August- September 2005

CNN is “On the Story” at GW

New Program Looks Beyond the Headlines of Week’s Top News Stories

BY JAMIE L. FREEDMAN

GW began an exciting new chapter in its ongoing relationship with CNN on July 8, when the Jack Morton Auditorium opened its doors to “On the Story,” an interactive, global news program that tapes every Friday evening on campus before a studio audience.

The one-hour show, featuring a rotating cast of CNN correspondents including CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour,transports viewers behind the headlines of the world’s top weekly news stories. An insider’s look a twhat it’s like for CNN journalists to be on the front lines of the hottest news events around the globe, the program features firsthand accounts of the newsgathering process, never-before-seen raw news footage, and questions from the studio audience.

“GW is pleased and proud to continue our partnership with CNN, especially on a program that brings together top correspondents from around the world to offer the audience additional depth and perspective on the top stories of the week,” said GW Vice President for Communications Michael Freedman. “GW students have a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes, ask questions of the correspondents, and learn more about the process of gathering, sorting, and reporting. Judging from the tremendous interest even during the heat of summer, I’d say CNN ‘On the Story’ will be a hot ticket on campus and across Washington throughout the year.”

Lucy Spiegel, senior executive producer of “On the Story” and CNN vice president for weekend programming, said that CNN is pleased to make GW the show’s new home. “Taping ‘On the Story’ at GW is a terrific opportunity to do a hard news show in front of a live audience in a top-notch facility.” Spiegel added, “Our relationship with GW is an important factor in the success of our show.”

At GW, “On the Story” replaces CNN’s leading political debate program “Crossfire,” which ended production on June 3 after airing 736 shows live from the Jack Morton Auditorium in the Media and Public Affairs Building. The program drew much excitement during its three years at GW, where some 117,000 visitorsparticipated as studio audience members and more than 200 students served as “Crossfire” interns, volunteers, and staff.

“We are thrilled to host a new CNN program at GW,” said Heather Clapp Date, coordinating producer of CNN at GW. “We have enjoyed terrific audience involvement and turnout for the first few weeks of ‘On the Story’ at GW, helping us get off to a great start. We are looking forward to continuing the great run asthe fall semester kicks off.” “On the Story” is taped from 7:30 to 8:30 pm every Friday. Doors open at 6:30 pm and audience members must be seated by 7:10 pm.The program airs onCNN Saturday at 7 pm and replays Sunday at 10 am. To reserve free tickets to be a part of the studio audience, call 202/994-8CNN or visit CNN.com/OntheStory.

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