CNN Wins Two RTNDA 2002 Edward R. Murrow Awards

June 20, 2002

CNN has been awarded two top honors from one of the most prestigious competitions in the television news industry, it was announced today. The network claimed two 2002 Edward R. Murrow awards in the categories of Continuing Coverage and News Documentary in the Network Television Division.

The Murrow awards, sponsored by the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA), have recognized outstanding achievements in electronic journalism since 1971. The awards ceremony will be held Oct. 7 in New York City when CNN will be honored with awards in the following categories in the Network Television Division:

Continuing Coverage: Sept. 11, 2001: Terrorist Attacks
CNN's minute-by-minute coverage of the Sept. 11 events that unfolded in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa., brought viewers the first images of the attacks. Coverage included constant news updates from each scene, eye-witness accounts, international reports and in-depth perspectives from CNN's top anchors and correspondents around the world. With five hours of non-stop breaking news anchored by CNN's Aaron Brown and Judy Woodruff, CNN's Sept. 11, 2001: Terrorist Attacks captured the rising tension in both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as the United States' demand for answers.

News Documentary: CNN Presents: 'Beneath the Veil'
Investigative journalist Saira Shah journeys to her ancestral home of Afghanistan to look at life under the iron rule of the Taliban. Using secret footage, hidden cameras and with unprecedented access, Ms. Shah shows viewers the ruins of Kabul, public executions and the forbidden underground network of women struggling to survive. From the frontlines to the forbidden classrooms, the execution grounds to the ruined gardens of Ms. Shah's father's homeland, this film takes a searing and disturbing look into the Afghanistan of Taliban rule. This year's competition judged 2,303 entries from 511 organizations. The awards carry the name of the CBS News legend whose pursuit of excellence embodies the spirit of the awards that carry his name.

CNN, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., an AOL Time Warner Company, is one of the world's most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to 15 cable and satellite television networks; three private place-based networks; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; 12 Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; and CNN Newsource, the world's most extensively syndicated news service.

Contact Info:

Nancy Fletcher (CNN)
nancy.fletcher@cnn.com 404/827-1673

Sarah Hamilton (CNN)
sarah.hamilton@cnn.com 404/878-0697