• CNN's Amanpour awarded CBE in Queen Elizabeth II's birthday honours list


    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 19, 2007

    MUMBAI: For her services to journalism, Christiane Amanpour, CNN‘s chief international correspondent, on Saturday, June 16, 2007 was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.

    The award was announced on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II official birthday, and Amanpour was one of a select number of public and private British citizens to be honoured with this prestigious award.

    Established in June 1917 by King George V, the CBE is one of five medals that make up the " The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire," which recognizes outstanding contributions in the service of the country and the honoree‘s profession. Amanpour is among a small number of journalists to have been awarded a CBE.

    " I am proud to be part of this tradition," Amanpour said. "I am stunned and delighted to be recognized in this wonderful way for my work, AND of course for being a True Brit!"

    "This is a wonderful honou r for Christiane and a tribute to her outstanding dedication to the profession of journalism," said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. "Everyone at CNN is extremely proud of the work she does and very excited for her on this important day."

    Amanpour, born of British/Iranian parentage, has reported on most crises from the world‘s many news hotspots, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, Pakistan, Somalia, Rwanda and the Balkans.

    Her assignments have ranged from exclusive interviews with world leaders to reporting on the human consequences of natural disasters or covering events from the heart of war zones. She has received wide acclaim and numerous awards for her work, particularly for her extensive coverage of conflicts in the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East. Amanpour‘s recent work has focused on a series of highly acclaimed long-form programs including two award-winning documentaries: Where Have All The Parents Gone?, a powerful film examining the plight of the more than one million children orphaned to AIDS in Kenya, and In the Footsteps of Bin Laden, a two-hour exploration of the life of the world‘s most-wanted terrorist.

    CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world‘s most extensively syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

  • Diana's Princes Bare Their Hearts on Hallmark Channel

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 18, 2007

    MUMBAI: Hallmark Channel will be the first in Asia (except Philippines) to air this exclusive interview where NBC New‘s Matt Lauer conducts a captivating and candid interview with Princes William and Harry.

    It will be shown on Hallmark Channel on 19 June 2007 at 6:30pm - less than a day it first airs in US.

    NBC News‘s Matt Lauer conducts a captivating and candid interview with Princes William and Harry during which the British royals discuss everything from their romantic relationships, to Harry‘s anticipated tour of duty in Iraq and the lasting legacy of their late mother, Princess Diana, as it approaches the tenth anniversary of her tragic death.

    In their first ever American television interview, William and Harry are amazingly forthcoming and refreshingly free of protocol-no topic is off limits here-as they offer illuminating insight into what it‘s like to live under constant media scrutiny, and how that lack of privacy affects their relationships with friends, girlfriends and each other.

    This August marks the tenth anniversary of the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana. The Princes talked with Lauer about why they decided to honor their mother with a concert held in London on her July 1st birthday, how they will memorialize her on this anniversary, and the paths their lives have taken since her untimely death.

    Among the topics discussed with the Princes are their thoughts on trying to lead a normal life-- what they remember of their mother and her challenge to do so, their feelings about the public‘s fascination with them, and how this affects all aspects of their personal lives.

    Additionally, the Princes discuss their opinions of America, the fact that they have an image here, what they would do if they were not royalty, and what their childhood nicknames were.

     
  • World's untold stories: Harsh Beauty

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 18, 2007

    MUMBAI: For centuries, Eunuchs have been an important part of Indian society. But the elevated role they once held has now faded.Today they live in isolated communities, working as prostitutes and beggars. Life may be hard but inside the community of hermaphrodites and castrated males, there‘s a real sense of warmth and camaraderie.

    World‘s untold stories: Harsh Beauty follows the lives of Jyothi, Usha and Hira Bai, three Eunuchs struggling for acceptance in a culture splintered by religion, caste and politics. Filmed over four years, the documentary takes a warm and poignant look inside this usually hidden group.

    ‘Harsh Beauty‘ is part of CNN International‘s weekly 30 minute documentary strand, World‘s untold stories. Produced by UK firm Journeyman Pictures, the documentaries are fresh and compelling and aim to cover controversial issues that have been getting little or no media attention.

    Airtimes: Indian Standard Times

    Friday, July 6 at 2330hrs

    Saturday, July 7 at 1630hrs

    Sunday, July 8 at 1530hrs

  • Newsleader Specials of the Week: Times Now

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 15, 2007

    MUMBAI: Come Back Safe, Sunita, Times Now started an in-depth coverage of the Sunita Williams story, reporting live from New York and the NASA headquarters in Houston, as news broke that the shuttle had developed a snag.

    The channel has constantly been in touch with Sunita‘s family and friends, with thousands of viewers sending in their wishes for her.

    Tune in to the special ‘The Sunita Williams Story‘ as the Atlantis prepares to re-enter the earth‘s atmosphere.

    Sunday, 17 June, 9:30 am, 4:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

    Rajni- the Eternal Superstar, The superstar. The phenomenon. Rajnikanth hits the big screen this weekend. And Times Now is getting him into the homes of the viewers. With the release of Sivaji- the boss, Times Now tracks the incredible story of the sensation from the south.

    All through the week, Times Now lets Rajnikanth fans share their devotion for him with ‘I want to be Rajni‘ contest.

    Tune in to the Rajni Weekend Special: Rajni Eternal, Superstar.
    Saturaday, 16 Junes, 6:30 pm and 10 :30 pm. Sunday 17 June, 1:30 pm

     
  • Watch an ingenious twist on the classic beauty pageant - Miss Popularity only on Zone Reality

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 15, 2007

    MUMBAI: An ingenious twist on the classic beauty pageant contest.

    When 10 beautiful young women enter a television beauty pageant, they have every right to expect the high life. But instead, the dazzling beauties are dumped in the middle of the harsh Australian outback where they are about to get the shock of their lives.

    Rescued by local cowboys, the 10 contestants are taken to live in a remote country town where they‘ll compete to win a big cash prize, but those serious about winning can‘t fall back on looks.

    This reality challenge is about inner qualities and charm and the girls must dig deep if they are to stand any chance of taking out the ‘Miss Popularity‘ crown. The girls need to replace their vanity bags with sheer guts and determination because the folk from this outback town are the ones casting votes and ultimately deciding their fate. The challenges are tough, but the townsfolk are tougher when it comes time to choose who can stay and who must pack their stilettos and leave for home.

    Its about winning hearts and finding beauty within; because theres no room for princess behaviour in an outback town from Down Under!

    Airs weekdays at 18:55 ? 19:45 IST from 18th ? 29th June.

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