Jordan Times
Friday, November 25, 2005
CNN to host first ever live int'l broadcast from Petra
AMMAN (JT) — CNN is to take an unprecedented step
this week by hosting the first-ever live broadcast from inside the ancient city
of Petra, one of the world's most famous tourist destinations and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
With the support of the ministries of tourism and information and communications
technology, Petra's world famous Treasury will be illuminated on Friday night
for a live telecast to viewers all over the world.
CNN anchor Hala Gorani will co-host a special live edition of “Eye on the Middle
East” with Jim Clancy in Beirut.
As a conclusion to CNN's special week of live programming from the region, the
Friday evening programme will see the Treasury of the ancient capital of the
Nabataean civilisation dramatically lit for the night-time transmission, the
statement said.
“For 25 years, CNN has provided its viewers with unique and exclusive reporting
that goes deeper to deliver a story that provides a richer and broader
understanding. This live broadcast from one of the Middle East's most iconic
tourist and historical sites, cements CNN's commitment to the region, delivering
a unique perspective on the region to our global audience,” said Rena Golden,
senior vice president of CNN International.
“It is entirely fitting that Petra, the treasure of Jordan that also belongs to
the world, should be the location for this historic broadcast. The selection of
this enthralling site, steeped in history and heritage, matches the exciting
scope of the global communications vision shown by CNN in their coverage of the
Middle East, and is to be welcomed for its timeliness as well as its central
message of peace and stability,” then-Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Alia
Hattough-Bouran said.
“Eye on the Middle East” is part of the special programming commissioned to
celebrate CNN's 25th anniversary. The live feature from Petra will include a
special report on the logistics of setting up a live night-time broadcast.