News
Analysis
Swanni
Predicts: CNN to Launch HDTV Channel in 2005
The
cable news network is working behind the scenes
on production and make-up changes.
By Phillip Swann
Washington, D.C. (March 28) -- I predict
that CNN will launch a High-Definition TV
channel by year's end. And, if it happens, CNN
will be the first cable news network to go
high-def.
Although I am saying that the high-def network
will be announced by year's end, it could come
much sooner than that. One well-connected source
tells me that CNN was once considering a March
2005 launch. However, the network apparently
felt it was not quite ready. CNN has been
quietly working on several changes to their
production and studio operations to prepare for
the switch.
For instance, I have learned that CNN has been
conducting training sessions to teach its makeup
artists the latest techniques in
"airbrushing," the makeup method used
by The Tonight Show to prepare guests for
its high-def production. Airbrushing is supposed
to help cover up facial imperfections and aging
signs that are more visible when seen in
crystal-clear HDTV.
In addition, CNN has purchased several new HD
cameras and revamped some of their studio stages
to get ready for high-def. You may notice, for
instance, that Anderson Cooper's nightly
newscast at 7 p.m. Eastern offers a much clearer
picture than other live CNN broadcasts. Cooper's
show is produced at the network's New York
headquarters, where much of the HD planning has
been underway.
CNN's interest in HDTV follows an industry
trend. Several local stations, including WUSA, a
CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C., have
announced that they will do their evening news
programs in high-def.
While it's possible that CNN will delay its HD
launch until next year, I believe that the
network is determined to move forward with its
plans. CNN officials believe that HDTV could
help it regain some of the momentum (and
ratings) that it has lost to rival Fox News
Channel over the last few years. (Fox and MSNBC,
another cable news network, have not announced
plans to offer HDTV channels in the near
future.)
In addition, HDTV owners generally have more
money than the average TV viewer, which could
boost the network's advertising potential.
I will keep you posted on new developments on my
latest prediction. To see a list of my past 2005
predictions, many of which have already come
true, click:
2005
Predictions
-30-
Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com,
has been quoted on TV technology in dozens of
publications and by broadcast outlets, such as
The Chicago Tribune, The Hollywood Reporter, Fox
News and CNN. If you would like to contact Mr.
Swann, he can be reached at 703-505-3064 or at swann@tvpredictions.com
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