Bio

CNN is a worldwide news and information network providing live, continuous coverage of news from around the globe, 24 hours a day. Regular programs on the network spotlight public affairs, news, military activity, government, politics, science, technology, business, finance, food, health, medicine, fashion, sports, arts and entertainment. CNN emphasizes topical and in-depth interviews and discussions with newsmakers, politicians, celebrities and people in the news. CNN is viewed predominantly by adults interested in daily national and international news. On January 11, 2001, Time Warner announced its merger with Internet giant America Online. In 1995 media mogul Ted Turner had sold CNN (and Turner Broadcasting System, or TBS) to media giant Time Warner, turning it into one of the largest media organizations in the world. In 1991, CNN claimed news-broadcasting supremacy with its around-the-clock coverage of The Persian Gulf War, during which many high-level ranking officers in the United States Armed Forces admitted that they were getting much of their war information from CNN. The network gained further recognition for its comprehensive coverage of such events as the confrontations at Tiananmen Square, the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, and the OJ Simpson murder trial. In 1989, CNN had over 1600 employees, an annual budget of over $150 million, and it was available in 65 countries. Worldwide broadcasts of such specialized segments as daily entertainment report Show Biz Today and a nightly evening newscast, The World Today, were also available at this time. In 1987, when President Ronald Reagan met Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev at a summit that would end the Cold War, CNN was on the air continuously with some 17 correspondents on site. In 1985, the network was reaching over 30 million homes in the United States. By 1984, the network began to earn widespread recognition and praise for its nearly around the clock coverage of the Democratic and Republican conventions. CNN launched in June 1980 under Ted Turner. PR professionals are advised to send all press releases to the CNN assignment desk. PR professionals should not send pitches to anyone based overseas. For space program and environmental stories or news, fax to (404) 827-4275. For science, technology, and medical stories or news, fax to (404) 827-4295. And for general, domestic stories or news, fax to (404) 827-1099. International story ideas and news should be directed to the CNN international news desk. Due to the immense volume of information received, pitches are generally not taken over the phone. All information sent to CNN should be related to a top news story and be of interest to at least a national audience. For all press releases, the network requests a written statement containing the who, what, where, when and why of the release. Be brief, but specific and include appropriate contact information. Lead times vary depending on the nature of the story.