CNN Ups Programming Hours From ME Hub

CNN is doubling the number of hours it will broadcast live from its Middle East hub at twofour54 Abu Dhabi, a decision that Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Vice-Chair of twofour54, described as “indicative of the incredible growth the Emirate’s media industry is witnessing”.

In an announcement about increasing its international programming, the global news giant said it will double the number of hours it broadcasts from twofour54 from five to 10 per week. This will see the channel’s flagship Middle East news program, ‘Connect the World’, increase from one hour a day to two.

‘Connect the World’, which is hosted by Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, is broadcast live from CNN’s studios at twofour54, which became the channel’s fourth global broadcasting hub when the facility opened in 2009.

“I would like to congratulate the team at CNN Abu Dhabi on expanding their live broadcast. We are proud that our Emirate is such an integral part of ‘Connect the World’ and is showcased to all the viewers around the world who tune in to watch,” Ms AlMheiri added.

She explained that CNN has played a “vital role in the growth of Abu Dhabi’s media sector over the past decade”, helping to develop talent and create jobs. It has also shared the nation’s inspirational success stories with the world, creating content right from the heart of Abu Dhabi’s creative industries.

“I believe a decision by a news organization of its size and caliber to increase programming is indicative of the incredible growth the Emirate’s media industry is witnessing, as well the vast potential our region offers to media firms around the world,” she added.

“CNN Abu Dhabi has evolved into one of the key newsgathering and programming hubs for the entire CNN network, and that in no small part is testament to the support of the burgeoning media community here in the UAE. It has been a privilege to play a part in that community, and to bring stories from this region to the world from Abu Dhabi. We are thrilled that our presence here is growing and looking forward to playing an even bigger role in CNN’s international coverage,” remarked Becky Anderson, Anchor and Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi.