CNN International is overhauling two of its major Africa-focused shows as the network reaffirms its commitment to covering the continent’s trends, culture and personalities.
From 8 May, British-Nigerian CNN anchor Zain Asher will front the network’s premier weekly business show about the continent and its place within global markets – CNN Marketplace Africa. With a deep knowledge of business issues, Asher will break down the economic trends affecting Africa and interview the business leaders making and shaping the continent. As Africa enters an unprecedented period of forecasted growth, CNN Marketplace Africa will report on the changing industries and sectors, and get answers from the leading CEOs and entrepreneurs at the top, on and off the continent.
African Voices, CNN’s 30-minute weekly show about Africa’s most engaging personalities, will also be changing from 22 May. The new-look show will focus on uncovering some of the continent’s most dazzling trendsetters, creating their own sub-cultures in areas such as travel, fashion, art, music, technology and architecture. A place where culture meets urban awareness, African Voices will take CNN viewers on a surprising journey through multiple cities and countries to showcase modern, contemporary Africa. Personalities featured in the show will be creative, vibrant and influential on social media.
Both shows will have a new look and feel with new graphics, but they will retain their same established weekly slots on CNN International.
CNN Marketplace Africa and African Voices are just two of CNN’s rich mix of feature shows about the continent. The network also broadcasts:
• its longest-running feature show Inside Africa, a cornerstone of the network’s coverage of Africa, now in its 16th year and hosted by Kenyan Soni Methu
• African Start-Up, launched in 2013, a weekly segment and bi-monthly show which follows entrepreneurs across the continent
• infographic series Africa View, which uses engaging data and insight to shine a light on Africa’s diversity, dynamism and role on the global stage
All of these shows are supported through engaging microsites, packed full of bespoke content, and social media initiatives such as Twitter chats and Q&As.
This rich content about Africa underpins CNN’s position as the continent’s #1 news channel and multiplatform news brand. The latest independent EMS research from Ipsos Mori shows that every month CNN reaches 59% of Africa’s upscale population via TV and digital platforms, well ahead of any direct competitors on every cross-platform metric.
“These changes to CNN’s Africa output reflect the dynamic and seismic change taking place on the continent today,’ said Ellana Lee, senior vice president at CNN International. “By bringing Zain Asher on board and completely refreshing two of our most-loved business and culture features shows we aim to uncover even more rich, vibrant and powerful stories and trends about modern Africa. With this unrivalled portfolio of five separate Africa content strands, CNN will continue to tell the world about this wonderful and inspiring continent.’
