PAX Middle East reaffirms CNN's position as the global leading international news channel

CNN has recorded top audiences as the international news channel in the key measures of monthly and weekly reach, with 26.6% of respondents watching CNN on a monthly basis and 18.2% each week. This puts CNN clearly ahead of its nearest competitor, BBC World, which reaches 21% on a monthly basis and 16.6% each week.

The survey also establishes CNN as the leading channel for reaching the much sought-after demographic of opinion leaders and top management, reaching 35.0% of opinion leaders every month, 9% more than BBC World, and 27% of top management 49% more than the BBC. CNN also reaches more frequent business flyers in the Middle East with 36.7% of the potential audience, 16% more than the BBC.

"We are delighted that PAX ME has once again confirmed CNN's position as the world's leading English language news network, adding the Middle East to our global audience figures," said Rani R Raad Vice President, CNN International Advertising Sales Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa and CIS. "The survey has further established the importance of an international perspective to news and business, in the global market.

"The key thing for CNN about this study is that this is the first time that we have had access to syndicated measurement of our audiences in the Middle East and helps consolidate CNN's position as the number one channel for our clients," Raad affirmed.

The PAX ME survey also confirmed CNN's position as the number one English language news channel with the Arab audience in all measures. 19.8% of the Arab population across the region tune into CNN each month, against 12% for BBC World.

In 2006 CNN has rated as the leading news brand for the world's most senior corporate and financial decisions makers by the Global Capital Markets Survey, conducted by Objective Research. The PAX Asia-Pacific market survey also rated CNN as the leading channel in that region, with dramatic gains in 'top management' viewership, and the channel also scored impressive results the EMS (European Media & Marketing Survey) Winter results, in January.