Cable News Network, always referred to by its initialism CNN, is a major US Cable News Network founded in 1980 by Ted Turner.[1][2] Upon its launch, CNN was the first station to provide 24-hour television news coverage,[3] and the first all-news television network in the United States.[4] While the news network has numerous affiliates, CNN primarily broadcasts from its headquarters at the CNN Center in Atlanta, the Time Warner Center in New York City, and studios in Washington, D.C.. CNN is owned by parent company Time Warner, and the U.S. news network is a division of the Turner Broadcasting System.[5]
CNN is sometimes referred to as CNN/U.S. to distinguish the North American channel from its international counterpart, CNN International. Its news gathering resources are second only to Britain's BBC News in the number of employed news journalists and worldwide news bureaus.[6][7] As of June 2008, CNN is available in over 93 million U.S. households.[8] Broadcast coverage extends to over 890,000 American hotel rooms,[8] and the U.S broadcast is also shown in Canada. Globally, CNN programming airs through CNN International, which can be seen by viewers in over 212 countries and territories.[9]
The first CNN broadcast went live on June 1, 1980.[4] By providing around-the-clock news reports and updates, the network became an alternative to the traditional morning and evening news cycle that had dominated television news since its inception.[4] CNN gained further prominence with its exclusive live coverage of the Gulf War in 1991, which brought global attention to the network.[4][8] A sister channel, Headline News (originally called CNN2), launched in 1982, and CNN International debuted in 1985. Since CNN's debut, more than 70 television networks have launched with 24-hour news coverage.[3]
In terms of unique viewers (Nielsen Cume Ratings), CNN rates as America's number one cable news network,[10] and is ranked number two behind Fox News in total audience Nielsen ratings.[11] Among the general public, CNN has a more centrist perception[12] as opposed to Fox News, regarded as catering to more conservative views,[13] or MSNBC, which has been accused of leaning left.[14][15][16]
CNN's main slogan is "The Most Trusted Name in News."[17]
