CNN (Cable News Network): an advertising-supported cable television network, founded in 1980 by American businessman Ted Turner. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, CNN was the first 24-hour television network devoted entirely to news broadcasts. In its first year it aired extensive live coverage of the national presidential conventions, a practice continued in subsequent election years, and provided coverage of national election campaigns. Since 1981 CNN has covered important courtroom proceedings nationally, and it also has live coverage of such events as NASA spaceflight missions. In 1991 the network received wide publicity when its reporter Peter Arnett remained in Iraq during the Persian Gulf War to continue his reports. CNN also carries regular programming devoted to international news, business and sports news, health issues, and entertainment news. Its sister network, CNN International, can be received in more than 200 countries, including the United States. CNN has received many Peabody Awards and other awards for excellence in programming. CNN also produces CNN Headline News, a channel running 48 half hour television news programs consecutively throughout the day, and CNN Radio, a 24-hour syndicated service. In 1996 Time Warner (now AOL Time Warner) acquired the Turner Broadcasting System, which owned CNN and other cable-television networks. The web site http://www.cnn.com/ presents current news, weather, sports, and entertainment information.
