CNN International starts using new Middle East studio in Abu Dhabi.

by Thinus Ferreira

CNN has started using a new studio at its broadcasting facility in Abu Dhabi, with the new space which is home to CNN International's (DStv 401) flagship current affairs programme, Connect the World with Becky Anderson since late-February.

The studio that has a 10 million pixels video wall and a suite of fully robotic cameras is located on Abu Dhabi's artificial Yas Island in the new Yas Creative Hub.

Abu Dhabi has been a key hub in CNN's global operation since 2009 when the network first opened its bureau in the Emirate, at twofour54's previous campus.  

It has been the base for Connect the World with Becky Anderson since 2014 and is also home to some of CNN’s feature programming, including Decoded and Marketplace Middle East.

Warner Bros. Discovery made no announcement about the new 80 square metre studio going into service, for media in South Africa, which falls within CNN's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

In a press release shared with other media, CNN says the new CNN bureau increases "the scale and scope of its operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)".

"As one of the network's key international production hubs, alongside Atlanta, New York, London, and Hong Kong, it also marks the latest of several major investments in technology and editorial production for CNN," the news network says.

Mike McCarthy, CNN International executive vice president and general manager, says "CNN Abu Dhabi is a vital part of our global newsgathering and programming operation.  This new investment underscores that importance, and we are excited to share what it will bring to our audiences around the world."

Becky Anderson, anchor & managing editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, says "This new facility really supercharges our operation in Abu Dhabi".

"Everything we have built here enhances our ability to tell stories from this region and beyond, from the state-of-the-art studio and production facilities, through to the workspace itself, which is geared towards collaborative, multi-platform content creation. We're also very happy to be part of the new creative community developing here in the Yas Creative Hub."

South Africa's Eleni Giokos promoted to CNN International anchor and moving to Dubai in the UAE to help with Connect the World, will continue to do Connecting Africa and will play a central role in upcoming Marketplace Middle East.

by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's CNN International (DStv 401) correspondent Eleni Giokos is getting promoted to anchor position on the international TV news channel and is moving to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where she will be working alongside Becky Anderson on Connect the World.

Although based in Dubai and taking on an ever-expanding role, Eleni Giokos will continue to to anchor her show, Connecting Africa, and she will continue to travel into Africa and across Africa from the UAE.

Eleni Giokos will also play a "central" role according to CNN in the new CNN Marketplace Middle East that will launch later in 2021 as a new programming strand on the channel.

Eleni Giokos joined CNN International in 2015 from Bloomberg TV Africa and has reported extensively on the ground across Africa from Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and Zimbabwe, to Rwanda, Senegal, Ghana, Lesotho, South Africa and more.

She has travelled to the United States several times, reported from South Korea and Kazakhstan, and have sat in to anchor several CNN programme blocks from CNN's London, New York, and Atlanta hubs, most notably for Richard Quest on Quest Means Business.

Meara Erdozain, SVP of Programming at CNN International, says in a statement "Eleni is an outstanding anchor as well as a skillful and exceptionally versatile correspondent".

"This move will bring that talent and experience to a new region. Being based in Dubai, one of the world’s most connected cities, will also mean she can maintain her presence in Africa, and build on the success of her Connecting Africa show."

Eleni Giokos says "This is such an exciting time to be moving to the UAE. There are so many interesting business and cultural stories there, and with Dubai Expo on the horizon it is a really dynamic moment".

"I'm also incredibly passionate about Africa, and the beauty of this move is that I will be able to travel easily across the continent from my new home."

CNN International says that Johannesburg will remain a key hub for CNN and that the newsgathering team there is being led by the international correspondent David McKenzie who will continue to be based in the bureau there.

Connect the World with Becky Anderson on CNN International adds a new, bigger desk with a built-in TV monitor.

Connect the World with Becky Anderson on CNN International (DStv 401) on weekdays at 21:30 (South African time) got a new and bigger desk - and one which now incorporates a big TV monitor on the side.

The bigger desk in CNN's studio in London replaces the small round desk, and is wedged shaped like a guitar pick or yes, ... Starfleet insignia.

JUST SAYING. Becky Anderson of Connect the World on CNN International looks like a British Airways air hostess.

Becky Anderson from Connect the World weeknights on CNN International (DStv 401) at 22:00 (South African time) last night looked very much like a British Airways air hostess cabin attendant.

Just saying.

Programming note: Connect the World on CNN International to debut its brand-new look and colours on Monday night.

Connect the World with Becky Anderson on CNN International (DStv 401) will debut this brand-new set and look tomorrow (Monday 19 September) at 22:00 (South African time).

The new set, colours and look has been tested this past week with a new studio set-up, new lighting design and a new logo.

The new set that viewers will see Monday night for the first time has a marked sky blue and magenta colour set.