided to CNN Blog by CNN more than 60 personnel will be involved in covering Hurricane Dennis. Here are some of the correspondents that will be scattered around the area to cover the storm for the network: John Zarrella, Randi Kaye, Dan Lothian, Keith Oppenheim, Alina Cho, Peter Viles, Rick Sanchez, David Mattingly, Kimberly Osias and Kareen Wynter. Also the information says Sean Callebs will be at Cape Canaveral to report on how the weather might threaten the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Callebs will eventually be joined by Miles O'brien.

UPDATE: 6:36pm EDT The CNN program schedule is showing CNN coverage beginning at 10pm EDT on CNN/US and continuing through the day Sunday. Of course this all depends on the speed and track of the hurricane.

# posted by ATN @ 3:35 PM
 

CNN Newsource Website Gets Facelift


Source: CNN Press Room CNN Newsource has announced the launch of its redesigned affiliate Web site. Built on a tradition of affiliate communication and customer service, the new design of the Web site makes it easier for broadcast stations to put up-to-the-minute news at their control. CNN Newsource worked closely with partner stations to redesign the site to make it more effective and user-friendly.

"A more useful Web site continues CNN Newsource’s leadership position in communicating with affiliates, ensuring that they have all the information they need as quickly and reliably as possible from CNN,” said John Lee, senior vice president, CNN Newsource Sales. “This newly designed interface is an easy-to-navigate portal that connects affiliates to the world of news. It is an efficient, intuitive, one-screen, information portal that lets each desktop user get immediate, topical information that they need from CNN to produce their local newscasts.”

The redesigned Web site offers unique tools to enhance communication, planning and production between CNN and its affiliates. For example, one of the site’s communication tools builds on the concept of the Budd Box – an audio device that alerts newsrooms of CNN bulletins – and launches Windows Media Player with a virtual Budd Box feature that will allow anyone at any time to hear affiliate alerts from the CNN newsroom. MORE

# posted by ATN @ 3:19 PM
 

O'briens Rewarded with Ice Cream for Their Nine Hours at Anchor Desk


Well it seems CNN/US head Jon Klein was pretty happy with the job American Morning anchors Miles and Soledad O'brien did covering the London bombing yesterday. Reuters reports the team was rewared with chocolate ice cream bars dispensed by the boss.

The O'briens were on the air from 7am EDT til 4pm EDT. Miles had this to say a few hours after getting off the air Thursday:

"'American Morning' became 'American Afternoon,' and I was afraid it was going to become 'American Evening' there for a minute."

And Klein had this to say about the job the O'briens did:
"The more I watched them, the more it struck me that they were doing an amazing job, and why not play the hot hand," Klein said. "Why pull them off? They did a phenomenal job."

Read the complete article HERE.
Pics from CNN Coverage Notes

# posted by ATN @ 1:46 PM
 

Psychiatrist: US Cable News Bad for Your Mental Health


Yes, a psychiatrist actually studied US cable news and determined it is bad for you mental health. Hmmmm.....pretty good little article in the Baltimore Sun in whicht the psychiatrist gives the BBC high marks for it's coverage yesterday of the London bombing: Here's an excerpt from the article:

"Citing a Pew Research Center study that showed that Americans who watched extended American TV coverage of the 9/11 attacks experienced more anxiety than those who didn't, Michael Brody, a Washington psychiatrist, said he applauded the BBC coverage yesterday.

"I've been monitoring CNN and the BBC all day, and there's no doubt about it," said Brody, who heads the Television & Media Committee of the American Academy of Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatry.

"American TV - particularly the all-news cable guys - is constantly hyping things up with talk of the potential for further attacks, while the BBC was trying to calm things down and reassure viewers that things were under control. As a psychiatrist, I have no doubt about the harmful effects of the former vs. the helpful effects of what I saw happening on the BBC."

Read the complete article HERE. (free registration required)

# posted by ATN @ 12:25 PM
 

Hurricane Watch


Pic from CNN Coverage Notes
Looks as though CNN is in full hurricane watch mode. As shown in the pic above, CNN/US now has an animated radar up showing Hurricane Dennis as it continues towards the US.

# posted by ATN @ 12:03 PM
 

CNN/I on CNN/US this Afternoon, for Five Hours


WOW, according to the program schedule CNN/International will be simulcasted from 12pmEDT until 5PM EDT. This includes the entire three hours of Your World Today! What a nice and refreshing change this will be!!!

UPDATE: 12:00pm EDT WTF? The program schedule says Your World Today, and what are we getting? WOLF BLITZER!!! Come on CNN, do things right and get rid of WOLF!!!

UPDATE: 12:08 PM Well look what they did, they have now updated the program schedule to read the CNN/I simulcast will not start until 3pm EDT. Will it? Who knows they might just get another wild hair and change it again.

# posted by ATN @ 11:34 AM
 

World Flocks to UK News Websites


Source: Media Guardian News websites accounted for 5.6% of all online traffic yesterday, up nearly 50% on the previous day. BBC News was the most visited site, while the Guardian was the most popular newspaper website in terms of page impressions.

Sky News saw one of the dramatic rises in traffic, rising more than 300 places in the overall web rankings to become the 62nd most visited website yesterday.

BBC News accounted for 28.6% of all news page impressions in the UK yesterday. Sky News was in third place with 3.8%, and Guardian Unlimited fifth with 2.4%. The Sun was the eighth most popular news destination, with a 1.4% share, narrowly behind CNN.com.

As well as being the top news destination, BBC News was also the sixth most popular website in the UK yesterday, up from 15th position on Wednesday.


# posted by ATN @ 11:06 AM
 

Give Me More 'Quest'


Source: Indian Television.com In April 2005 in order to broaden its programme offerings CNN had aired a special Quest. In it its correspondent Richard Quest tracked down some of the biggest names in comedy to find out what it takes to entertain and tickle the bones of a live audience.

Encouraged by the response the show received the broadcaster has announced that the concept will become a regular feature on the channel. Quest will see the correspondent going in search of greatness as he travels the globe. The show kicks off on 9 July at 5 pm with a repeat on 10 July at 12 pm and 6 pm.

What is unique about Quest is that it dispenses with the usual sofa and Q&A format. Richard Quest uses his unconventional and unique interviewing style to gain insight into what makes his guests tick.

# posted by ATN @ 10:48 AM
 

Cellphones Change the View of Disaster


Source: LA Times Shortly after bombs ripped through London's transportation system Thursday morning, U.S. and British television networks began airing the first footage of the aftermath — dim images of shaken commuters streaming through a smoky underground tunnel.

The video provided an immediate and intimate look at the scene but was hardly polished or professional. That's because it was shot by passengers with mobile phones — the first widespread use of that technology in covering a major breaking news story.

Sky News aired a haunting 20-second clip captured by a commuter on a train between the King's Cross and Russell Square stations, who e-mailed it to the British television network, Fox News' sister channel. It showed lines of people filing through dark tunnels under greenish lights and an alarmed man staring at the camera, part of his face obscured by a cloth over his mouth. BBC aired video from cellphones throughout the day, as well.

The video did not provide the usual crisp images sought by news producers. Shakily filmed, the footage showed frightened Londoners cast in an eerie green light, holding handkerchiefs over their mouths to block the smoke as they struggled to get out of the subway.

"It looked to me like a goldfish aquarium," said John Moody, Fox News' senior vice president for news editorial. "Right now, the pictures themselves are not sharp enough to be used on a daily basis. But when you've only got one picture of something, you can make vast allowances for the quality."

"It was a little bit murky and blurry, but the viewer could get a sense that something bad had happened," said Marcy McGinnis, senior vice president for news coverage at CBS.

"It's a harbinger of what's to come in terms of citizen journalism," said Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. "These days, you just have to be in the wrong place at the right time, and you too can cover the news."

Read the complete article HERE


# posted by ATN @ 3:46 AM
 

Former CNN'er Readies to Cover Hurricane Dennis for HURRICANENOW.COM


Even after retiring from CNN, Jeff Flock is still on the hunt, covering hurricanes. As co-founder of HurricaneNow.com, Flock and his crew is preparing to take on the fury of the approaching Hurricane Dennis. Flock had this to say in a press release:

"This year is a perfect-storm," says award-winning former CNN Correspondent Jeff Flock. "Extremely favorable conditions for developing hurricanes combined with exploding technology for transmitting TV reports will make for some extraordinary hurricane coverage possibilities."

Flock's crew includes several more former CNN'ers, mostly folks who worked behind the scenes. The website's slogan is,"If you ever wanted more than CNN, MSNBC, FOX and The Weather Channel could give you ... just watch HURRICANENOW.COM."
I was really surprised, all you have to do is register and the video is free.

# posted by ATN @ 3:43 AM
 

The Next Big Story?




Will Hurricane Dennis be the big story this weekend on the cable news channels? Dennis is now a category 4 hurricane and expected to start hitting parts of Florida as early as Saturday morning. It's not known at this point who CNN will put in the storm's path to cover it BUT I don't think we'll see Anderson Cooper down there as word has it he is headed to London.

ALSO want to make mention CNN.com once again put together a very comprehensive Hurricane Season special report. It offers alot of info. You'll find it HERE.

# posted by ATN @ 12:40 AM
 

Weather Channel Gets First Ad Customization Client


Source: Multichannel News Fernlea Flowers Ltd. this fall will become the first advertiser to take advantage of The Weather Channel’s ad-customization tools.

The longtime TWC advertiser will offer a “Fall Flower,” and the product will vary in each part of the country based on its ability to thrive under local conditions.

The network said advertisements for Icicle Pansies will be seen by viewers in northern states, while spots for Flamenco Pansies and Big Pansies will be offered to viewers in more Southern locations.

# posted by ATN @ 12:23 AM

Thursday, July 07, 2005

 

CNN Utilizing TWC Newsroom Set



Pic from CNN Coverage Notes
If you've been watching CNN/US this evening you've probably noticed the anchors/hosts are using the Time Warner Center Newsroom studio and not the regular prime-time program sets. Anyway for more pics of from CNN's coverage just visit the CNN Coverage Notes blog.

# posted by ATN @ 11:08 PM
 

Rumors...Gotta Love/Hate Them

In an article today in the Philadelphia Inquirer talking about the CBS Evening News and potential anchors for the NEW CBS News, Bill Hemmer's name is mentioned. Yes everything about the NEW CBS Evening News is a big mystery. Gail Shister writes:

No comment from CBS about the premiere of Evening News' new format.

What that format will be is still very much a mystery to the troops. Some are pushing for multiple anchors, others for a solo replacement.

Newest name making the rounds is that of recent CNN departee Bill Hemmer. Coanchor of American Morning and a 10-year CNN veteran, Hemmer left June 17 "to pursue other opportunities." He couldn't be reached for comment.
I may stand corrected BUT I think Bill Hemmer is still under contract through sometime in the fall and can't do very much until it is up. Like I said that may be wrong.

# posted by ATN @ 5:29 PM
 

It's an American Afternoon



Pic from TV Heads
Miles and Soledad O'brien have been on the air for 8 hours now covering the London bombing story. All week most of CNN's top anchors have been out, I am assuming on vacation and leaving a big gap in the anchor ranks at CNN. I bet in the future management doesn't allow everyone to go on vacation at the same time. I will have to say I had not seen American Morning since Miles joined the program and Miles and Soledad gel quite well.

UPDATE: 4:00pm Well I bet Miles and Soledad are more than happy to give Wolf Blitzer the reigns to carry on with special coverage of the London bombing. BTW, looks as though CNN Center is getting left out of all the action of having someone at the anchor desk there.
EDIT: The O'briens were on for 9 hours.

# posted by ATN @ 3:57 PM
 

CNN Primetime Lineup Re-Shuffled


7:00p.m. EDT- London Terror -- Live Coverage: Our special prime-time coverage of today's London attacks begins with new developments from CNN's Christiane Amanpour

9:00p.m- Larry King Live: Dozens dead, hundreds hurt in the London bombings. We'll talk with witnesses and bring you the latest on the investigation.

10:00p.m.- London Terror -- Live Coverage: With the attacks in London today, CNN's David Ensor takes an in-depth look at the efforts London has put into combating terror.

12:00a.m.- London Terror -- Live Coverage: Stay tuned for the latest coverage of the London blasts.

# posted by ATN @ 3:08 PM
 

Just Another Observation.....


Yesterday I pointed out all the glitches during Inside Politics and Wolf Blitzer Reports. Later in the day I received this e-mail from an insider:
"Those "glitches" were the fact that DC is now producing/switching IP and Wolf Blitzers Reports. Previously it had been done out of Atlanta"
And today there's seems to be several glitches. As I type this, Soledad is trying to "raise" CNN Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta at CNN Center in Atlanta. Which raises the question is all of this due to the 'layoffs' last week at CNN Center?

# posted by ATN @ 2:14 PM
 

CNN.com Offers Comprehensive Bombing Coverage


The CNN.com folks have been busy it looks like putting together a very comprehensive section dealing with the London bombing. The special section offers video, a look into the investigation, a timeline, and witness accounts. LOTS and LOTS of video available in the special section, titled "London Terror". You'll find the special section HERE.


# posted by ATN @ 2:00 PM
 

CNN Receives Emmy Nominations


The 26th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Award nominees were announced today by The National Television Academy. CNN received 4 nominations, MSNBC 7 and FNC NONE!!

Below is a rundown of CNN's nominations:

Outstanding Continuing Coverage Of A News Story In A Regularly Scheduled Newscast:
Insight Sudan's Other Civil War

Outstanding Continuing Coverage Of A News Story—Long Form:
CNN Presents True Believers: Inside the Dean Campaign

Outstanding Historical Programming - Long Form:
CNN Presents Warsaw Rising: The Forgotten Soldiers of CNN World War II

Best Story In A Regularly Scheduled Newscast:
Anderson Cooper 360 Anetta's Choice

The complete list of nominations can be found HERE.

# posted by ATN @ 1:23 PM
 

CNN/US to Simulcast CNN/I This Afternoon; Most Programs Pre-empted


According to the program schedule,CNN/US will simulcast CNN/International from 2pm EDT to 3PM EDT this afternoon. Also it looks all normal prgramming for the rest of the day and overnight has been pre-empted for coverage of the Londan bombing. Lou Dobb's Tonight and Larry King Live are the only programs left standing on the schedule for the entire day.

# posted by ATN @ 11:40 AM
 

London Bombing: Covering the Coverage

Pic from CNNFan forum.

Well I was my usual insomniac self last night and didn't get to bed until 2amCDT SO it looks like I have missed a very busy morning news wise. Several bloggers have live blogged coverage of the London Bombing. Live Remote has Early online coverage; TV Newser has blogged every moment of the coverage, hour by hour.

Some highlights: CNN was first to report the news at 4:48am EDT, followed by FNC at 4:57am and MSNBC at 5:00am. And as expected CNN is leading the pack with it's extensive International news side.

UPDATE: 1:46pm EDT B & C has a pretty good wrapup how it all played out coverage wise on the cable news nets and the broadcast nets. Read the story HERE.


# posted by ATN @ 11:16 AM
 

CNN Tours Gitmo Prison Camp


Source: CNN.com Seems the gates were opened for the media at the Gitmo Prison Camp. CNN's Ben Wedeman took a tour Wednesday.

Online video of Wedeman's report can be found HERE.

Below is a portion of Wedeman's report from CNN.com:

CNN employees who visited the prison were not allowed to speak to the prisoners, but an inmate who knew reporters were present shouted, in English, "Bush terrorist. We're all Muslims here."

Other inmates asked journalists to take their picture, which the military prohibits.

U.S. censors required CNN to erase video footage they ruled would allow viewers to identify a prisoner -- standards stricter than American commanders impose on the battlefield.

Read the complete story HERE.

# posted by ATN @ 1:52 AM
 

Chance Has to Make A Run For It

From Lost Remote: It seems CNN's Matthew Chance had to make a run for it as a demonstration heated up on the outskirts of the G8 summit. You'll find the video HERE.

# posted by ATN @ 12:22 AM

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

 

Where Are The Stars?


Where are CNN's "stars"? It seems all of them have decided to take the same week off. Is there a news anchor convention going on somewhere? Off today was: Wolf Blitzer, Kyra Phillips, Anderson Cooper, Paula Zahn and Carol Costello. You gotta feel bad for Miles O'brien who is filling in for Paula tonight AND Kelly Wallace who I spotted reporting for Showbiz Tonight on HLN. They have been up since the weee hours this morning.

And also on HLN, A J Hammer was off with Jason Carroll filling in. AND Nancy Grace is off as well. Last night Lisa Pinto filled in for Nancy. I wonder who it will be tonight? Hey, it's Lisa Pinto!

# posted by ATN @ 8:00 PM
 

Just an Observation....


I think CNN might have turned some kids loose in the control room. During the last half hour of Inside Politics it was glitch after glitch after glitch. At times the whole graphics wouldn't show up on the screen, viewers were welcomed back to a commercial break with a black screen, someone didn't 'pot up' Dana's mic when coming back to her, THEN the intro to Wolf Blitzer Reports froze. Hmmm.... I think it may be time to call the exterminators to look for the bugs.

UPDATE 7:36pm EDT: This from an insider: "Those "glitches" were the fact that DC is now producing/switching IP and Wolf Blitzers Reports. Previously it had been done out of Atlanta"

# posted by ATN @ 5:04 PM
 

CNN.com celebrating 10th Anniversary with Special Section


Source: CNN.com To help celebrate its 10th anniversary online, CNN.com has created a special 'Online Evolution' section:

CNN.com is looking for examples of how the Web and Internet have changed people's lives -- at home, at work and at play. Did you start a business that wouldn't have been possible without the Web? Did you find true love on an online dating service? Tell us your story! Send us a picture!

The best stories include details, the more the better. Include every URL and statistic you have. We'll take text, photos, audio and video.

Some of the videos, photos and audio submitted may be selected for use in CNN.com's Online Evolution special report, CNN television programming or other CNN programming services about the evolution of the Internet.

Update: 4:25pm EDT According to the official CNN press release, the CNN.com staff will review the submissions, and, in August, will publish some of the best examples.

CNN.com was the first Internet site dedicated to 24-hour news coverage, launched on August 30, 1995.

# posted by ATN @ 2:57 PM
 

Klein and Ailes Do Lunch


This from TV Newser:

mediabistro founder Laurel Touby has spotted Fox News Chief Roger Ailes lunching with CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein at Michael's this afternoon.She e-mailed this quote from her table: "[Court TV CEO] Henry Schleiff, before going to his table seated with Alex Ben Block of TV Week) strode over to their table, slapped them both five and yelled 'Not since Thomas Jefferson!'"


# posted by ATN @ 2:38 PM
 

Some Arubans Upset Over Coverage of Holloway Case


Well it seems some Arubans are upset at how the American media is depicting their country. This excerpt from an Associated Press article:

There were complaints that some American television coverage unfairly depicted the island, which depends overwhelmingly on tourism, and as being crime- and drug-ridden.

Though poverty is widespread in the Caribbean, Aruba has an unemployment rate of less than 1 percent and one of the higher standards of living. And it has few worries. Tourism and a major refinery bring in the money. Diplomatic and defense needs, such as they are, are provided by the Netherlands.

"Have you been treated badly in Aruba?" asked Ramon Garcia, a burly tourist guide. "We are together with the family of Natalee, but we love Aruba too, man. We don't need these pressures. We are a friendly island."

Orlando Flanigan said his country had given "all out hearts, all out cooperation, everything," to help find Natalee. "It's time we got some respect back," he said.

"They are making us look like a banana republic, he said. "We are an educated and cultured people, many of us speak four or five languages."

John Maywether told a growing crowd that Aruba is not an island of criminals. "We have 96 (prison) cells and 53 percent of them are occupied by non-Arubans," he said.

# posted by ATN @ 1:50 PM
 

Global 'On the Story' Launches this Weekend


Eyes and ears will be glued this weekend to the debut of the new format of On The Story. The program will be taped on Fridays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., air Saturdays from 7 to 8 p.m. and be shown again Sundays from 10 to 11 a.m. Live From...... anchor Kyra Phillips will host the program.

According to a press release, The one-hour program will now include male correspondents and more international correspondents on the frontlines of the war in Iraq and other global hotspots, as well as never-before-seen raw footage, reporter diaries and questions from viewers and the studio audience at GWU.

On The Story fills the time slot left vacant by The Capital Gang, which signed off on Saturday, June 25.

On the Story launched in January 2003 as a forum for the network’s female correspondents to compare notes on the major stories they cover each week.

# posted by ATN @ 12:31 PM
 

Verizon and TBS Sign Programming Deal


Source: PR Newswire Verizon today announced a programming- distribution agreement with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. to carry TBS, TNT, CNN, Headline News, Cartoon Network, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), CNN International, CNN en Espanol and Boomerang. It is the latest in a series of content agreements that Verizon has announced.

Under the agreement, Verizon will carry the Turner Broadcasting networks on Verizon Fios TV when it launches later this year.

# posted by ATN @ 10:53 AM

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

 

O’Brien to Host 'Return to Space' Program for CNN Radio


Source: CNN Press Room CNNRadio will air a special live one-hour program focusing on NASA’s return to space with the launch of the Discovery space shuttle. The program will be hosted by CNN’s American Morning anchor and space correspondent Miles O’Brien for the nearly 2,000 CNNRadio affiliates.

The program, “NASA’s Return to Flight,” will air live Thursday, July 7, from 2-3 p.m. (ET) and will be produced by CNNRadio senior producer Sherri Maksin.

For the first time since the Columbia disaster in February 2003, senior managers at NASA have given the go ahead for the space program to launch a shuttle flight again. Currently, Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to lift off at 3:51 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, July 13, with Commander Eileen Collins leading the crew.

“Because of his incredible knowledge and expertise in the space program, add to that his impressive access to NASA and being a pilot himself, Miles O’Brien is the perfect choice to anchor a program previewing the upcoming launch as well as discussing NASA’s readiness to resume space flights,” said Jerry DeMink, vice president, CNN News Services. “CNNRadio affiliates will have access to a well-rounded program, hosted by one of CNN’s best, discussing the inherent drama of the United States’ return to space while examining the many risks of space flight.”

# posted by ATN @ 7:16 PM
 

Coming Soon: CNN PipeLine


TV Newser is reporting CNN's new broadband service will be branded CNN Pipeline. According to his sources, "CNN Pipeline subscribers will have access to a live CNN.com newscast from 8am to 8pm. " A second source confirmed that the product will be "on" for 12 hours a day.

All in all, "CNN Pipeline will allow a subscriber to access a variety of live feeds -- some of the same ones that CNN producers have access to. If you've had your fill of headlines from the CNN Pipeline anchor, you can change the channel and watch the White House press briefing or a press conference. "

# posted by ATN @ 2:59 PM
 

Gupta Confronts Cancer in ‘Taming the Beast’


Source: CNN Press Room CNN’s medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta travels to the frontlines of the battle against cancer in the CNN Presents documentary, “Taming the Beast: Inside the War on Cancer,” airing Sunday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on CNN/U.S. The program will re-air on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. (ET)

Gupta visits The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to learn about cutting-edge methods used to fight the disease and to meet some of its survivors. He provides a deeply personal glimpse into the lives of five cancer patients as he reveals their daily struggles and explores the revolutionary science helping keep them alive. CNN Presents also provides rare and personal access to those battling cancer by providing a unique video recording room in the hospital to allow patients, doctors, families, clergy and others the opportunity to share and record information about their experiences with cancer. MORE

# posted by ATN @ 1:12 PM

Monday, July 04, 2005

 

Anchor Go Round Fourth of July


# posted by ATN @ 5:07 PM
 

SURPRISE


Source: Washington Post In the end, it was conservative commentators William Kristol and Robert Novak who correctly anticipated the sudden resignation of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, and Novak, a syndicated columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, each had suggested that it would be O'Connor stepping down before the ailing William Rehnquist.

All eyes had been on the chief justice, who is battling thyroid cancer. But as she has done so often in her 24 years on the high court, O'Connor dominated the news from it.

It came as a surprise even to some of the journalists who cover her closely.

"A lot of people from organizations outside the government on both sides, the left and the right . . . they have spent full time on the judicial nominations. This was one of those people and he had contacted me and I thought he really sounded like he knew," Novak said.

Novak and Kristol were out front with their predictions but it was Brian Wilson of Fox News, along with the Heritage Foundation, that led the day on the resignation.

The news was released to the media at 10:20 a.m., according to a spokeswoman for the court. Wilson, however, hit the airwaves at 10:11 a.m. He was at home and phoned in his report, says Peter Schur, a network spokesman.

Read the complete article HERE.

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# posted by ATN @ 1:22 PM
 

Quest's Backstage Blog


Well look here and see who is blogging now. YES, CNN/International's most famous personality Richard Quest I guess can be called a blogger. Quest offers a behind-the-scenes look at Live 8 in Philadelphia and looks forward to the G8 summit in Scotland. Read the blog HERE.

# posted by ATN @ 11:29 AM

Sunday, July 03, 2005

 

Sieberg Covers Deep Impact/Comet Collision


CNN Technology Correspondent Daniel Sieberg has been reporting this weekend on the anticipated collision of the Deep Impact spacecraft and a comet. The event is predicted to occur around 1:52 am ET on July 4. Some in the CNN Fan forum have wondered why CNN Space Correspondent Miles O'brien is not covering the event. I am just wondering if CNN will carry the event live on tv. I guess you can always watch online thanks to NASA TV.

UPDATE: According to CNN.com: CNN's Daniel Sieberg covers the impact on CNN/International, July 4 at Midnight EDT.

UPDATE: Just announced, CNN/US's coverage will begin at 1am EDT.

UPDATE: 07/04/2005 At about 1:50am EDT CNN/US joined CNN/International coverage of the event. Charles Hodson anchored from London while Sieberg covered the story from CNN Center.

UPDATE: 2:09am EDT CNN/US broke away from CNN/I's "Breaking News" coverage. Back to a re-run of a CNN 25 special.

# posted by ATN @ 9:51 PM

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