 LATAM | INTERVIEW |
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| CNN, Informing Audiences for Fifteen Years |
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On March 17, 1997 at 6:00PM, CNN en Español began its first 24hour broadcast in the region. Now, 15 years later, the network celebrates a decade and a half of uninterrupted newscasts.
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CNN en Español celebrates its fifteenth anniversary in the region.
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Fifteen years after CNN en Español's first broadcast; where does the network stand among other news stations in the region?
CNN is a channel that has been a pioneer in the world of news, not just in the region but worldwide. I think, as far as our position in Latin America, we have been important and, without trying to sound too exaggerated, critical to the growth of information and transparency, playing an important role in the political and economic maturity in many countries in Latin America. CNN is a network that is not only covering all major events, but also presents different opinions; places to communicate with people and spaces for citizen journalists. I think we continue to break schemes and provide an important perspective in the region.
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How did CNN's arrival in Latin America influence the region?
I think the world witnessed a before and after the arrival of CNN. We were pioneers in the world of information and transformed as the media changed. This explains, for example, our success in social networks: we are the number one network among all Spanish-language media. We beat any other network in the Spanish-speaking world. We're number one on Twitter and Facebook. We understand that our role is to continue to evolve with the media and the public's taste.
How does CNN en Español stand out?
CNN's hallmark is transparency, definitely. Also the fact that we are always present when there is an important event, and also being a space open to two-way communication: we not only introduce information to the public, but also provide the possibility for the public to participate in the programs, forums and creating the news. In short, the hallmark really is this: to continually evolve along with the media and the public.
I think there's the idea that some news channels or products are linked to a political system, to a business or a businessman. Our journalism is transparent, independent and shows all points of view. We have been faithful to what the brand is. In this regard, we are a referent. That shows when there is a crisis, and everyone wants to see what CNN said, and compare what they say to other channels. In countries where these chains are created so that information is controlled by a government, it's because the government is unwilling to show the different points of view.
How has the network adapted to the new technologies?
We continue to grow as far as technology goes, and are currently transitioning to HD. We also work with broadband with out correspondents, and have provided spaces for live-chatting through Skype and satellite cameras. All in all, we are constantly searching for ways to use technology and create new spaces for information. In addition, we were pioneers in citizens reports, which can be done with phones and cameras. We continue with this plan to be avant-garde as far as technology goes.
When will HD broadcasts begin?
We are working on it. It's complicated since it entails structural changes in every level. We already bought, for instance, new HD cameras for Mexico. It's a process that's beginning and in a year or so, it will give us the possibility to broadcast content in HD.
How does CNN en Español work with other CNN networks and CNN International?
We work together everyday, hand in hand. We are all part of CNN International and have daily meetings to present what we are currently working on. CNN en Español is totally integrated with CNN International. Our presenters also cover Hispanic news in the US, and I'm in charge of the Hispanic community for CNN in English. One must not forget that the US is the second country after Mexico in amount of Hispanic citizens.
CNN en Español must be even more important in this election year…
It's been said and it's common knowledge that the US elections will be determined by Hispanic voters. US Hispanic communities will elect the next president. And not just in these elections, but for the next 100 years. We play a very important role. Each day our reporters cover stories for CNN en Español. We are also a major part of CNN in the US.
What role do you play in the rest of the world?
It's a double window. It's CNN en Español for CNN International. We are the ones taking important news from Latin America to Europe, US and other territories. Meaning, sometimes they find out about what's happening here because of us. We have this great alliance with the network on an international level, and that's important. CNN's role is not just providing information to Latin America, but providing information about Latin America to the rest of the globe.
What's your expectations for the next fifteen years?
Wow! (laughter). We expect CNN to continue growing and being as important as it is now in the world of information. We intend to continue being an independent, transparent window into the world.
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