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CNN opens new Abu Dhabi hub

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CNN has unveiled new state-of-the-art broadcasting facilities at its redesigned Middle Eastern hub in Abu Dhabi. The network has completely reconfigured its studio to feature the latest HD broadcasting equipment and a re-imagined space to open up a range of new possibilities for news, programming and community initiatives. The bureau will also now offer fresh opportunities for CNN’s established internship programme, as well as new initiative The Rooftop Sessions @ CNN, which will bring together creative minds, artists and thought leaders from the UAE to perform, discuss and engage with the CNN family.

“There are two parts to this project: we’ve integrated the latest HD cameras and equipment, touchscreens, lighting and a quite stunning LED wall into the main studio space, which create a completely fresh look and feel on air,” says Becky Anderson, Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi. “On top of that, we’ve reconfigured our rooftop space, giving us new scope for our show teams to get creative. The overall result is a versatile, hi-tech hub that is the perfect base for our Middle Eastern operation.”

Maryam Al Mheiri, Acting CEO, Media Zone Authority Abu Dhabi and twofour54, adds “We’re celebrating a partnership that’s changing the face of media in the Middle East. Since CNN established its fourth broadcast hub here in Abu Dhabi, it has shared stories of our society and culture with the entire world. Abu Dhabi has been welcomed into living rooms globally every weekday for the past six years; that’s around 5,000 hours of editorial coverage, with a value in excess of US $820 million.”

CNN’s Connect the World to go on tour

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CNN’s flagship news and current affairs show, Connect the World with Becky Anderson, is taking to the road this month, for a month-long tour. Beginning in Cairo, the programme will head to Amman and Beirut, before ending in Istanbul.

In each location anchor Becky Anderson will present a range of live programming and feature content, including interviews and analysis of the issues that matter in each location and beyond. Topics will vary for each location, but will encompass breaking news as well as culture, society and politics. On the final day in each location the team will host a special segment called CNN Café, which will see Becky take the show to the people in a live broadcast on location.

A range of digital content supporting the programme will be found on the show’s blog page, www.cnn.com/connect, and CNN Arabic will be supporting the tour, publishing a range of related content for Arabic-speaking users on CNNArabic.com as well as via social media. Both CNN.com and CNN Arabic will be interacting with audiences, asking users to send in suggestions and pictures to guide the editorial content both on TV and online.

“There is so much to explore and discuss in each of these locations, and we also want to add a truly interactive element to these special programmes,” says Becky. “This is about democratising the narrative, hearing the voices from the region on the stories resonating here and beyond. It promises to be a fascinating few weeks in some of the world’s most vibrant cities.”

For further information, contact Kimberly Lobo at kimberly.lobo@ketchum-raad.com / +971 (0)4 425 8979