Saturday, September 30, 2006
Jane Arraf Moves on Over to NBC/MSNBC
This from an e-mailer: "Former CNN Baghdad Bureau Chief (Jane Arraf) is now the new NBC/MSNBC Baghdad Bureau Chief. She was live on NBC Nightly News w/ Brian Williams on Fri, 9/29 and was on this morning on MSNBC all morning long (9/30)."
# posted by ATN @ 10:02 PM 
Thursday, September 28, 2006
CNN Guides the Media Generation of Tomorrow at The American University of Sharjah's Open Day
Source: AMEinfo.com Students and faculty were in attendance to hear speeches by Caroline Faraj, Chief Operations Director and Editor of CNN's Arabic Website, CNNArabic.com, along with other prominent senior executives invited by the university.'CNN is proud to play a part in the future careers of tomorrow's media professionals,' said Caroline Faraj. 'Whilst CNN is best known for our leading news coverage, we are also an organisation with a strong commitment to putting something back into the communities where we operate. Our visit today to AUS's Open Day is an expression of our support for the young graduates of the UAE some of whom will hopefully become the journalists of tomorrow.
'I hope that I was able to show just some of the participants that a career in the media is not only attainable but a wonderful choice. CNN has played a prominent role in the training of students of all nationalities from around the world for careers in news media for quite a while, and the students of the UAE have access to these same opportunities as well.'
Caroline Faraj talked to the students about the opportunities for journalists in today's media industry, as well as the progression of her career, detailing her many different experiences in news media, the complex challenges she faced along the way and the impact it has had on her life. Caroline also explained how CNN has trained about 30 students so far from different universities worldwide, including the UAE and AUS, and that CNN is keen on giving equal opportunities to students of all nationalities. The discussion was highly interactive, with participating students actively engaging Ms. Faraj on various questions and topics.
# posted by ATN @ 2:28 PM
The Ups and Downs of Cable News
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Lin on Reporting the News on 9/11/2001
CNN Reporter has an interview with Carol Lin. One of the questions deals with her breaking the news of the 9/11/2001 attacks:- We all know your famous words "This just in, you're looking..." on September 11th. How did you deal with 9/11 after your anchor-job that morning was over?
I called my husband, and like the rest of the world, told my loved one to turn on the tv—and help me validate and understand what we’re looking at. I was then standing in the newsroom when the second plane hit and I was terrified for friends and family in New York. Fortunately every one was okay. Professionally, it was then about finding the right place in this story. We had some of our top anchors in New York carrying the live coverage. And some terrific correspondents being sent to the various crash sites. I knew within days I wanted to get as close to Afghanistan and possible. So while CNN felt it needed me anchoring various shifts during this, I made it nearly impossible for CNN not to send me. I got the call. “You’re going to southern Pakistan, along the Afghan border—Taliban country essentially. Remember, the Taliban would not allow female journalists in to Afghanistan at that time.
Read the complete interview HERE.
# posted by ATN @ 10:31 PM
A view of the Hill: Is the CNN Anchor the Future of Broadcast News?`
Source:Somerville Journal In the end, it turns out that Katie Couric - the defection, the build-up, the hype, and the legs - is just another talented person reading the news.Some credit her with investing the news with a bit of personality, but on that front, she’s not alone.
For the past few months, CNN Headline News has been broadcasting "Prime News with Erica Hill," a daily hour-long show of international and national news, noteworthy trend pieces, and a little bit of fluff to soften the edges.
Anchor Erica Hill, a summa cum laude Boston University graduate, performs with a style that may be the future of broadcast news. She doesn’t just read the news. She leans into the camera for emphasis; her eyebrows shoot up and down in either fascination or concern; she reveals a gallery of facial expressions, depending on the subject. She always shows a palpable interest in what she’s talking about, coming across as strictly serious on the straightforward stories, light and effervescent on the goofy ones.
And she defines "telegenic."
Earlier in the year, she came in at number 35 on People Magazine’s annual "100 Most Beautiful People" list.
"I found out about that from my husband’s cousin," she says with a giggle, from her home in Atlanta, which she shares with her lawyer husband David and their dog Jake. "She called me at work. She was freaking out. She said, ’You’re in "People"!’ It was very surreal, and no one knew it was happening. But my husband was pretty excited about it, and I was very flattered.
"I’d rather people see me as an intelligent woman," she adds. "But it’s not bad if I’m attractive."
Hill, 30, never had a plan to be a TV anchor. In fact, there weren’t any career thoughts of the news.
"I think broadcast journalism was my fourth or fifth major," she says of her B.U. days. "I had some writing professors who said I was doing well in writing, why not move into journalism. So I did." MORE
# posted by ATN @ 10:13 PM
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Honors CNN with Two Emmys
Source: CNN Press Release The National Academy of Television and Arts and Sciences awarded CNN two Emmy awards for its reporting last year in Niger and during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The academy presented the 27th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 25, during a black-tie ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City .
CNN won an Emmy for “Outstanding Live Coverage of a Breaking News Story–Long Form” for “Starving in Plain Sight” which appeared on Anderson Cooper 360º in August 2005. For those reports, Anderson Cooper and Jeff Koinange and their crews put faces and names to one of the most underreported crises in the world today: famine in Niger .
The network also won an Emmy for “Outstanding Feature Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast” for “ Charity Hospital ,” a segment from Dr. Sanjay Gupta documenting the plight of New Orleans ’ Charity Hospital after Katrina hit landfall. Gupta and CNN Production crews debunked official reports that the hospital had been completely evacuated, showing how dozens of doctors, nurses, hospital staff and patients struggled for days at the hospital. The segment appeared on Anderson Cooper 360º in September 2005.
CNN has won awards in all of the major broadcast journalism competitions this year, earning an Alfred I. duPont award, a George Foster Peabody award, 11 National Headliner Awards, two Edward R. Murrow awards and two Emmys. The network has won more awards in general competition in 2006 than any other news network.
CNN won an Emmy for “Outstanding Live Coverage of a Breaking News Story–Long Form” for “Starving in Plain Sight” which appeared on Anderson Cooper 360º in August 2005. For those reports, Anderson Cooper and Jeff Koinange and their crews put faces and names to one of the most underreported crises in the world today: famine in Niger .
The network also won an Emmy for “Outstanding Feature Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast” for “ Charity Hospital ,” a segment from Dr. Sanjay Gupta documenting the plight of New Orleans ’ Charity Hospital after Katrina hit landfall. Gupta and CNN Production crews debunked official reports that the hospital had been completely evacuated, showing how dozens of doctors, nurses, hospital staff and patients struggled for days at the hospital. The segment appeared on Anderson Cooper 360º in September 2005.
CNN has won awards in all of the major broadcast journalism competitions this year, earning an Alfred I. duPont award, a George Foster Peabody award, 11 National Headliner Awards, two Edward R. Murrow awards and two Emmys. The network has won more awards in general competition in 2006 than any other news network.
# posted by ATN @ 5:08 PM
CNN Wishes FNC Well for Centennial Park Birthday Bash
Source: Cox News Service "Fair and balanced" — and not content to mark their big day at Chuck E. Cheese's.
Fox News Channel is throwing itself a 10th birthday party in Atlanta this week, right in cable news rival CNN's front yard.
Fox, which actually turns 10 next week, plans to broadcast three shows Thursday at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce building on the edge of Centennial Olympic Park. The public can watch Fox stars Shepard Smith and Greta Van Susteren broadcast live at 3 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. EDT as part of Fox's 10-city "Thank You America" tour.
Presumably, so can the folks working just across the park in the CNN Center on Marietta Street.
"We'll have this lovely view of the CNN building, and I'm sure they'll have a lovely view of us," said Thom Bird, Fox's executive producer of news specials.
Bird chose the park location, he said, because it afforded great views of Atlanta's "beautiful cityscape."
But being so close to the powerhouse rival that Ted Turner built is clearly the icing on Fox's birthday cake.
"I'm sure we'll be waving at them and they'll be waving at us and watching to see how news is done," Bird said.
CNN didn't take the bait. "We wish them well," said spokeswoman Laurie Goldberg.
Fox News Channel is throwing itself a 10th birthday party in Atlanta this week, right in cable news rival CNN's front yard.
Fox, which actually turns 10 next week, plans to broadcast three shows Thursday at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce building on the edge of Centennial Olympic Park. The public can watch Fox stars Shepard Smith and Greta Van Susteren broadcast live at 3 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. EDT as part of Fox's 10-city "Thank You America" tour.
Presumably, so can the folks working just across the park in the CNN Center on Marietta Street.
"We'll have this lovely view of the CNN building, and I'm sure they'll have a lovely view of us," said Thom Bird, Fox's executive producer of news specials.
Bird chose the park location, he said, because it afforded great views of Atlanta's "beautiful cityscape."
But being so close to the powerhouse rival that Ted Turner built is clearly the icing on Fox's birthday cake.
"I'm sure we'll be waving at them and they'll be waving at us and watching to see how news is done," Bird said.
CNN didn't take the bait. "We wish them well," said spokeswoman Laurie Goldberg.
# posted by ATN @ 11:21 AM
Monday, September 25, 2006
Quest's World Falls in Around Him
CNN's Richard Quest blogs, "There is no point in writing a blog if I don't tell the bad along with the good.So this week I must report I have not been at my best. I have just suffered a very nasty accident while travelling in the Middle East (various airlines, miles going to UAE).
Because this might very well end up being sorted out in another forum, forgive me, if I refrain from giving too many details of where this took place and who was involved.
The facts though are simple:
I was taking a shower in my hotel room, I turned off the water, I tried to open the shower door, when the seven-foot glass door shattered and landed on top of me.
I was badly cut, requiring hospital treatment involving stitches. I have spent the past few days bandaged and in discomfort. It will be some days before the stitches can be taken out. I am hobbling about.
It was a very nasty shock, I can tell you. Forget what people say about shower doors being toughened glass, like windshields that can't cut you. They can and they did (alright, if it had been plate glass you'd probably be reading my obituary rather than my blog).
But it was still a most unpleasant experience to be naked, badly bleeding and having to navigate a mountain of broken glass, and then spending several hours in the emergency room.
This all came on the same week that my bank rejected several cheques I had written because I had forgot to transfer money into the account to meet the bills!
Now, I don't normally go round bouncing cheques, in fact I can't remember the last time this happened to me, but I have apologised to those involved and quickly written new cheques.
Why do I write of these incidents? Because as I fly back to London I am reminded that we spend so long travelling and looking after business that we often forget to look after ourselves!
We are constantly one pace behind in our real lives because we are trying to stay on top of our professional lives. Bills go unpaid. Household repairs go unheeded. There is always something that could, should, will be done if only we get the chance.
Perhaps I am only sounding so reflective because I have had a difficult week; but then unwelcome though the events, there might actually be a small silver lining to this rather nasty cloud if I start putting myself first!
Do I sound like I am feeling sorry for myself? Well, yes, I am. Even listening to Rod Stewart singing marvellously "Thanks for the Memory" on the plane is failing to put a smile on my face. Maybe if I ask very nicely the flight attendant will bring me another piece of that splendid orange chocolate mouse served on Etihad.
That should make things a lot better. If you have had a rocky road or a tricky trip in the past few weeks, then please let me know. I sympathise and want to share our experiences with each other.
Think of it as travellers' counselling. You know the sort of thing: "Hello. My name is Richard. I'm a frequent flyer." ("Hello Richard" you all reply...)
Wherever your travels may take you over the next seven days, I wish you a safe and profitable trip. I'll be thinking of you.
# posted by ATN @ 2:13 PM
Lemon Debuts on CNN Newsroom
"Unless you read the Internet and the blogs, we never really existed together. Here we are." That's the way longtime CNN anchor Kyra Phillips opened up the afternoon edition of CNN Newsroom. Phillips was referring to new CNN anchor Don Lemon who actually debuted Saturday morning. Lemon will be co-anchoring the afternoon edition of CNN Newsroom.
UPDATE: Here's the transcript of the opening of the afternoon edition of CNN Newsroom:
PHILLIPS: Unless you read the Internet and the blogs, we never really existed together. Here we are.
LEMON: This guy was imagined. When is he going to show up? When is he coming to work? I'm here.
PHILLIPS: Great to have you. I can't wait.
LEMON: It's great to be here.
PHILLIPS: It's been wonderful getting to know you. We're going to have a lot of fun.
LEMON: Yes, I watch you all the time. I'm excited to work with such a great professional.
PHILLIPS: The feeling is mutual. Shall we go?
LEMON: Let's get going.
PHILLIPS: All right. Here we go, Don and Kyra, starting off.
UPDATE: Here's the transcript of the opening of the afternoon edition of CNN Newsroom:
PHILLIPS: Unless you read the Internet and the blogs, we never really existed together. Here we are.
LEMON: This guy was imagined. When is he going to show up? When is he coming to work? I'm here.
PHILLIPS: Great to have you. I can't wait.
LEMON: It's great to be here.
PHILLIPS: It's been wonderful getting to know you. We're going to have a lot of fun.
LEMON: Yes, I watch you all the time. I'm excited to work with such a great professional.
PHILLIPS: The feeling is mutual. Shall we go?
LEMON: Let's get going.
PHILLIPS: All right. Here we go, Don and Kyra, starting off.
# posted by ATN @ 1:23 PM
CNN Launches ‘CNN Political Ticker’ to Keep Finger on Pulse of Politics
Source: CNN Press Release With mid-term elections on the horizon, CNN’s commitment to providing unparalleled political coverage takes on a new dimension with the launch of the “CNN Political Ticker” on CNN.com, it was announced today by Sam Feist, political director of CNN/U.S., and Mitch Gelman, executive editor of CNN.com.
The CNN Political Ticker combines the reach of CNN.com with the resources and experience of “The Best Political Team on Television.” Correspondents, producers and editors will contribute from the field and give readers an unprecedented view into the day’s political stories that are not reported elsewhere.
“If it happens in the political world, it will appear on the CNN Political Ticker,” Feist said. “The Ticker will provide a constantly updated source of political news from our award-winning journalists. It will be a true destination for political junkies to bookmark and get their fix throughout the day.”
The continually updated newswire, located at www.CNN.com/ticker, will serve as an essential source for breaking political news, the latest poll results and political analysis. In addition to its availability on CNN.com, the CNN Political Ticker is available as an e-mail alert to subscribers twice daily. Users may also subscribe to a Real Simple Syndication (RSS) feed to receive the latest headlines as new postings appear on CNN.com.
“The CNN Political Ticker provides an instant connection to the best political team in the game, now and through the 2008 presidential election,” Gelman said. “As with many of our online features, our users take control of how, when and where they access and use it.”
# posted by ATN @ 1:14 PM
Mother Who Killed Self Mentions Grace in Suicide Note
Source: Orlando Sentinal Before she died, Melinda Duckett wrote a letter addressed to the "public" describing the anguish she felt at being "faced with ridicule and criticism" as rumors swirled about her role in the disappearance of her 2-year-old son, Trenton.
"Your focus came off of my son," the 21-year-old wrote. "I love him and only wanted him safe in my arms. You created rumors and twisted words."
When she finished writing, police said, Duckett placed the neatly written, unsigned, two-page letter on the dashboard of her car and walked into her grandparents' Lady Lake home. After getting her grandfather's shotgun, she went inside a closet, placed the gun under her chin and pulled the trigger.
The letter, Duckett wrote, was "a last minute idea but, I have felt myself sinking after 1 week mark of Trent being gone. I love him dearly and he is all I was breathing for. He was and always will be my essence and as he grows, I want him to know that."
Family members later said Duckett was feeling overwhelming stress from the intense media scrutiny after her son's disappearance Aug. 27.
Duckett killed herself Sept. 8, a day after national talk-show host Nancy Grace grilled the young mother about refusing to take a lie-detector test and where she was in the hours before she reported her son missing. The show aired on CNN Headline News the day Duckett died.
"I only wish you do not push anyone else," Duckett wrote. "I do not bleed my emotions to the public and throughout this situation you did not understand that. There were many more errors you made in understanding me, but time is short and I have more important people to speak to."
"Your focus came off of my son," the 21-year-old wrote. "I love him and only wanted him safe in my arms. You created rumors and twisted words."
When she finished writing, police said, Duckett placed the neatly written, unsigned, two-page letter on the dashboard of her car and walked into her grandparents' Lady Lake home. After getting her grandfather's shotgun, she went inside a closet, placed the gun under her chin and pulled the trigger.
The letter, Duckett wrote, was "a last minute idea but, I have felt myself sinking after 1 week mark of Trent being gone. I love him dearly and he is all I was breathing for. He was and always will be my essence and as he grows, I want him to know that."
Family members later said Duckett was feeling overwhelming stress from the intense media scrutiny after her son's disappearance Aug. 27.
Duckett killed herself Sept. 8, a day after national talk-show host Nancy Grace grilled the young mother about refusing to take a lie-detector test and where she was in the hours before she reported her son missing. The show aired on CNN Headline News the day Duckett died.
"I only wish you do not push anyone else," Duckett wrote. "I do not bleed my emotions to the public and throughout this situation you did not understand that. There were many more errors you made in understanding me, but time is short and I have more important people to speak to."
# posted by ATN @ 11:29 AM
Cable Ranting = Ratings
Surprised? Not really. It's why Bill O'reilly gets the numbers he gets every night. I am talking about RANTING! USA Today's Peter Johnson writes about it:
"On cable news, objectivity works well during the day.
But as the sun begins to set, programmers have learned that viewers like some edge. And ranting helps.
Fox News Channel was first to tap into this a decade ago when Bill O'Reilly began to sound off about his pet peeves. He is now the most popular talk-show host on cable.
Others have since joined in, and their ratings have increased.
Lou Dobbs, CNN's formerly staid business news anchor, has been railing against illegal immigration for three years.
On Headline News, former prosecutor Nancy Grace goes after defense attorneys as a self-styled crime-victims advocate.
And at MSNBC, Keith Olbermann lately has begun sounding off on the Bush administration.
"People want more than just the headlines and facts. They want to know what the news means to them, why they should care and what they should think about it," says Auburn University journalism professor Dale Harrison." MORE
"On cable news, objectivity works well during the day.
But as the sun begins to set, programmers have learned that viewers like some edge. And ranting helps.
Fox News Channel was first to tap into this a decade ago when Bill O'Reilly began to sound off about his pet peeves. He is now the most popular talk-show host on cable.
Others have since joined in, and their ratings have increased.
Lou Dobbs, CNN's formerly staid business news anchor, has been railing against illegal immigration for three years.
On Headline News, former prosecutor Nancy Grace goes after defense attorneys as a self-styled crime-victims advocate.
And at MSNBC, Keith Olbermann lately has begun sounding off on the Bush administration.
"People want more than just the headlines and facts. They want to know what the news means to them, why they should care and what they should think about it," says Auburn University journalism professor Dale Harrison." MORE
# posted by ATN @ 11:24 AM
