CNN International has launched two new evening programmes from its London bureau and added another hour of programming from its Abu Dhabi production centre.
CNN has announced that it is doubling the number of hours it will broadcast live from its Middle East hub at twofour54 Abu Dhabi, a decision that H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Vice-Chair of twofour54, described as “indicative of the incredible growth the Emirate’s media industry is witnessing”. This is in addition to a new set of programmes CNN International has planned for its London bureau.
With regards to regional programming, CNN said it will double the number of hours it broadcasts from twofour54 from five to 10 per week. This will see the channel’s flagship Middle East news programme, Connect the World, increase from one hour a day to two. The show is broadcast Sunday to Thursday at 7pm UAE time.
Connect the World, which is hosted by Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, is broadcast live from CNN’s studios at twofour54, which became the channel’s fourth global broadcasting hub when the facility opened in 2009.
H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri said: “CNN has played a vital role in the growth of Abu Dhabi’s media sector over the past decade, helping to develop talent and create jobs. It has also shared our nation’s inspirational success stories with the world, creating first-class content right from the heart of Abu Dhabi’s creative industries.
“I believe a decision by a news organisation of its size and calibre to increase programming is indicative of the incredible growth the Emirate’s media industry is witnessing, as well the vast potential our region offers to media firms around the world.”
Becky Anderson, Anchor & Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, said: “CNN Abu Dhabi has evolved into one of the key newsgathering and programming hubs for the entire CNN network, and that in no small part is testament to the support of the burgeoning media community here in the UAE. It has been a privilege to play a part in that community, and to bring stories from this region to the world from Abu Dhabi. We are thrilled that our presence here is growing, and looking forward to playing an even bigger role in CNN’s international coverage.”
Broadcasting live from CNN London weeknights will also be The Brief with Bianca Nobilo, Your World Today with Isa Soares and Cyril Vanier, CNN Newsroom with Max Foster; CNN Newsroom with Robyn Curnow; and CNN Newsroom with Michael Holmes from CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta.
Mike McCarthy, SVP of Programming and General Manager, CNN International, added: “We are delighted to be launching these new shows – which will form a key part of our industry-leading European evening and Asia morning programming lineup – and renewing our commitment to the Middle East with the expansion of Connect the World. International coverage is at the core of what makes CNN unique, and we are committed to delivering first-class reporting to audiences around the world.”
