CNN Comments 36

11.03.2003

Hi folks. Hope you all had a great Halloween pigging out on candy and shooting fireworks. All Hallows Eve was literally dead at the JNN household. No kiddies knocked on our door and no goodies were passed out. Kind of like it that way; there's more for me. Besides, I didn't feel like getting up while watching "NewsNight."

Now take a bite out of CNN36 - CNN candy fun!

Just In
At 3:57 PM PT Saturday, November 1 Catherine Callaway reappeared on CNN. She did a short segment on the "Top 3 Movies," according to the Zagat Survey. Cool! If only she can come back fulltime.

America Votes 2004
I was quite impressed with CNN's performance during the recent California Election and the Presidential debate in Phoenix, Arizona.

For the recount election, CNN put the right people on: Wolf Blitzer, Judy Woodruff (Schwarzenegger HQ), Candy Crowley (Davis HQ), Bill Schneider and Jeff Greenfield, with the Spatialogic software showing the intensity of each voting district. Blitzer was pretty cool this night as he gave updates, interacted with guests and analysts and tossed back to the CNNers in the field. Within the first 30 seconds of the newscast Governor Davis was recalled with Schwarzenegger replacing him. Then after, things started to get a little tedious with the exit polling and analysis; the decision was decisive. CNN's coverage had an international feel too as Walter Rodgers was in Graz, Austria, Arnold's hometown. As well, CNN International carried CNN/US' feed for a while with Richard Quest following Wolf. [CP, MR]

The Democratic debate was a neat treat for political junkies, like me. Judy Woodruff moderated the event - she was on top of her game - with Jeff Greenfield and Candy Crowley providing additional questions. Woodruff was quite the ring-leader that night keeping each candidate in check; Judy prodded them. She would repeat her question and pressed harder if one of them veered off. Greenfield challenged John Edwards on his background and how it gives his campaign credibility. Crowley hit Wesley Clark, getting him to clarify his position on Iraq. The last 30 minutes were opened to questions from the audience. At one point, Woodruff with the help of John Kerry's backstage crew "ambushed" Howard Dean, questioning his decision to drop the health care coverage of 1/3 of the seniors in his state. This was absurd and shows that Kerry - or his staff - was getting desperate... Overall, the debate was enjoyable but didn't allow one of the Dems to break out. The debate was also played on CNNI. [MR]

If you have enjoyed these political news events, well here's a preview of what's to come:

• "Judy Woodruff's Inside Politics" is now an hour. It airs at 3:30 PM ET. Then it January, "IP" will have a live one-hour edition on Sundays at 10:00 AM ET. This change is long overdue since, "IP" traditionally has been an hour-long show. It's very good that "IP" is back to full strength.

• CNN will have a "CNN Election Express," a bus loaded with production equipment that will allow broadcasts from anywhere in the US. Think of this as CNN's mobile HQ for the upcoming election. "Crossfire" and other primetime programming will utilise the bus' broadcast facilities.

• CNN and the LA Times will team up in February for a Democratic debate, one week before the California primary. [JNN Staff]

CNNI Dropped In - Big Time
In the past two weeks or so, CNNI decided to drop in for a few times during the overnight hours on CNN/US. They were mostly covering Bush's trip to Asia, the Pope's 25th anniversary, and the recent attacks in Iraq.

For the very first time I finally saw the new "World News" graphic, along with its newer theme on my tube at home. It was simply awesome. Seconds later, Monita Rajpal appeared and went straight to Maria Ressa, in the Philippines, where Bush and President Arroyo were speaking in a joint news conference. CNNI hung around there for a few moments and shifted gears to Jill Dougherty and the launch of a Soyuz rocket to the ISS. This was, perhaps, the second time I've seen a Soyuz blast into space.

CNN/US dipped into CNNI's coverage of the beatification of Mother Teresa. Monita was the main anchor with Alessio Vinci in the Vatican. Accompanying Vinci were Jim Bittermann and one of CNN's Vatican Analysts. CNNI was mostly hands off during the ceremony only to give short commentary where things were quiet. As well, Satinder Bindra joined in at one point reporting from where Mother Teresa was stationed in India.

CNNI covered Bush's meeting with Indonesian President Megawati. Fell asleep during most of the event; it aired 11:00 PM PT. Don't think I missed much.

A weekend ago CNNI broke in the 10:00 PM PT hour on a Saturday. Shihab Rattansi anchored with Ben Wedeman and Jane Arraf in Baghdad. The Al-Rashid Hotel was just attacked by RPG fire. Ben and Jane bounced back between themselves for a while with Shihab in the middle. CNNI then showed a live statement by Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, who was in the hotel during the attack.

Finally, Hala Gorani and Richard Quest, on "BizNews" dropped in during the bombing of the Red Cross building in Baghdad and the attacks at three police stations. Hala was awesome as usually, whereas Richard showed his serious side (quite obviously). Jane Arraf was on the scene at the Red Cross building. She interviewed a US commander and the head of the Red Cross in Iraq. What was kind of interesting, stylistically, was that Hala and Richard would update viewers with the headlines almost after each break. CNNI's coverage lasted about an hour (perhaps more) on CNN/US.

Firestorm
I'm going to let the California wildfires story speak for itself. But, I will say that CNN provided solid and extensive coverage of this huge news story. The network practically sent all of its domestic male reporters in the area. I was kind of surprised that Daryn Kagan showed up too. The network gave live updates throughout the day with "NewsNight" wrapping up and giving context/perspective to the many blazes terrorizing the state. More importantly, CNN featured the human side of the story showcasing the lives of the people fighting the fires, the folks who lost their homes and many evacuees. All comprehensive coverage, unfortunately the story wasn't a happy one.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of California.

Rebrands
I think it was about a year ago that JNN reported that "Daybreak" was getting a new look and being renamed "Real Early." Well, the change over did happen in the middle of the month (October). Luckily CNN decided to drop the grammatically incorrect name and kept the show's original. The new "Daybreak" animation boasts the "Crossfire" look and features the music of "Your World Today," from CNNI. Very sweet. As well, some of the text pieces include: "Real Early News," "Wake Up Weather," "Surfs Up" and "Ching." As for the caption bar, it's a different hue of orange with the programme's name appearing over the CNN Logo. Overall this is one cool intro.

"Wolf Blitzer Reports" got a major overhaul with a new set, graphics, and music. The set is utterly gorgeous with class and glass all around. It allows viewers to see parts of the capitol in the windows. There is an anchor desk, a stairway with plasma screens and a nice coffee table for in-depth interviews. The graphics, which somewhat borrows from "Connie Chung Tonight," is softer but still "cutting edge." However, the music is rather sombre as opposed to the older version. (By the way, the DC bureau has added a couple new sets, just in time for "America Votes 2004.") [GS]

Finally, "CNN Presents" features new music and graphics as well. The main animation pieces are much more classier than the previous version. The globe is still emphasized, but more effectively though. The whole package presents a retro-classic but forward-looking feel, ideal for documentaries.

People
• Is Ted Turner making a comeback? Perhaps. In the last little while, Turner's influence over CNN has been growing. With the departure of Jamie Kellner at Turner Broadcasting, Ted has been asserting more power than before. Turner was instrumental in the recent management shake-up, which Teya Ryan was shown the door. As well, Turner has defended Eason Jordan, a long time favourite to lead CNN. Jordan was heavily criticised for covering up Saddam's atrocities and was close to getting the boot, but Turner intervened. If Ted keeps this up - being more hands on - CNN might have a chance. [DG]

• Judy Woodruff has received the 2003 International Matrix Award. The citation was given by The Association of Woman in Communications, a US organization. Earlier this year, Woodruff was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters' Hall of Fame. Also, the Radio-Television News Directors Association and Foundation honoured her with the Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award.

• CNN's Jeff Koinange and his cameraman, Simon Munene, were detained for three hours at the Lagos Airport in Nigeria. In addition, his colleague was beaten. After fellow reporters inquired about the detentions, Koinange and Munene were released. The CNN team were just arriving from Ghana and were stopped by a dozen uniformed customs agents and plain-clothes officers. The officials were order to expel the two. When Mr. Munene started filming the incident, he was slapped around and beaten to the ground. Later, airport officials were ordered to release the CNN crew.

• John Vause has been appointed to be a Jerusalem correspondent. He was a US correspondent for CNN International.

• Tom Fenton, CNN's VP and deputy managing editor of international newsgathering at Atlanta has been named to be the network's Jerusalem Bureau Chief. Fenton replaces Mike Hanna, who left CNN a few months ago.

• ABCNews has finally put Kate Snow's biography up at their web site. You can check out the bio page here: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/WorldNewsTonight/GMA031014KateSnowBio.html Sadly, Kate's photo is not one of her best. [DM]

• Other former CNNer bios:
Charles Bierbauer
Gene Randall
Charles Zewe [JB]

• Former CNN reporter Lilian Kim has moved to San Francisco's KGO-7-ABC. She was stationed in Seattle. [DG]

• Former HLNer, Loretta Lepore is now the Press Secretary of Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. [JB]

• Former CNNI anchor Marina Kolbe is now part of the liberal i.e. America Radio Network. For more info see this: http://www.ieamericaradio.com/ [no more] [MD]

• October 24 was Kara Henderson's last day at CNN. She spent the last three years with CNN Sports including a year or more with HLN. It was mentioned that she wanted to go back home, which is Boston. After her last sports update, Sophia Choi and Stephen Frazier presented her with a good-bye cake and all had a group hug. Kara was smart and knew the ins and outs of sports. She'll be missed.

• In another shocking departure, CNNfn's Jan Hopkins left the network. In a "spectacular" offer she could not refuse, Hopkins will be the managing director and head of client communications with Citigroup. In a way better then I could, Lou Dobbs gave her this send off: She's covered everything from the oil markets to the New York Stock Exchange and has been a part of this show since 1984. In 1987 her reporting during the market crash helped CNN win its first ever Peabody Award.

Jan also played a key role in helping to build CNN Financial News, the financial network. She even filled in here for me from time to time over the years. Tonight, we just want to say, thank you Jan, and we wish you all the very best. [JB, DG]

• "I feel like your concubine. You put money in my pocket. You put me in nice suits. You don't tell anyone about me. You only call me when you need me," were the words from former CNNer Leon Harris to his bosses after Paula Zahn read his copy during the Iraq war. During the AOL/TW merger turmoil Harris wasn't a happy camper. With veterans Lou Waters and Natalie Allen getting pink slips, and Paula Zahn and Aaron Brown landing plum assignments, Leon felt that he was underused and under-promoted. It turns out that WJLA courted Harris for three years and in July both parties struck a deal. He said of his new job, "In a perfect world, I wouldn't have to uproot my family to get the kind of respect I'm getting here (WJLA)." [DG]

• It's a good thing that "AM's" Andy Serwer won't be quitting his day job. In October, he hosted the 2003 Battle of the Corporate Bands, while being decked out with the new fashion style: The American Trucker a la Ashton Kutcher. In addition, Serwer tried out for the backup announcer of the New York Knicks. I must say, Andy actually did a great job. Unfortunately, he won't be moonlighting as a sports announcer.

• Richard Quest had the assignment of the lifetime. He was the sole CNN reporter to be aboard the Concorde for its last roundtrip between London and New York. On the supersonic jet, he wined and dined in luxury and mingled with B or C-list celebrities. The goodies that he managed to get his hands on included: a napkin ring, a little souvenir Concorde, Concorde cuff links and Concorde key rings.

CNNI Commentary with HB

Asia Now
As of now "Asia Now" airs only in the Asia Pacific and South Asia regions, while the other viewers are watching "Business International." The change happened because of the end of the "summer time" (day light savings) in US. I think this programme turned into a regional programme with a big focus on Asia. But, as CNN34 mentioned, "World News Europe" has "Europe" in its name, and airs for everyone around the world... I had many opportunities to watch "Asia Now" and I really liked the program. CNN has done a very good job!

World Sport
The Portuguese Pedro Pinto is not an anchor of "World Sport" anymore. I don't know why, but his substitute is Mark McKay. As a matter of fact, "WS" commemorated 10 years with a special programme, anchored in London and Atlanta simultaneously. Pedro was anchoring the program since 1998 and I really liked his "calm way" to lead the show.

Inside the Middle East
CNN launched "Inside the Middle East" in October. This programme shows viewers the other side of a region overshadowed by conflict. The show is anchored by CNN's international correspondent Rula Amin and airs throughout the month on CNN.

Global Office
Also in October, CNN launched "Global Office." This new programme hosted by CNN's Richard Quest (he's on again: "BizNews," "Biz Traveller," "Business Central!") and Liz George, focuses on management for the international executive or anyone interested in the ever-changing and fast-paced world of business management. "Global Office" provides a half-hour of essential viewing for the executive who needs to be on top of the latest business trends. [HB]

Slogging
Remember way back when Rummy and Jamie McIntyre sparred over the word "quagmire?" Well, they were at it again with competing dictionaries battling over the meaning of "slog." (Something tells me that these two must have competed in a few spelling bees.) Here's how the latest verbal round went:

DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Slog, to hit or strike hard, to drive with blows, to assail violently and that's precisely what the U.S. has been doing and intends to continue to do.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is that what you thought it meant when you wrote it?

RUMSFELD: It's close enough for government work.

MCINTYRE (on camera): Is it implying you would have to be disputatious. The American Heritage Dictionary...

RUMSFELD: There are a lot of different definitions. I know that.

MCINTYRE: Well, it says its preferred definition, to walk or progress with a slow, heavy place, plod as in slog across the swamp.

RUMSFELD: Right, I've seen that one. I read the one I liked.

CNN Birthdays
Bill Schneider celebrated his birthday around the California Recall campaign. I didn't get the date or his age.

Carol Costello had her birthday on October 11. On the following Monday (Oct 13) during the segue-way between the "AM" hosts, Costello mentioned that she wasn't looking forward to her special day. It is assumed that the "Daybreak" anchor hit a milestone and turned the big 4-oh. [DS]

Between hard breaks, HLN's Linda Stouffer revealed Chuck Robert's birthday. He celebrated his on October 25. As well, Sophia Choi presented a cake to the birthday boy and a photo from his youth was displayed for a few seconds. No age was given at this time. [GS]

Happy B-days CNNers!

Verbatim
"The California recall vote is tomorrow and I find myself groping for just the right word to describe my feelings. Maybe I shouldn't have said groping. Maybe grasping is the word I was looking for." - Aaron Brown on the night before the recall (NewsNight, October 6, 2003)

"And don't be surprised if the next time, next week, that I'm not able to sit down in this seat after that run. I'm going to be a hurting person." - Suzanne Malveaux on her pre-run analysis of herself before the Marine Corps Marathon

"Well, actually, it's Moos, Jeanne Moos, like most without the 'T.'" - Jeanne Moos on her butchered name; it's "Moos" not "Moose"

Aaron Passes the Buck
If you are a subscriber of the "NewsNight" nightly note, usually Aaron writes the e-mail, but sometimes the staff fills in for him. Now, for the October 23 message, Mr. Brown had a duet with his new assistant, Meg. (His other assistant Molly got a promotion.) So this day, Meg put her hands on the keyboard. In last line of the e-mail, Aaron instructed readers, "If there is something here you don't like - blame her. :)" Pretty nice, eh? Guess the buck doesn't stop on his desk. Sure Aaron, make readers blame your new assistant... And yes, Brown types "smilies." Only rarely though.

Brown's Wig?
Time Warner Name Change: In a move aimed at improving its image for investors, AOL Time Warner officially drops the "AOL" from its name and returns to being called just "Time Warner." In another cost-cutting move, Time Warner-owned CNN is dropping Aaron Brown's wig and returning it to its natural habitat. (Novak, TVSpy October 17)

Microsoft Blocks CNN
Vacationing Maarten B, from the Netherlands, wanted to unwind and watch some CNN. While flipping through the channels in his SAS Plaza hotel room, in Norway, he stumbled onto a weird Windows XP "delayed write error." Apparently the hotel uses Windows to manage its pay TV system. Maarten said: "Besides being exorbitantly priced, another reason not to watch hotel pay TV is because your programme may be interrupted by Delayed Write Errors."

Connie Come Home?
No way! But, Fox News wants her to. The folks at FNC took another jab a CNN by posting a new billboard, which reads, "Come Home Connie. CNN Needs You. Brought to You by Your Friends at Fox News."

A FNC spokesperson said, "We thought this would lift the morale and bring a few smiles to the faces of the CNN staffers in Atlanta."

Smiles? Who are they kidding? I'm pretty sure that this billboard, among the others FNC has put up, would only irk or infuriate CNNers. However, not all is lost. In February, CNN placed its own billboard in Fox's neck of the woods (New York) featuring a smiling Paula Zahn with the text: Real News Makes the Difference.

Anyway, if I were to have my own billboard it would read: Come Home CNN. America Needs You. From the Folks at JNN. [DG, GS]

Vandal Scandal
During the horrific crash of a New York ferry, at least four firefighters (assigned to the Brooklyn ladder company) were busy taking out a CNN news truck. They singled out the vehicle, which was not blocking traffic or a fire hydrant, smashed its rear window and slashed the tires of the 1999 white Ford Explorer. Many other reporters witnessed the firefighters assaulting the vehicle. Reasons for the incident, which occurred at 9:30 PM ET (six hours after the crash), is unclear. The bout of vandalism is under investigation. [DG]

Letterman's "Top Ten Things Never Before Said By Wolf Blitzer"
From the October 30 Late Show with David Letterman, as announced in taped segments by CNN's Wolf Blitzer himself to people on the streets of Manhattan, the "Top Ten Things Never Before Said By Wolf Blitzer." Late Show Web site: www.cbs.com

10. "For a hundred dollars, I'll mention your name on CNN tonight"

9. "Have you seen Peter Jennings around here? That sum bitch owes me money"

8. "You know, it's a really slow news day today -- you wanna knock over a 7-11?"

7. "Saddam Hussein is in that Starbucks over there -- just keep it quiet"

6. "Once I got drunk at the CNN Christmas party and let's put it this way, the next day I woke up wearing Larry King's suspenders"

5. "Would you like to be the one hundredth person today to touch my beard?"

4. "You didn't hear it from me, but next week we're attacking Sweden"

3. "In case you missed last night's CNN newscast, let me give you the headlines...there's a major dispute between the hawks in the Bush administration, Don Rumsfeld, the Secretary of Defense, versus the doves, the Secretary of State Colin Powell. Let's review all the factual issues right now in this dispute"

2. I'm going on CNN in five minutes -- what's the Vice President's name again?"

1. [To a couple of women] "The Wolf is on the prowl, ladies." [Media Research Center, Cyber Alert October 31, 2003]

Talent Search
To boost moral and to increase corporate unity between its domestic and international bureaus, CNN will be having an internal talent search. The winner gets: $12,000. Small change compared to the likes of "Survivor" or "The Amazing Race," but apparently it is money that CNN is willing to burn. Contestants will be fighting for the prize in competitions in Atlanta, Washington, New York, London and Hong Kong.

The idea received luke-warm reviews:

• "Who in the world is going to get up in front of their peers and sing a song? What are they going to do? Circus acts?"

• "I think this is our own little internal 'American Idol,' but I don't think the next Kelly Clarkson is going to be coming out of this."

• "It certainly is goofy though. I mean, we don't even have a holiday party; why this?"

• "I think some people at the network would contend they put on a talent show every day just trying to keep the network on the air" said one former CNNer. [DG]

Does it take a lot of talent to run JNN? I don't know, but it takes a lot of hard work... From a lot of people.

Well, must be rocking out of here. And, don't forget to watch "America Rocks the Vote," with Anderson Cooper. Again, it airs this Tuesday (Oct 4) at 7:00 PM ET. It runs for 90 minutes.

JNN Staff/Contributors: HB (HB), Joy Baker (JB), MD (DMer735208), David Glass (DG), Doug Mehus (DM), Chris Patterson (CP), Markus Ranzenberger (MR), Geoffrey Sorenson (GS), Dennis S. (DS, disqx)