CNN International and Samsung Electronic ink exclusive deal to pre-load mobile news application

The landmark agreement between CNN International's parent company, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., and Samsung affords a six month window where it will be the exclusive device manufacturer to host this new Java service, which was launched in February at the GSMA Mobile World Congress.

The partnership will be executed across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

"This move provides our audiences with easier access to CNN International's first class multi-media news service," commented Casey Harwood, Senior Vice President, Turner Europe. "The collaboration with Samsung underscores CNN's commitment to aligning with the best telecommunications partners in the business to provide consumers with a dynamic user experience and immediate access to our global news product, delivered through sophisticated technology".

"By embedding CNN International's content into our intensive range of mobile phones, Samsung is providing innovative new ways for consumers to experience and enjoy diverse multimedia entertainment through their mobile. With CNN International's solution, Samsung will be able to deliver its end users with the rich multimedia experience"

stated Jongkyun Shin, Executive Vice President and head of Mobile R&D Team, Samsung Electronics.

The agreement grants purchasers of select Samsung handsets one-click access to CNN's vast newsgathering output including access to thousands of reports and images from CNN's global correspondents in the field.

The roll-out will begin with the Samsung G810 5-megapixel cameraphone (available in Europe from May), and subsequently roll out to other handset models.

CNN's Java application, pre-loaded on Samsung devices, enables users to prioritise favourite categories, get quick access to top stories via the animated news flipper, ads and watch the hourly on-demand 'CNN World News Now' video headlines.

A 360 degree globe and interactive maps allow users to search more than one thousand cities around the world for detailed five day weather forecasts.

CNN's global audience can also submit iReports to CNN's citizen journalism website by sending still images or video from their mobile handsets via a built in bookmark.

CNN has been at the forefront of international news for over 25 years.

The company's award winning coverage of world events ensures that its audience is always the first to know about breaking stories.

CNN's mobile service is available subscription-free across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America to all WAP-enabled handsets by entering http://CNNmobile.com into the device's internet browser.

CNN's new downloadable Java application is also available globally, subscription free via CNNMobile.com, the brand's signature WAP site, to all compatible multi-media handsets.