CNA launched its expansion into North America on June 13, marking a significant move to broaden its international footprint and reach a wider global audience. The initiative includes a curated edition of its website and a live YouTube stream tailored for North American viewers. Additionally, within the next 12 months, CNA plans to introduce a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, further enhancing accessibility for audiences across the region.
The launch event, held at the prestigious Willard InterContinental hotel in Washington DC, drew about 200 distinguished guests including members of the United States Congress, academic leaders, business executives, and think tank representatives. Among them was Singapore’s Ambassador to the United States, Lui Tuck Yew, who emphasized the timeliness of CNA’s expansion amidst complex geopolitical dynamics and an election year in America.
CNA, owned by Mediacorp, Singapore’s national media network, aims to offer nuanced perspectives and in-depth insights into Asian affairs to North American audiences. Walter Fernandez, Mediacorp’s editor-in-chief, expressed enthusiasm about bringing CNA’s diverse range of content to North America, highlighting its role in providing timely news coverage, award-winning documentaries, and current affairs programming from an Asian perspective.
The broadcaster showcased exclusive award-winning content during the launch, underscoring its commitment to delivering high-quality journalism and insightful analysis. One of the featured documentaries, ‘Walk The Line’, explores the perilous journey of Chinese migrants through South and Central America to reach the US, resonating strongly with American viewers based on initial reception on platforms like YouTube.
Wei Du, a CNA correspondent and producer of ‘Walk The Line’, noted the documentary’s ability to bridge narratives between major global players like China and the US, reflecting a growing demand for Asian-centric content in the North American market.
CNA’s programming lineup for North American audiences includes daily news updates from the Asian region through programmes like Asia Tonight, along with detailed insights into developments across Greater China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula via East Asia Tonight. The channel also features acclaimed investigative documentaries like Insight, which delve into critical political, social, and economic issues affecting Asia and beyond.
Other notable programmes include ‘The Great Migration: A New Eden’, which documents the relocation of 3,500 birds to Asia’s largest bird park in Singapore, and ‘Preparing For Dangerous Storms: Inside the People’s Liberation Army’, a series highlighting China’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities amidst global challenges.
Established in March 1999, CNA has steadily expanded its global presence with correspondents in 15 major Asian cities and 23 bureaus across North America, Europe, and Africa. Mediacorp’s strategic focus on international growth aligns with surveys indicating substantial interest in Asia-related news and documentaries among audiences in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Niam Chiang Meng, Chairman of Mediacorp, emphasized the channel’s role in filling a critical gap in the North American media landscape by offering authentic narratives and firsthand perspectives from Asia. This includes comprehensive coverage of political developments, business trends, lifestyle features, and human-interest stories that reflect the rich diversity of the Asian continent.
Looking ahead, CNA’s expansion into North America represents a pivotal step in its mission to enhance global understanding of Asia and foster deeper engagement with international audiences. The channel continues to play a vital role in delivering credible, insightful journalism that resonates with viewers seeking comprehensive coverage of Asian affairs in an increasingly interconnected world.
