CNN International & Domestic

Saw a bit of HK newsroom last night, seems like they are trying to bring back the days of when 'CNN Today' with Andrew (?) and Kristie was essentially an Asian breakfast show, some interesting overview shots of the whole studio as well, so far it's a step in the right direction for CNN

Becky Anderson presenting middle east rolling coverage from the CNN Abu Dhabi studio. Manisha Tank in London.

CNN Today was presented by Hugh Riminton (left CNN in January 2009 and returned to Australia) and Kristie. Before Hugh, Stan Grant co presented with Veronica Pedrosa, later replaced by Kristie.

I totally agree about Newsroom, it's a step in right direction in every sense. Content is better, lots of interviews, lots of news, 2 hours of rolling news plus it's a return to 2 presenters format.

They improved the set, it looks bigger, they are finally using the windows and view they have. In the first hour they used the covers cause it was dark but then removed them in second, though it's been foggy. I guess we'll have to wait for summer to enjoy some of the spectacular views HK has.

I love the opening and music, it's fresh, bright and simple, not messy like most of their visuals since 2009.

Now the only problem is, us in Europe will only get to see CNN Newsroom on Sunday night/Monday morning. Rest of the week we'll get replays of Amanpour and Morgan. What a terrible duo. At least this week, cause of the Israel conflict I expect we'll be able to see it.

Another good piece of news is that there's a 30 minute World Report that follows Newsroom (0800 HK, 0100 CET) and it's presented by Fionnuala Sweeney. Happy she's got a regular weekday slot again, one of CNN's best.

Here are some caps




... and videos of opening with and without covers and closing

Well I wasn't a million miles away, CNN Today back then was an Aussie male and an American female who looks Asian. And now look what CNN Newsroom has become

European feed is now 16:9 (yesterday it was from 0200 till 1100 cet) and today it started again from 1100. Hopefully it sticks.

Only CNN US shows, some ads and taped programs are in real 16:9 while all CNNI produced bulletins are still 4:3.

My SKY feed has gone back to 4:3 with any 16:9 programs gone back to letterbox.

Did anyone see the Piers Morgan Tonight studio debate this morning on the US Gun Laws???? Geez! A highly emotive subject, but Morgan lost it on several occasions, ranting, shouting and pointing aggressively at some of his studio guests who were pro-gun.

Whilst I actually agreed with the hosts comments on the matter, I get the feeling he was warned in his ear to calm down. Totally ranting at the guests. They appeared to go to an impromptu ad break. Upon returning, Piers had been transformed into a very timid and overly apologetic figure, visibly shaken by his own behaviour and the simmering tensions on the set.

Some more details about CNN International going HD..
http://www.imediamonkey.com/2012/12/21/exclusive-further-cnni-hd-details-emerge-bob-hesskamp-qa/

I thought I'd share this here. CNN Domestic brought the James Earl Jones ident back! And it's been updated:



It's reportedly the first move Jeff Zucker made as president of CNN Worldwide. So far, so good.

Picture I have taken a few days ago, because a cable & a satellite providers here in the Philippines are already offering CNN International HD. I still wonder why CNN is already distributing CNNI HD even if their live newscasts are still in SD.

And do I expect a full revamp of CNN International this May?

Today CNNI started using new idents with reporters & presenters in them and old CNN theme music. There's also one with James Earl Jones voiceover back. He also made a comeback on CNN domestic.
These are some good changes under Zucker.

Also got to see Chris Cuomo filling on AC 360 and really liked him. Great adition.

That's a picture from CNN Domestic I think but there is a HD feed in the clear now on 20w I think.