CNN, founded in 1980 by Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld, was the first television channel to provide 24-hour news coverage and the first all-news channel in the United States. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, and now owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN is a multinational news channel and website.
1962: "Once in a Great City: Detroit 1962–64" Premiere
In 1962, CNN premiered "Once in a Great City: Detroit 1962–64," offering viewers a captivating glimpse into the city during this transformative period.
1968: The Sixties Spin-off
Following the success of "The Sixties," CNN launched a spin-off in 1968, further exploring this pivotal decade in American history.
June 1, 1980: CNN Launch Broadcast
On June 1, 1980, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, CNN made its official debut. The inaugural broadcast featured an introduction by Ted Turner, followed by the first newscast anchored by the husband-and-wife duo, David Walker and Lois Hart.
1980: CNN Launch
On this date in 1980, media proprietor Ted Turner launched Cable News Network (CNN), a groundbreaking 24-hour cable news channel. This marked the birth of the first television channel to provide round-the-clock news coverage and the first all-news television channel in the United States.
1980: CNN's Inception and Controversies
Since its launch in 1980, CNN has found itself at the center of various controversies and criticisms, with its dramatic live coverage of breaking news often drawing scrutiny for potential sensationalism.
1989: CNN Launches "CNN Student News"
Recognizing the importance of engaging younger audiences, CNN started airing "CNN Student News" in 1989, a program designed to present news in an accessible way for students.
August 30, 1995: CNN Launches Website, CNN.com
On August 30, 1995, CNN launched its website, CNN.com, initially known as CNN Interactive.
1996: Time Warner Acquisition
In a significant media industry development, Time Warner, which later became WarnerMedia and subsequently merged with Discovery Inc. to form Warner Bros. Discovery, acquired the Turner Broadcasting System, CNN's parent company.
1998: CNN Honored with Four Freedoms Award for Freedom of Speech
In 1998, CNN's contributions to journalism were recognized with the prestigious Four Freedoms Award for Freedom of Speech. This award highlighted CNN's commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and promoting free expression.
1998: CNN Hosts Live Chat with Benjamin Netanyahu
Demonstrating early adoption of internet technologies, CNN hosted a live chat with Benjamin Netanyahu on its internet relay chat (IRC) network in 1998.
April 2001: CNN Utilizes Innovative Digital News Gathering System
CNN correspondent Lisa Rose Weaver used a pioneering digital newsgathering system when she covered the release of a U.S. Navy crew in April 2001.
2002: CNN's Sports Channel "CNNSI" Shuts Down
Facing competitive pressures, CNN's foray into sports news, "CNNSI", ceased operations in 2002.
2003: CNNj Launch
CNN expanded its global presence with the launch of CNNj in Japan. This channel provided Japanese viewers with simultaneous translation of CNN content, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
December 2004: CNN's Business News Channel "CNNfn" Shuts Down
After nine years of broadcasting, CNN's business news channel, "CNNfn", shut down in December 2004, marking another instance of the network reevaluating its specialized channel offerings.
2004: Previous On-Air Style Implementation
The year 2004 saw the implementation of CNN's previous on-air style, which remained in place until the December 2008 redesign.
2005: CNN.com Influenced by Blogs and Social Media
Throughout the early 2000s, the rise of blogs, social media, and user-generated content significantly influenced CNN.com's development. Blogs, in particular, played a key role in shaping CNN's online presence, culminating in the development and launch of CNN Pipeline in late 2005.
2005: CNN Features Blogs in "Judy Woodruff's Inside Politics"
In 2005, CNN took a step into the growing world of online content by featuring a round-up of blogs on "Judy Woodruff's Inside Politics", marking the network's early efforts to integrate digital media.
2006: CNN Launches "CNN Exchange" and "CNN iReport"
Expanding on its digital strategy, CNN launched "CNN Exchange" and "CNN iReport" in 2006. These initiatives aimed to further incorporate blogs and citizen journalism into the CNN brand.
July 2007: CNN Discontinues Paid Subscription Service, CNN Pipeline
CNN discontinued its paid subscription service, CNN Pipeline, in July 2007. The service, which included a website and content delivery client, offered live video streams, on-demand access to CNN content, and news alerts. It was replaced with a free streaming service.
September 2007: CNN's Transition to HD Broadcasting
CNN embraced high-definition broadcasting, launching in the 1080i resolution format. This move to HD became the standard for CNN, enhancing the viewing experience for its audience.
October 2007: CNN Election Express Launch
October 2007 witnessed the introduction of the CNN Election Express bus, bringing mobility to CNN's HD political coverage. The Election Express, equipped for five simultaneous HD feeds, revolutionized the network's on-the-go election reporting and became instrumental in covering key political events like the CNN-YouTube presidential debates.
April 18, 2008: CNN.com Targeted by Chinese Hackers
On April 18, 2008, CNN.com became a target of Chinese hackers. This attack was purportedly in retaliation for the channel's coverage of the 2008 Tibetan unrest. CNN reported that it had taken preventive measures after becoming aware of the impending attack.
December 2008: CNN's On-Air Redesign
CNN unveiled a comprehensive redesign of its on-air appearance, a significant departure from the style used since 2004. The new look featured rounded, flat graphics in a sleek black, white, and red color scheme. The redesign also introduced a dynamic box next to the CNN logo to display show branding and segment-specific graphics, replacing the previous banner format. Additionally, the scrolling ticker was replaced with a static "flipper" for displaying headlines and topical information.
2008: CNN Honored at Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards
In 2008, CNN was recognized at the Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards. They received the award for their development and implementation of a portable, IP-based digital news gathering (DNG) system, capable of live editing, storing, and forwarding.
2008: CNN Starts Live Streaming Broadcast
Pioneering what would become a standard feature for cable networks, CNN began offering a live streaming broadcast to its cable and satellite subscribers in early 2008, predating the widespread adoption of "TV Everywhere" services.
April 2009: CNN.com Ranks Third Among Global News Sites
In April 2009, CNN.com secured the third position among online global news sites in terms of unique users in the U.S., according to Nielsen/NetRatings. The site experienced an 11% growth compared to the previous year.
October 24, 2009: CNN Launches Revamped CNN.com Website
On October 24, 2009, CNN launched a new version of its website, CNN.com. The redesigned site introduced a new user registration system with personalized profiles and a beta version of the "CNN Pulse" feature. It also featured a new red color scheme. However, a significant portion of the news archives was removed during this revamp.
April 2010: CNN Launches Food Blog "Eatocracy"
In April 2010, reflecting the growing public interest in food-related topics, CNN announced on Twitter the launch of its food blog, "Eatocracy", intended to cover a range of food-related news.
2010: CNN's Claims of Impartiality and Allegations of Bias
Throughout its history, and particularly between 2010 and 2021, CNN's efforts to present itself as a nonpartisan news source have been challenged by accusations of bias, with studies pointing to a potential liberal leaning, particularly during the Trump administration.
January 10, 2011: CNN Introduces Major Redesign
On January 10, 2011, CNN unveiled a significant redesign, featuring a sleeker, blue-and-white color palette, a repositioned secondary logo box, and graphics optimized for a 16:9 aspect ratio.
July 27, 2012: CNN President Jim Walton Announces Resignation
On July 27, 2012, Jim Walton, president of CNN, announced his resignation after a 30-year tenure at the network, marking the end of an era for the company.
October 2012: CNN Forms Film Division "CNN Films"
In October 2012, CNN diversified its content offerings by establishing "CNN Films", a division dedicated to producing and distributing documentaries, both for television and feature films.
January 2013: Jeff Zucker Takes Helm as CNN President
In January 2013, Jeff Zucker, formerly of NBCUniversal, assumed the role of CNN president, succeeding Jim Walton.
January 29, 2013: CNN Parts Ways With Political Analysts
On January 29, 2013, CNN made a significant decision, letting go of longtime political analysts James Carville and Mary Matalin, as well as political contributor Erick Erickson.
February 18, 2013: CNN Ditches the "Flipper"
On February 18, 2013, following Jeff Zucker's appointment as network head, CNN discontinued the use of the "flipper" element and reverted to a scrolling ticker.
May 2014: CNN's New Programming and Slogan
In May 2014, CNN debuted "The Sixties," a documentary miniseries produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, marking the start of their successful collaboration with the network. This coincided with a new brand image for CNN encapsulated in the slogan "Go There," reflecting the network's focus on immersive storytelling and on-the-ground reporting.
July 2014: Cumulus Media Partners with CNN
Expanding its reach in radio, CNN secured a partnership with Cumulus Media in July 2014. This agreement would provide Cumulus stations with national and international news content from CNN, starting in 2015.
August 11, 2014: CNN Debuts New Graphics Package
On August 11, 2014, CNN rolled out a revamped graphics package, characterized by a flat, rectangular design incorporating red, white, and black hues, and the Gotham typeface. The ticker alternated between general headlines and financial news from CNN Business.
2014: "Inside Politics" Returns to CNN with John King
After being incorporated into "The Situation Room", "Inside Politics" was brought back as a standalone program on CNN in 2014 with host John King, then serving as the network's chief national correspondent.
2014: CNN Launches Radio Programming on TuneIn Radio
Broadening its reach, CNN ventured into the audio streaming world by launching a radio version of its television programming on TuneIn Radio in 2014.
2014: Time Warner Spins Off Magazine Division
In a major corporate restructuring, Time Warner, the parent company of CNN, decided to spin off its magazine division into a separate entity, Time Inc., in 2014. This move separated publications like Sports Illustrated and Money magazine from CNN.
May 2015: CNN Sells CNNSI.com Domain Name
CNN sold the domain name CNNSI.com, a remnant of its partnership with Sports Illustrated, in May 2015, further distancing itself from its previous ventures in sports coverage.
November 2015: CNN Launches "Great Big Story"
Aiming to attract a younger audience, CNN launched "Great Big Story" in November 2015, a platform dedicated to producing content tailored to their interests.
2015: Cumulus Media Begins Using CNN Content
CNN's partnership with Cumulus Media came into effect in 2015, with Cumulus stations starting to integrate CNN's national and international news content into their broadcasts.
April 2016: CNN Unveils New Corporate Typeface, "CNN Sans"
In April 2016, CNN began introducing "CNN Sans," a new corporate typeface, across its platforms. Inspired by Helvetica Neue, the font family encompasses 30 variations in weight and width.
August 2016: CNN Launches Drone-Based News Unit, CNN AIR
In August 2016, CNN announced the establishment of CNN Aerial Imagery and Reporting (CNN AIR). This drone-based newsgathering operation aimed to integrate aerial imagery and reporting across all CNN branches.
November 28, 2016: CNN Acquires Social Media App "Beme"
In a move to further expand its digital presence, particularly among younger demographics, CNN acquired the social media app "Beme" for a reported $25 million on November 28, 2016.
November 29, 2016: "Beme" App Shutdown Announced
Just one day after CNN's acquisition, on November 29, 2016, "Beme" co-founder Matt Hackett announced the app's shutdown, effective January 31, 2017.
January 31, 2017: "Beme" App Officially Shuts Down
As announced, the social media app "Beme" officially ceased operations on January 31, 2017, with CNN planning to leverage the app's talent for a separate start-up project.
March 7, 2017: CNN Launches Virtual Reality Unit "CNNVR"
Embracing the growing potential of immersive media, CNN announced the launch of its virtual reality unit, "CNNVR", on March 7, 2017, with plans to produce 360-degree videos for major news events.
2017: CNN Receives Prince Rainier III Special Prize for "Midway: A Plastic Island"
CNN's documentary "Midway: A Plastic Island," which explored the environmental crisis of plastic pollution in the ocean, earned the network the Prince Rainier III Special Prize at the 2017 Monte Carlo TV Festival.
2018: Anthony Bourdain's Passing and "Parts Unknown" Conclusion
The year 2018 marked the tragic passing of Anthony Bourdain, leading to the conclusion of his acclaimed CNN series "Parts Unknown."
2018: CNN Makes History with Six News and Documentary Emmy Awards
CNN achieved a record-breaking feat at the 2018 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, securing six awards for their exceptional news coverage. This historic win solidified CNN's position as a leading force in investigative journalism.
2018: Nima Elbagir Honored with Courage in Journalism Award
CNN's Nima Elbagir was recognized for her fearless reporting with the Courage in Journalism Award from the International Women's Media Foundation in 2018. Her dedication to uncovering truth and giving a voice to the voiceless earned her this prestigious accolade.
2018: CNN Receives George Polk Award for Exposing Libyan Slave Auction
In 2018, CNN's Nima Elbagir and Raja Razek received the George Polk Award in Foreign Television Reporting for their shocking exposé on a modern-day slave auction in Libya. Their investigation, which brought international attention to this horrific practice, highlighted the plight of African refugees.
2018: CNN Wins Overseas Press Club Award for Coverage of ISIS's Fall
Nick Paton Walsh and Arwa Damon's reporting on the downfall of ISIS earned CNN the prestigious David Kaplan Award from the Overseas Press Club of America in 2018. This award acknowledged their exceptional coverage of this significant global event.
February 2019: CNN Audio Simulcast Available on Radio.com
Further expanding its digital audio distribution, CNN's audio simulcast became available on Entercom's Radio.com website and app in February 2019, offering another avenue for listeners to access its content.
May 2019: CNN International Integration
In a cost-saving move, CNN's US domestic version integrated international news coverage into its programming, signifying a shift in its approach to global news delivery.
2019: CNN Original Series Expansion
By 2019, CNN had significantly expanded its original programming, producing at least 35 original series.
2019: CNN Viewership Ranking
In 2019, CNN held the 14th position among all basic cable networks. However, during a period of heightened interest in news, CNN, along with Fox News and MSNBC, saw a surge in viewership, propelling CNN to 7th place that year. Notably, Fox News and MSNBC secured the 5th and 6th positions, respectively.
2019: CNN's Parkland Town Hall Wins Walter Cronkite Award
The University of Southern California Annenberg School presented CNN with the Walter Cronkite Award in 2019, recognizing the network's impactful Parkland Town Hall event. This event facilitated a crucial national dialogue about gun violence following a tragic school shooting.
January 2020: CNN Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Nick Sandmann
In January 2020, CNN settled a significant defamation lawsuit filed by Nick Sandmann, a Covington Catholic High School student. The lawsuit stemmed from CNN's coverage of an encounter between Sandmann and Omaha tribe elder Nathan Phillips at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
September 2020: CNN Shuts Down "Great Big Story"
Despite amassing a considerable following on platforms like Facebook and YouTube, CNN made the decision to shut down "Great Big Story" in September 2020.
2020: CNN Wins Two Peabody Awards for "The Hidden Workforce" and "Apollo 11"
In 2020, CNN received two prestigious Peabody Awards. Ed Lavandera was honored for his work on "The Hidden Workforce: Undocumented in America," while CNN Films was recognized for the documentary "Apollo 11." These awards highlighted CNN's commitment to shedding light on critical social issues and historical events.
June 2021: CNN Viewership Ranking
In June 2021, Nielsen rankings placed CNN third in viewership among cable news networks, trailing behind Fox News and MSNBC. Averaging 580,000 viewers throughout the day, the network experienced a significant 49% decline from the previous year, reflecting a broader trend of declining viewership across cable news networks.
December 2021: Chris Cuomo Fired from CNN, Seeks $125 Million in Damages
Former CNN host Chris Cuomo was fired by the network in December 2021 and subsequently sought $125 million in damages. He alleged that CNN had breached an agreement, leading to his dismissal.
2021: CNN Digital Becomes Most Viewed Digital News Outlet in US
In 2021, CNN Digital reached a significant milestone, becoming the most viewed digital news outlet in the United States according to Comscore, surpassing competitors like The New York Times and NBC News.
2021: CNN Awarded George Polk Award for Wuhan Coronavirus Coverage
CNN's groundbreaking reporting on the initial outbreak of the coronavirus in Wuhan, China, earned the network a George Polk Award in Foreign Reporting in 2021. This award acknowledged the team's bravery and dedication to delivering crucial news under challenging circumstances, even while under quarantine in Beijing.
2021: CNN and Clarissa Ward Nominated for DuPont-Columbia Award for "Russia's Secret Influence Campaigns"
CNN and its correspondent Clarissa Ward received a nomination for the prestigious DuPont-Columbia Award in 2021 for their investigative work on "Russia's Secret Influence Campaigns." Their reporting shed light on Russia's covert operations to interfere in global elections and sow discord.
2021: Study Suggests Liberal Bias in CNN's Coverage
A 2021 study published in PNAS USA, analyzing airtime given to guests based on their campaign donations, concluded that CNN, while less conservative than Fox News, exhibited a liberal bias in its coverage between 2010 and 2021, especially during the Trump presidency.
February 2022: Jeff Zucker Resigns From CNN
In February 2022, Jeff Zucker stepped down from his position as CNN president following the revelation of a relationship with a colleague. The discovery occurred during an investigation into former CNN host Chris Cuomo's handling of reporting related to his brother, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
May 2022: Chris Licht Begins Tenure as CNN President
Chris Licht officially assumed his role as CNN president in May 2022.
September 18, 2022: Coy Wire Replaces Carl Azuz as Host of "CNN 10"
CNN's long-running show aimed at a younger audience, "CNN 10", saw a change in hosts on September 18, 2022, with Coy Wire taking over from Carl Azuz, who left CNN due to a personal decision.
October 2022: CNN's Cost-Cutting Measures and Programming Shift
In October 2022, under the leadership of Chris Licht and Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN announced cost-cutting measures that included reducing acquisitions and commissions from external parties. However, Licht emphasized the continued importance of long-form content, indicating a strategic shift in the network's programming approach.
2022: CNN Viewership Decline
By 2022, CNN's viewership ranking had fallen further to 21st, marking a significant decline from its previous positions.
2022: Chris Licht Takes Over CNN, Aims for Less Opinion-Based Content
In 2022, Chris Licht became the head of CNN, aiming to shift the network's programming towards a more neutral approach. Licht expressed a desire to feature more Republicans and decrease the amount of opinion-focused content.
February 2023: CNN Subscribers
By February 2023, CNN had amassed a subscriber base of 80 million television households in the US.
February 2023: CNN Maintains Global Network of Bureaus
As of February 2023, CNN continues to operate a robust network of news bureaus located in major cities around the world, demonstrating its commitment to providing global news coverage.
April 2023: CNN News Central Launch
April 2023 saw the introduction of "CNN News Central," a new rolling news block, as part of the network's weekday programming.
April 2023: Don Lemon Announces Departure from CNN
CNN host Don Lemon revealed his departure from the network in April 2023. The announcement came amidst some controversy and speculation regarding his future at CNN.
May 2023: CNN Launches Free Ad-Supported Channel "CNN Fast"
Expanding its reach through a free, ad-supported model, CNN launched "CNN Fast" in May 2023. This channel focuses on delivering a fast-paced news bulletin with short-form international stories and events.
June 1, 2023: CNN Refreshes Graphics for 43rd Anniversary
On June 1, 2023, CNN marked its 43rd anniversary with a graphics refresh, incorporating gradients, rounded corners, thinner fonts, and a modified layout. Notably, the ticker was replaced with a static "flipper."
June 2023: Chris Licht's Tenure as CNN President Ends
Chris Licht's time as CNN president concluded in June 2023.
August 14, 2023: CNN Reinstates Scrolling Ticker, Adjusts Graphics
On August 14, 2023, CNN reinstated the scrolling ticker and made further adjustments to its graphics, aligning them more closely with the 2014–23 style while retaining some of the June 2023 visual updates.
August 2023: Mark Thompson Appointed CEO of CNN
In August 2023, CNN announced the appointment of Mark Thompson, formerly of The New York Times, as its new CEO.
November 2023: King Charles Premiere
In November 2023, CNN premiered "King Charles," a limited-run late-night talk show featuring Gayle King and Charles Barkley, replacing the Wednesday edition of "Newsnight."
2023: New CNN Commissions
In 2023, CNN announced a slate of new commissions, demonstrating its commitment to original programming despite cost-cutting efforts.