Channel NewsAsia
CNA, originally launched as Channel NewsAsia on 1 March 1999, is a Singaporean multinational news organization owned by Mediacorp, the country's state-owned media conglomerate, which is wholly owned by Temasek Holdings, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund.
CNA is renowned for presenting news "from an Asian perspective," distinguishing itself as a key player in the global news landscape.
Early History and Launch
The concept of CNA was conceived during a period of economic recession in Southeast Asia, with the aim of creating a news network focused on Asian stories and perspectives.
The channel was officially launched with a speech by then-Minister of Information and the Arts, George Yeo, at Raffles Place, Singapore.
The initial investment was estimated at S$20 million, with plans to grow to S$100 million over five years. The channel began as a business-focused network akin to CNN and CNBC but later broadened its scope to general news and current affairs.
From its inception, CNA aimed to differentiate itself from Western media by offering insights tailored to Asian audiences. Its first slogan, "We Know Asia," emphasized this mission.
Evolution and Rebranding
Over the years, CNA underwent several transformations:
- In 2000, it expanded its broadcasts beyond Singapore to other Asian countries and Australia.
- In 2013, CNA underwent a major relaunch, introducing a new studio at Marina Bay Financial Centre and expanding its programming under the slogan "Understand Asia."
- By 2019, CNA dropped the full "Channel NewsAsia" name to emphasize its multi-platform operations, aligning its television channel, digital platforms, and news radio station CNA938 under the same brand.
Content and Programming
CNA produces content across multiple platforms:
- 24-Hour Television Channel: Broadcasting in over 29 territories across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.
- Digital Media: Includes its website, mobile applications, and presence on streaming platforms such as meWatch and YouTube.
- Languages: Besides English, CNA produces news in Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, distributed through Mediacorp's local channels.
CNA’s flagship programs include Asia Tonight, Singapore Tonight, and investigative documentaries focusing on critical regional issues. Its coverage of global events, such as the September 11 attacks, elevated its reputation, attracting higher viewership than some international competitors in Asia.
Milestones and Achievements
- Early Growth:
- By 2001, CNA reached 12 million households across 15 countries, achieving its international targets two years ahead of schedule.
- The 2003 SARS outbreak saw record viewership, with 1.4 million cumulative viewers tuning in for related specials.
- Expansion:
- Opened bureaus in major cities including Yangon, Beijing, Tokyo, Mumbai, and Washington D.C.
- Entered markets such as Myanmar, India, and Canada, extending its reach to millions more households.
- Recognition:
- Received awards for its journalism and was lauded for its coverage of events such as the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election and regional political developments.
Recent Developments
- 2024 Expansion: Marking its 25th anniversary, CNA announced plans to expand in North America and Europe, launch an Indonesian-language website using AI-driven translation, and reinstate its program East Asia Tonight.
- Merger with TODAY: In August 2024, CNA announced the merger of its sister publication Today, transforming it into a digital weekend magazine under the CNA brand.
Criticism and Public Perception
While CNA is praised for its professionalism and regional expertise, it has faced criticism for its close alignment with Singapore’s government due to its ownership by Temasek Holdings. Detractors argue that this compromises its editorial independence, though CNA emphasizes its commitment to balanced and factual reporting.