Friday, February 16, 2007
The Official Announcement:Kiran Chetry Joins CNN as Anchor and Correspondent
Source: CNN PressRoom Kiran Chetry, former Fox News anchor, has joined CNN as an anchor and correspondent, it was announced today by Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. Chetry, who will be based in the network’s New York bureau, appeared this morning on American Morning and will be anchoring Anderson Cooper360° tonight from 10 p.m. to midnight (ET).
“We have been interested in Kiran for a long time,” Klein said. “She is experienced and energetic – a perfect addition to the CNN family. We could not be more pleased that she could begin immediately.”
“CNN is the gold standard when it comes to journalism, and I am thrilled to be part of the team,” Chetry said.
Chetry began her journalism career at News 21 in Rockville, Md., in 1995 before moving to WICU-TV in Erie, Penn., to become an anchor and health reporter. At WICU-TV, she earned the Best Enterprise Reporting award from the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association in 1997 for “Young and Hooked,” a series about teen smoking. She then served as a morning anchor and reporter for KXTV in Sacramento, Calif., before joining Fox News in 2001.
During her time at Fox News, Chetry covered major breaking news stories including reporting from the field during the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and anchoring during the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster, the invasion of Baghdad and Hurricane Katrina.
# posted by ATN @ 1:08 PM 
CNN Hires Former FNC Anchor
Looks as though CNN didn't wait anytime snatching up Kiran Chetry who was just reported yesterday gone from FNC. The former FNC anchor is now substituting for Soledad O'brein on American Morning.# posted by ATN @ 8:41 AM
Nigerian Government Cancels Ad Campaign on CNN Due to Report
Source: This Day Online The Federal Government yesterday terminated its advert contract with the Cable News Network (CNN), with regard to the Heart of Africa project and some commercials currently running on its network.
In a statement by the Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr., the Federal Government described as"unethical and unprofessional" the recent report on CNN about the activities of the Niger Delta militants.
The statement signed by the Minister's Special Adviser on Media, Niyi Idietan, advised all other state governments that are having contract with CNN to discontinue it forthwith, while reiterating the Federal Government's earlier demand for an apology over the report.
In a statement by the Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr., the Federal Government described as"unethical and unprofessional" the recent report on CNN about the activities of the Niger Delta militants.
The statement signed by the Minister's Special Adviser on Media, Niyi Idietan, advised all other state governments that are having contract with CNN to discontinue it forthwith, while reiterating the Federal Government's earlier demand for an apology over the report.
# posted by ATN @ 12:23 AM
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
The A.N.S Factor Helps CNN's Numbers Last Week
CNN co-founder Reese Schonfield points out how the Anna Nicole Smith helped the cable news channels pick up additional viewers last week. But it all came with a price:
"A.N.S. is Anna Nicole Smith. The A.N.S. factor is 16% in primetime and 10% in total day; that’s how many viewers the four cable news networks gained last week to the week before. CNN averaged 200,000 more viewers, Fox and Headline – 150,000 each and MSNBC picked up 100,000 more in prime time, a total gain of 600,000.
The total day gain was less, only 200,000. CNN picked up 70,000 viewers, Headline and Fox 50,000 each and MSNBC gained 30,000.
Of course the A.N.S. factor didn’t swing in until Thursday or all the networks would have done considerable better. We’ll have to see how they do this week.
Once again: no one ever went broke overestimating the number of Americans addicted to tabloid trash."
"A.N.S. is Anna Nicole Smith. The A.N.S. factor is 16% in primetime and 10% in total day; that’s how many viewers the four cable news networks gained last week to the week before. CNN averaged 200,000 more viewers, Fox and Headline – 150,000 each and MSNBC picked up 100,000 more in prime time, a total gain of 600,000.
The total day gain was less, only 200,000. CNN picked up 70,000 viewers, Headline and Fox 50,000 each and MSNBC gained 30,000.
Of course the A.N.S. factor didn’t swing in until Thursday or all the networks would have done considerable better. We’ll have to see how they do this week.
Once again: no one ever went broke overestimating the number of Americans addicted to tabloid trash."
# posted by ATN @ 5:34 PM
Giuliani on CNN's Larry King Live: "Yes, I'm running."
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be the guest tonight on Larry King Live. During the interview, Giuliani reaffirms his desire to run for the office of President of the United States:LARRY KING: …Are you running or not?
RUDY GIULIANI: Yes, I'm running, sure.
KING: When would you -- do you make an official announcement or is this it here, right now.
GIULIANI: I guess you do.
KING: You just said, "I'm running."
GIULIANI: I guess you do one of these things where you do it four times or five times in a day. So I get on your show and about five others.
KING: So you're running?
GIULIANI: Yes, I’m running.
Giuliani on running against New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D):
GIULIANI: ... I think if I got elected, I'd be the -- maybe I'd be the first one from Brooklyn elected.
KING: I want to be ambassador of Brooklyn .
GIULIANI: You might not get confirmed.
KING: I wouldn't. Would you like to run against Hillary?
GIULIANI: I'd like to run against anybody the Democrats nominated. If it's Hillary, God bless her. If it's Obama, terrific. If it's Edwards, I hope I haven't left somebody out, but I think those are the three top ones.
# posted by ATN @ 4:04 PM
Henry and Snow Duel it Out at Press Briefing
I'm surprised this has not showed up in the blogosphere today. Anyway, yesterday it seems CNN's Ed Henry and Tony Snow, The White House Press Secretary got into a little squabble. Henry described what happened on CNN NewsRoom during the one o'clock yesterday:"(WEATHER REPORT)
PHILLIPS: Thanks, Jacqui.
We want to get straight to White House correspondent Ed Henry, who just came out of a briefing with Tony Snow.
And Ed, it was pretty interesting. You and Tony Snow got a little contentious between the two of you.
ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Kyra. You know, this past weekend, U.S. military officials in Baghdad laid out what they claim to be evidence of Iranian meddling in Iraq, specifically providing bomb making materials to insurgents in Iraq who were, in turn, using those materials to kill U.S. soldiers and Marines.
These claims being met with a hefty bit of skepticism, in part because so many of the claims that the U.S. government made in advance of the Iraq war turned out to be false.
But even more skepticism today, in fact, in the wake of the fact that the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Peter Pace, is now saying, in fact, that while these explosive projectiles are, in fact, manufactured in Iran, quote, "I would not say but what I know, that the Iranian government clearly knows or is complicit."
It sounded to some, including me, that perhaps the U.S. government is not on the same page here. So I put that question to Tony Snow.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HENRY: Is it really a question about whether or not you have strong evidence? When the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff seemed to be saying something different than the White House, does that raise questions about how solid this evidence is?
TONY SNOW, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: No. Because you've got -- you've got -- you have explosively formed penetrators. He says they exist, correct?
HENRY: I didn't see that in this particular quote but...
SNOW: No, no, no, he said that there are weapons...
HENRY: He says that there are projectiles manufactured in Iran, yes, yes.
SNOW: OK, so there's no doubt about that, correct? There are Iranians in Iraq. There's no question about that, correct?
HENRY: Sure.
SNOW: So what is the credibility problem in terms of...
HENRY: ... the Iranian government being behind it, that's not...
SNOW: That's not --
HENRY: Nobody's disputing whether it's manufactured in Iran. That's what you keep changing what my question is.
SNOW: No, no. I'm trying to clarify your question, because I think this is...
HENRY: I'm trying to tell you -- I know what my question is, and basically, he's saying that he doesn't see evidence that the Iranian government clearly is behind it. That's why I've asked that three or four times. You haven't answered that. You're saying the Iranian government is behind it.
SNOW: Let me put it this way. I'll say it one more time. The Qods force is part of the Iranian government. The Qods force is behind it, is associated with it. All right? Thank you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HENRY: Now another curious aspect of this is how the information was delivered this past weekend. It was delivered by U.S. officials on background, meaning they would not have their names used. It was also done off-camera.
That's raising questions about whether or not those U.S. officials wanted to be on camera, whether they were concerned about this evidence being shaky. I put that to Tony Snow, as well. He insisted that is not the case. It's not because they felt the evidence was shaky.
And finally, Tony Snow also said in the briefing that he had just recently in the last hour or so gotten off the phone with General Pace and insisted that General Pace is saying privately that they are on the same page. There's really not a difference here.
The problem, though, is that General Pace is now, apparently, on an airplane coming back from Australia or Indonesia and, bottom line, we're not going to be able to get to him for about another day to get his side of the story, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Just real quickly, and I want to just -- Tony Snow was saying that the Qods are behind this, because there's three parts to the Iranian government. You've got the president. You've got the radicals, the Qods. You've also got the clergy, which is the ayatollah.
So he is saying it's that part of the Iranian government that he believes is behind these weapons?
HENRY: He is saying that directly. And one of the questions that's out there is these briefers over the weekend in Baghdad, these U.S. military officials, were saying that it went to the highest level of the Iranian government. There's some question about exactly what that means. Are they on the same page there, as well? Does this really go to the highest levels of Iranian government or not -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: All right. Ed Henry, live from the White House. Appreciate it.
# posted by ATN @ 3:24 PM
Hmmmm..It's Google Carol Lin Day
Remember back on Saturday, December 30, 2006 when Carol Lin signed off at CNN for the last time and she told viewers, "I hope you're going to Google my name on Valentine's Day. What a great way to celebrate love."? I googled and didn't find what she was talking about. Anybody see what we're suppose to be looking for?
# posted by ATN @ 3:07 PM
CNN/I Managing Director To Receive NABA's 2007 International Achievement Award
Source: CNN Press Release Chris Cramer will be honored by the North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the broadcasting industry.In conjunction with NABA’s Annual General Meeting and Conference, March 6 - 7 in Mexico City, Mr. Cramer will be presented with the Association’s International Achievement Award at the Closing Dinner on March 7. (For more information on the NABA AGM and Conference, please visit www.nabanet.com.)
Mr. Cramer is recognized for his commitment to the safety and welfare of journalists around the world. His achievements with BBC and CNN International over the past 40 years have inspired broadcasters worldwide. This is a year where the United Nations’ Security Council has made a resolution demanding that world leaders recognize the importance in ensuring journalistic rights and safety are respected, a resolution that NABA and the World Broadcasting Unions strongly supported. We honor the work Mr. Cramer has done and hope that the legacy he has put in place will continue to inspire greater protection for our news personnel overseas and at home.
In the early 1990s, as the Persian Gulf War and conflicts in the former Yugoslavia started to exact its toll on the physical and mental welfare of journalists, Cramer became the industries’ advocate for both Post Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling and safety training for journalists working in hostile environments. His advocacy of these causes has seen an industry once based on macho risk-taking and skepticism take a long hard look at itself.
Mr. Cramer was instrumental in the creation of INSI, the International News and Safety Institute, which promotes safety training, materials and assistance to journalists and media staff. Mr. Cramer pioneered research into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for media workers and was honored by the Dart Foundation, which funds the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma. He is also honorary president of INSI and co-author of Dying to Tell the Story, a tribute to journalists who died during the Iraq War of 2003.
Mr. Cramer is retiring as the executive vice president and managing director of CNN International where he has overseen all of CNN’s international broadcasting and newsgathering. He has enabled CNN to lead the television industry in the development and use of Digital Newsgathering (DNG) and championed other new technologies for newsgathering. In his quest for efficiency and flexibility of journalists in the field, Mr. Cramer pioneered the use of the revolutionary Toko box for live reports from Kandahar airport on the release of hostages on Millennium eve. He made the 7E Talking Head and Inmarsat M4 satellite phone available for live coverage. What followed was the launch of BGAN service. This light weight, highly portable equipment gave CNN unparalleled coverage options during the Lebanon conflict. These new technologies have not just released journalists from being tethered to the satellite truck but has allowed them to take back the art of reporting by being “on the spot” and sending back stories while still on the scene. This new technology has also made it safer for journalists to travel.
Mr. Cramer’s influence has done much to change the mentality of news organizations to embrace safety and care off staff. His dedication to international journalism, his commitment to the safety of journalists and his support of the use of the latest technology has left its mark on the industry around the world.
The NABA International Achievement Award is presented annually and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in broadcasting and commitment to NABA’s goals and principles.
# posted by ATN @ 12:42 PM
CNN Screens Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Documentary at Morehouse College
CNN’s Jim Polk, Kyra Phillips, CNN anchor Rick Sanchez, and Jeff Reid at the event.
Source: CNN Press Release Last night, Tuesday, February 13, CNN hosted a screening and panel discussion for CNN: Special Investigations Unit, MLK – Words That Changed A Nation, at Morehouse College in Atlanta . CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips moderated a panel discussion reflecting upon key milestones of the civil rights movement.
Dr. Walter E. Massey, president of Morehouse College , welcomed the audience of Atlanta University Alumni, Turner Broadcasting employees, and Atlanta residents. In the one-hour documentary, reported by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien examined Dr. King’s life through his newly released private archive and through interviews with Dr. King’s contemporaries, who also explained the emotions, fears, challenges, and discipline for the behind-the-scenes deliberations for many of the major milestones of civil rights movement. Other panelists included:
· Dr. Lawrence E. Carter, dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel
· Xernona Clayton, civil rights leader, president and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation
· Isaac Farris, Jr., President and COO for The King Center
· Karen Jefferson, head of archives and special collections, Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center
· Loretta Parham, CEO and library director, Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center
· Jim Polk, CNN executive producer
· Jeff Reid, CNN executive producer
The documentary premieres on CNN on Saturday, Feb. 17, and Sunday, Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. All times Eastern.
# posted by ATN @ 12:37 PM
Smith Coverage Overload; Blitzer Goes with the Flow
Philadelphia Inquirer Columnist Gail Shister writes today about the Anna Nicole Smith coverage. Below is an excerpt from her column: "War? What war?
The sudden death of former Playmate Anna Nicole Smith last week drew more coverage on cable news than Iraq, according to figures released yesterday by the Project for Excellence in Journalism.
In just two days, Smith's demise consumed 21 percent of all programming monitored by PEJ on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Channel for the week - including a mind-boggling 50 percent Thursday (the day she died) and Friday.
Policy debate over Iraq and the '08 presidential race came in second and third at 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively, over the week, according to PEJ's News Coverage Index from Feb. 4 to 9.
"We were surprised by the breadth of coverage," says Mark Jurkowitz, PEJ's associate director. "It seemed like everybody tried to ask, 'Why do we care so much about this woman?,' and nobody could provide an answer."
Given the mysterious nature of Smith's death; the "take a number" controversy surrounding who sired her baby daughter; and the bonanza of Benjamins in the balance, cable couldn't have concocted a better story.
At CNN, in particular, "the entire operation just turned and pivoted on the story," in Jurkovitz's view.
During his 4-to-6 p.m. Situation Room Thursday, for example, Wolf Blitzer looked like a man undergoing a root canal as he went all-Anna-all-the-time. He got no relief from Lou "I'm Above This" Dobbs, either. In a live tease for his 6 p.m. show, Big Lou pointedly told viewers he wouldn't be covering the Smith story.
Contrary to appearances, Blitzer insists "it wasn't weird for me, because I'm a news guy. I roll with the punches. When there's breaking news, we go with it. I'm not an elitist, by any means.
"When a story has high viewer interest, I don't have a problem with it. If it's North Korea, I do North Korea. If it's Anna Nicole Smith's death, I make sure we give viewers the news.""
# posted by ATN @ 10:08 AM
America Held Hostage by Smith
Former editor of the Pasadena Star-News and Los Angeles Times Robert Rector, writes an article about all the coverage of the death of Anna Nicole Smith. Below is an excerpt from the article:
"Welcome to the brave new world of tabloid-driven news where tawdry trumps substance time and time again.
Consider: NBC's "Nightly News" devoted 14 seconds to Iraq compared to 3 minutes and 13 seconds to Anna Nicole, according to one report. CNN referenced Anna Nicole 52.2 percent more frequently than it did Iraq. MSNBC was even worse - 70.8 percent more references to Anna Nicole than Iraq.
Over this weekend, almost every cable network I saw wallowed in the Smith story, highlighted by Fox News' hour-long special "Anna Nicole: Tragic Beauty."
This, of course, occurred at the same time Barack Obama was announcing his historic presidential bid and a trial involving the outing of a CIA agent was winding its way toward the vice president of the United States.
The heck with that. Anna had them all coming out of the woodwork.
Geraldo Rivera and Greta van Susteren were pulling 24/7 shifts since Smith died Thursday. Panel discussions were formed. Windbags described as experts were interviewed. The contents of Smith's refrigerator qualified as breaking news." MORE
"Welcome to the brave new world of tabloid-driven news where tawdry trumps substance time and time again.
Consider: NBC's "Nightly News" devoted 14 seconds to Iraq compared to 3 minutes and 13 seconds to Anna Nicole, according to one report. CNN referenced Anna Nicole 52.2 percent more frequently than it did Iraq. MSNBC was even worse - 70.8 percent more references to Anna Nicole than Iraq.
Over this weekend, almost every cable network I saw wallowed in the Smith story, highlighted by Fox News' hour-long special "Anna Nicole: Tragic Beauty."
This, of course, occurred at the same time Barack Obama was announcing his historic presidential bid and a trial involving the outing of a CIA agent was winding its way toward the vice president of the United States.
The heck with that. Anna had them all coming out of the woodwork.
Geraldo Rivera and Greta van Susteren were pulling 24/7 shifts since Smith died Thursday. Panel discussions were formed. Windbags described as experts were interviewed. The contents of Smith's refrigerator qualified as breaking news." MORE
# posted by ATN @ 12:49 AM
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
CNN Promotes D.C. Bureau Chief David Bohrman to Senior Vice President
Source: CNN Press Room David Bohrman, vice president of news and production and the Washington, D.C., bureau chief for CNN, becomes a senior vice president effective immediately, it was announced by Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. As the D.C. bureau chief, Bohrman leads all newsgathering and programming from the nation’s capital. With his additional duties as senior vice president, Bohrman will oversee the coordination of CNN’s special events.“David’s promotion focuses and solidifies CNN’s political coverage as we enter the presidential election cycle,” Klein said. “Through his work on our multifaceted ‘America Votes 2006’ leading up to our ratings wins on Election Night, David shows remarkable vision and intelligence in making political news accessible and even appealing to our viewers.”
Under Bohrman’s supervision, CNN produced extensive political programming leading up to Election Day, which scored impressive ratings among the key 25-54 demographic. For 2004, Bohrman produced special coverage of the Republican and Democratic national conventions, the presidential and vice presidential debates, Election Night and the inauguration of President George W. Bush. In addition, he produced CNN’s live coverage of the funerals of Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II.
Before moving to D.C., Bohrman created and served as senior executive producer of NewsNight with Aaron Brown, a position he assumed when he returned to CNN in summer 2001. Bohrman previously served as executive vice president of CNNfn, overseeing production of the network’s 18 hours of weekday business programming until November 2000 when he left to be the CEO of Pseudo Inc., the world’s first interactive Internet television network.
Bohrman joined CNN in February 1998 as executive in charge of the Moneyline News Hour. As executive producer, Bohrman was responsible for expanding the program to an hour-long format, which resulted in a ratings increase of 20 percent in its first six months.
As a 29-year award-winning broadcast news veteran, Bohrman has covered some of the most memorable events on television. Before joining CNN, Bohrman was executive producer of NBC News’ Specials and Special Events from 1993 to 1997. In this capacity, he oversaw all coverage of breaking news and events. In addition, Bohrman produced such specials as “Decision 94” election coverage and the state funerals for Richard Nixon and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Also, for the NBC News cable venture MSNBC, Bohrman was responsible for creating two critically acclaimed programs, The Site and Imus in the Morning.
Prior to working at NBC, Bohrman spent 13 years at ABC News. From 1991 to 1993, he was the executive producer of World News Now, the network’s first foray into overnight news coverage. Bohrman continued his role as executive producer when World News Now merged with World News This Morning and Good Morning America News in 1992. He was also a principal creator and executive producer of ABC News Interactive from 1988 to 1991. For several years, he served as senior producer of ABC News Special Events, playing key roles in coverage of the Persian Gulf War, political conventions and coverage of most major breaking stories. From 1982 to 1984, Bohrman was broadcast producer and senior producer of World News Tonight.
As part of Nightline’s original production team and senior producer, Bohrman managed the New York staff of Nightline and coordinated most of the live remotes.
Bohrman simultaneously earned a bachelor of arts degree in French and a bachelor of science in physical science from Stanford University and later earned a master’s of science in journalism from Columbia University.
# posted by ATN @ 10:03 PM
Monday, February 12, 2007
CNN Denies Nigerian Allegations of Staging Report
Source: CNN.com A Nigerian government spokesman on Monday accused CNN of paying for and staging a report that showed 24 Filipino hostages being held by masked gunmen in the remote mangrove swamps of southern Nigeria.
"We have evidence that some of these people were actually paid to put up a show," Nigerian Minister of Information Frank Nweke Jr. told CNN International about last week's report by Jeff Koinange, CNN's Africa correspondent.
"It was a paid job, and that's exactly why we are very upset about it," he said, without offering evidence.
"He had actually approached other people before then to do the same thing and his offer was declined. And he shopped around for more people and found those criminals who were willing to play ball with him and they put on the kind of show that they put up and which was shown around the world."
CNN and Koinange flatly denied the charge. In a written statement, CNN said it did not pay for any part of the report, nor does the network pay for interviews.
The report showed the hostages, held captive since their cargo ship was seized January 20, seated on white plastic chairs, lined up in a row.
As dozens of militants, dressed in black and wearing black ski masks, danced and fired automatic weapons into the air, the hostages appeared immobilized by fear.
"The government is trying to get them released," Nweke said. "But to make a show out of it in the way that your reporter did is unacceptable and, to our minds, undermines global efforts in the war on terror."
Nweke said he and his entourage had recently traveled through the Niger Delta and had seen projects intended to help the area's residents, such as health clinics and the construction of bridges, but witnessed none of the scenes shown in the report. MORE
"We have evidence that some of these people were actually paid to put up a show," Nigerian Minister of Information Frank Nweke Jr. told CNN International about last week's report by Jeff Koinange, CNN's Africa correspondent.
"It was a paid job, and that's exactly why we are very upset about it," he said, without offering evidence.
"He had actually approached other people before then to do the same thing and his offer was declined. And he shopped around for more people and found those criminals who were willing to play ball with him and they put on the kind of show that they put up and which was shown around the world."
CNN and Koinange flatly denied the charge. In a written statement, CNN said it did not pay for any part of the report, nor does the network pay for interviews.
The report showed the hostages, held captive since their cargo ship was seized January 20, seated on white plastic chairs, lined up in a row.
As dozens of militants, dressed in black and wearing black ski masks, danced and fired automatic weapons into the air, the hostages appeared immobilized by fear.
"The government is trying to get them released," Nweke said. "But to make a show out of it in the way that your reporter did is unacceptable and, to our minds, undermines global efforts in the war on terror."
Nweke said he and his entourage had recently traveled through the Niger Delta and had seen projects intended to help the area's residents, such as health clinics and the construction of bridges, but witnessed none of the scenes shown in the report. MORE
# posted by ATN @ 7:31 PM
CNN/International Goes Live Via New Mobile Phone Technology
What's Happening at CNN let you know about this yesterday.
Source: CNN Press Release CNN International made its first ever global television broadcast from a mobile phone live from 3GSM, the world’s top wireless trade show, in Barcelona today. As part of CNN’s coverage from the conference, CNN went live to millions worldwide via the 3G network shortly after 0600 ET.
The 'live via phone' piece was broadcast by CNN International correspondent Jim Boulden for the daily news show ‘Business International’. The broadcast lasted around ninety seconds and opened CNN’s coverage from 3GSM trade show. This is part of four days of reporting from the 3GSM conference, where CNN will be investigating how the mobile world is advancing, the increasing importance of media content on handheld devices and interviewing some of the industry’s key players.
Tony Maddox, senior vice president of news operations for CNN International said: “This new development underlines CNN's clear commitment to developing 3G technology in news gathering.
By adopting emerging technologies, CNN continues to lead the way in reporting from the field. 3G technology is enabling our correspondents to deliver packages and live broadcasts both quickly and easily from wherever they are in the world. This is an important demonstration of how we are evolving our newsgathering abilities using the latest technologies.”
Working with mobile technology partner Ericsson, CNN has invested in digital newsgathering which enables its global correspondents to add 3G phones to their reporting tools. The technology has already been tested through live reports on CNN’s broadband service, CNN Pipeline, but this is the first time the news network has used mobile devices for live television.
# posted by ATN @ 4:07 PM
Kyra Phillips Has Exclusive With Head of U.S. Central Command
Source: CNN Press Release Adm. William J. Fallon was confirmed to be the head of U.S. Central Command (Centcom) Wednesday, Feb. 8. Fallon is the first Navy admiral to hold the position. He will be responsible for U.S. military operations and relations in 27 countries.
CNN anchor Kyra Phillips will interview Fallon on Tuesday, Feb. 13 on CNN Newsroom. She will talk to him about Iraq , Iran , Afghanistan and the safety of U.S. troops.
CNN anchor Kyra Phillips will interview Fallon on Tuesday, Feb. 13 on CNN Newsroom. She will talk to him about Iraq , Iran , Afghanistan and the safety of U.S. troops.
# posted by ATN @ 4:06 PM
Jim Acosta to Join CNN as General Assignment Correspondent
Source: CNN Press Release Jim Acosta, who has covered nearly every major news story over the last five years for CBS News, will join CNN as a general assignment correspondent beginning in March, it was announced today by Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S. Acosta will be based in the network’s New York bureau, contributing to CNN’s weekday and weekend programming.“Jim’s experience in covering major national and world events and his irrepressible drive to excel make him an outstanding addition to CNN,” Klein said.
Acosta has been a CBS News correspondent since February 2003. Originally based in New York , he later relocated to the CBS bureau in Atlanta . He contributed primarily to the CBS Evening News and has covered stories including the Iraq war from Baghdad , the 2004 presidential campaign of Sen. John Kerry, Hurricane Katrina and the blackout of 2003.
Previously, he was a correspondent for CBS Newspath, the network’s 24-hour news service, from 2001-2003 and was based in Dallas and Chicago during that time. Acosta covered the Pennsylvania miner rescue, the Washington, D.C.-area sniper story and the Andrea Yates trial, among other stories.
Before that, he was a reporter and substitute anchor for WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago from 2000 to 2001; a reporter for KTVT-TV, the CBS-owned station in Dallas , from 1998 to 2000 and a reporter and substitute anchor for WBIR-TV in Knoxville , Tenn. , from 1995 to 1998. While in Knoxville , he earned a Best of Gannett Award for investigative reporting.
Acosta graduated cum laude from James Madison University with a degree in mass communications and a minor in political science.
# posted by ATN @ 2:13 PM
CNN Brings Untold Stories to Light in ‘Uncovering America ’ Initiative
Source: CNN Press Release CNN kicks off a provocative series of reports on people and issues often ignored by mainstream media, when it launches its “Uncovering America” project later this month. The yearlong effort – encompassing newscasts, prime-time programs and documentaries on CNN/U.S. and Headline News, as well as extensive features on CNN.com – will offer gripping in-depth reports on conflicts and controversies affecting minority groups including African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Americans and gays.
“Uncovering America” launches on Saturday, Feb. 17, with “MLK: Words That Changed a Nation,” a CNN: Special Investigations Unit hour in which Soledad O’Brien is granted rare access to the collection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s personal journals, speeches and other private writings – which shed new light on the people and the passions behind the Civil Rights movement. A special screening of the documentary on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Morehouse College in Atlanta will include Kyra Phillips moderating a panel discussion about the civil rights movement.
The effort unfolds during the ensuing week with:
· A special five-part series on Anderson Cooper 360° titled “Incarcerated in America .” Produced by Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Shola Lynch, the series looks at the shocking impact of crime and punishment on inner-city communities. Anderson Cooper 360° airs each weekday from 10 p.m. to midnight (ET);
· A weeklong series from Monday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 23, on American Morning that includes reports about Michael Oher, a black football star at the University of Mississippi, who was raised by a white family; Chris Gardner, a father dedicated to stopping a cycle of deadbeat dads and the subject of the movie Pursuit of Happyness; the current and rising stars of politics and entertainment; and a look back at Pepsi Cola’s historic effort to break the color barrier with the hiring of black marketing and sales executives. American Morning airs each weekday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (ET);
· An unprecedented full day of programming across CNN/U.S. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, built around the theme of “Out in the Open,” in which anchors, reporters, analysts and guests discuss the realities of the racial divide that Americans often discuss privately but rarely acknowledge publicly. Paula Zahn Now has been blazing a trail for the past several months with “Out in the Open” debates that have broadened the discussion of discrimination and intolerance in the United States while introducing audiences to an array of interesting new thinkers on this important and divisive subject;
· A full week of profiles of emerging black leaders on Paula Zahn Now, including one of Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the first Muslim elected to Congress. Paula Zahn Now airs each weekday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
· An ambitious journey down Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, in which CNN Newsroom anchor T. J. Holmes stops at a different locale along the thoroughfare, introducing viewers to a range of people who illustrate the state of the “dream” today – 43 years after King’s famous speech;
· CNN Newsroom Kyra Phillips’ and Don Lemon’s interviews with a series of newsmakers working in areas of racial understanding, including teen-aged filmmaker, Kiri Davis, who replicated the landmark 1950s psychology “Black/White doll test” applied to young children to demonstrate the harm of educational segregation. On Monday, Feb. 19, Lemon interviews Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James about his philanthropic work and upcoming projects. The afternoon edition of CNN Newsroom airs each weekday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (ET).
· Special weekend editions on Saturday, Feb. 17, and Sunday, Feb. 18, of House Call with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Open House and In the Money. House Call, which airs from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. both days on CNN/U.S., offers segments ranging from obesity and AIDS in African-American communities to access to health care to bone marrow shortages among blacks. Open House, which airs on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on CNN/U.S. and on both days at 5:30 p.m. on Headline News, explores the affect of Atlanta’s rapid growth on neighborhood racial gaps and profiles a woman who says she experienced discrimination in obtaining a mortgage and a Harlem-based architect Michael Henry Adams. In the Money, which airs on Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. on CNN/U.S., provides segments exploring diversity in the workplace and the correlation of skin tone, height and gender with salary.
· Special guests on Headline News and “Leaders in the Black Community” vignettes on Robin and Company. Robin and Company airs each weekday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. (ET);
Online, CNN.com offers a wide-ranging look at the state of equality today with its special section, “Uncovering America: The Road to Equality,” available at www.CNN.com/roadtoequality. “The Road to Equality” features video and written commentaries to examine the most pressing needs in addressing equality in this country as well as graphic elements to reveal the demographic divides across the nation.
CNN.com extends an invitation to users to send in their thoughts in video and text about equality, racism and related topics through CNN Exchange, CNN.com’s destination for user-generated content. Submission forms are available at www.CNN.com/exchange.
The special section also provides a link to “MLK: Words that Changed a Nation,” CNN.com’s interactive report exploring the once-private papers of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Throughout the month, CNN Pipeline, CNN.com’s premium live news video service, has invited a variety of guests and commentators to discuss issues related to black history. In addition to being streamed live on CNN Pipeline, these interviews also will be available on-demand at www.CNN.com/video.
To help CNN affiliates with their Black History Month coverage, CNN Newsource has produced 20 vignettes – one for each weekday – on subjects such as the birth of hip-hop and jazz, Jim Crow laws and the Buffalo Soldiers and people including James Brown, W.E.B. Du Bois, Althea Gibson, Coretta Scott King and Gen. Colin Powell.
# posted by ATN @ 1:47 PM
Sunday, February 11, 2007
CNN/I to Broadcast Its First Live Broadcast from a Mobile Phone on Monday
According the THIS article from the Associated Press, CNN/International will air its first ever broadcast from a mobile phone today. The article says the broadcast will originate from the 3GSM World Congress being held in Barcelona, Spain:
"News broadcaster CNN International said it plans to do its first global TV broadcast from a mobile phone from the conference.
The "live via phone" piece will be broadcast by correspondent Jim Boulden for the daily news show "Business International," the company said of the 90-second planned broadcast that airs Monday."
"News broadcaster CNN International said it plans to do its first global TV broadcast from a mobile phone from the conference.
The "live via phone" piece will be broadcast by correspondent Jim Boulden for the daily news show "Business International," the company said of the 90-second planned broadcast that airs Monday."
# posted by ATN @ 9:35 PM
