Latest move to shake up CNN: A new documentary division
Production still from 'Girl Rising.' via 10x10act.com
12:11 pm Oct. 8, 2012
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CNN is getting into the movie business.
The network today announced the creation of a documentary unit called CNN Films, which will "secure feature-length documentaries for air on CNN and CNN International, alongside theatrical distribution," according to a press release.
The move is part of CNN's broader strategy of creating up new, celebrity-fueled non-fiction programming in the face of spiraling ratings for its weeknight news programs.
Development deals have already been signed with Alex Gibney and Andrew Rossi. The first documentary, "Girl Rising," which "tells the extraordinary stories of several girls from around the globe, fighting to overcome impossible odds to realize their dreams" (with voice performances by Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and others), will air next spring.
You can watch a preview below:
In other news...
New York Times union members will stage a walk-out today: "It's time to raise out voices." [Jim Romenesko]
Jennifer Saba dives deep into Lex Fenwick's reign at Dow Jones. [Reuters]
How BuzzFeed is winning with sponsored content. [The Wall Street Journal]
Tucker Carlson's transformation from debate to click-bait. [The New York Times]
Nick Denton is being harrassed by his new boyfriend's ex. [New York Post]
IvyGate and the college plagiarism beat. [Poynter]
The Paris Review gets a mobile app. [NYT/Media Decoder]
