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Indeed, CNN is among the cable networks that are most watched all over the world, and the mere mention of the word CNN is easily recognizable in most parts of the world. Cable News Network or CNN covers news and other events, airing its programs 24 hours a day, all days of the week. It is actually the first all news TV station in the US and their headquarters are at CNN Center, in Atlanta.
It may interest many people to note that CNN broadcasts in almost all parts of the world, and even in communist korea, one can still access it through online. But away from that, there is something about CNN that has made it unique, and different in the way they do their coverages, and news presentation. In other words, much as there are numerous TV channels in America, and other parts of the world, news is not news, unless it has been aired in CNN. This is to say that most people rely on CNN to authenticate what they have heard or seen from the other channels. This can be attributed to the fact that CNN broadcasts 24 hours a day, and once a story breaks somewhere, they always give it maximum coverage until one gets the real picture. Besides, CNN has correspondents in all parts of the word, and this gives them an upper hand when reporting on issues affecting certain parts.
Sometimes, CNN is referred to as CNN/US, so as to make a clear distinction between the one that broadcasts exclusively in America, and the one that broadcasts internationally, known as CNN international. Estimates done a few years back indicated that over 93 million households in the US do watch CNN in their homes. Even better still, it is believed that CNN is available in over 890, 000 hotel rooms all over America, which means that guests from any part of the country putting up in such hotels watch CNN. But it is the CNN international that is watched by more people, than the CNN that broadcasts in America.
CNN international is broadcast in over 212 countries, and translated in numerous languages. In Africa, CNN broadcasts in several countries, and some of their programs are specially meant for African audience. Take for example African Voices, a program that is aired and covers some of the issues affecting Africa, be they economical, political, and so forth. CNN international has over the years diversified its programs, and every one will find something interesting to watch. CNN cartoon network is popular with smaller children. The older generation prefers to watch programs like Quest Means Business, the Christina Amanpour report. These are examples of some popular programs in CNN, which are very popular with adults, and those interested in knowing what is taking place across the borders.
But as a matter of fact and truth, one cannot talk about CNN, without mentioning Larry King, and his popular show, Larry King Live. With his trademark suspenders and spectacles that dangle loosely on his nose, this man is just great, and no topic is too difficult to handle. In fact most people like Larry King for the type of guests he brings in his show, and the type of questions he asks. He talks to criminals in corrective facilities, talks to professors about abortion and other topics, discusses topics with astronauts going to space, and so forth. In other words, Larry King is one man whose shows no one wants to miss. He is clever, sharp, and at times, he has the ability to bring out the story so well that one may even shed tears.
There have been major events since the time that CNN started broadcasting, and they have always tried to cover all of them. But among the most notable one was the Challenger disaster of the year 1986. This was when the space shuttle Challenger was about to be launched to space and in that process there was a huge explosion. CNN was the only TV station or channel that aired the live coverage of the disaster, before, during, and even after the explosion. The shuttle killed all the crew on board, including one high school teacher from New Hampshire. So sad and touching was the disaster, that the then US president cancelled his other engagements, and had to address the nation from the Oval Office. Another notable coverage by CNN that was exclusive was the Gulf War, in 1991. Much as there were other international news organizations covering the event, CNN will go down the history books as being one of the stations that had access and ability to report live from Iraq, at a time when aerial bombings were at their climax. CNN was even able to get close to the coalition and American forces, and get close coverage of how the war was progressing, and other exclusive details. Bernard Show, a veteran journalist was the one doing the live reports, and was still working with CNN until his retirement in the year 2001.
CNN was also the first network in America to broadcast the September 11 bombing of the WTC, and it was Carol Lin, an anchor who broke the news to the American public. They aired the live reports and pictures of the scene of the bombing, and over half the number of Americans were glued to their screens, taking in each word and picture that was coming in. These are examples of the events that have made CNN a leading broadcaster, and a leader in bringing in latest news from any part of the globe. Other stories aired by CNN which were of great importance and relevance, include the 2008 presidential election of Barrack Obama, and the Missile tests that were carried out by North Korea recently. Even today, CNN continues to live up to this tradition, for it is not uncommon to see them airing latest reports of the situation in Afghanistan. Before member countries learn that one of their soldiers has died in a NATO ambush, CNN will most probable have broadcast the story, and given many details.
If one were to judge by history, then one can count on CNN to continue airing and broadcasting stories of great significance to both the American public, and in distant lands
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