Business: Steve Marcopoto, president and managing director of Turner Broadcasting System Asia-Pacific. Editorial: Ian Macintosh, senior vice-president of CNN.
How many staff?
About 200, including journalists in Hong Kong's production facility and nine newsgathering bureaus in Asia, as well as staff handling ad sales, distribution (network, broadcast, hotel and content), marketing communications, legal, and others on the business side.
Marketing responsibilities?
I'm responsible for Turner's regional corporate communications, which includes our brand communications strategy; PR for CNN and Turner corporate (Turner also distributes and markets Cartoon Network, TCM and CETV in the region); and CNN marketing, involving brand/consumer marketing and sponsorships, sales support through trade marketing with our cable and broadcast TV affiliates and hotel partners, supporting ad sales, and corporate creative services.
Who's the competition?
In the news genre, BBC World because we are both international news channels. In terms of ads, CNBC and Discovery, which both target a similar demographic.
You could take this further to any media which targets affluents and business decisionmakers. But we don't see ourselves in direct competition with anyone.
How do you get a job at CNN?
We run a very lean operation. However, high-calibre professionals with relevant experience can contact our HR department.
Department or office transfers?
Yes. Depends on timing and an individual's capabilities, plus how well they have served in their current post.
Any training offered?
Yes.We're about to launch an e-learning programme as well.
Pay and perks?
Reasonably competitive.
Long hours?
It's the news business, so I wouldn't think about working here if you want a 9 to 5 job. But long hours are not mandated; rather, they are a result of our tremendously dedicated and committed staff.
Business travel?
Depends on your role. Journalists, the senior news and business executives, front-line distribution (network, broadcast and hotel) sales and ad sales staff travel the most. The team in marketing travels a fair bit as well.
