Connect the World at Abu Dhabi

CNN International announced yesterday that its anchor Becky Anderson is relocating from London to the UAE, in a move that will see her prime time show, Connect the World with Becky Anderson, anchored from CNN Abu Dhabi, the network’s Middle East broadcasting hub.

As part of the relocation, Connect the World will move to a new time slot and its format will evolve.  Airing at 7pm UAE time from April 6, 2014, the show will form the backbone of the network’s prime time coverage in the Middle East.

Becky Anderson said: “In many ways locating Connect the World in UAE is the perfect expression of the show’s philosophy. Geographically, culturally, and economically it is at the centre of so many important stories, and is an ever more significant global crossroads. As well as being an exceptionally dynamic place in itself, it is also an ideal location from which to access the rest of the Middle East and beyond.”

Alongside the familiar mix of news, insight and analysis of key stories, Connect the World will incorporate more stories from the region, and take advantage of its location at the meeting point between East and West. The programme will also take regular road trips, using Abu Dhabi as a stepping off point to explore a range of locations.

Anderson’s wealth of experience includes interviews with world leaders, Hollywood stars, and top CEOs.  In addition to anchoring her prime time show, she has reported on a range of major news stories and events throughout her time at CNN.

Mike McCarthy, Senior Vice-President of Programming at CNN International, said: “Becky brings fantastic knowledge and versatility to this important hub. Connect the World will remain focused on international news, but we want to take advantage of its new location to explore the stories that matter in the Middle East. The show will be fast-paced and multi-faceted, and will also take in business and cultural stories. It will debate and analyse the news, become a focal point for live reports, and continue to integrate social media into its format.”

Global Exchange, presented by CNN’s emerging markets editor John Defterios, becomes the daily branded business section within Connect the World, drawing on Defterios’ business expertise and regional knowledge to bring business to the fore.

McCarthy added: “Following on from the launch of the new CNN Arabic website, and alongside our portfolio of programmes from the region, bringing Becky to UAE to join John underlines our commitment to this key part of the world.”