CNN is expanding its footprint in the Middle East with the creation of a new operation in Qatar.
The presence in Qatar will add to CNN’s existing Middle East programming and newsgathering hubs: its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, home to Connect the World with Becky Anderson; Dubai, the base for CNN Arabic; and CNN’s bureaus across the region.

The new CNN operation is based in Media City Qatar, which has emerged as a leading hub for media and technology companies, and will go live in the second half of 2025.
Its focus will be the development of multi-platform content. A team of CNN content creators will be publishing on digital and social platforms and producing a new weekly show for CNN International.
CNN said the expansion would provide it with additional resources in the Gulf and Middle East at a time when the region is central to the global news agenda.
“CNN has a deep commitment to editorial coverage of the Middle East,” said Mike McCarthy, Executive Vice President & Managing Editor of CNN Worldwide. “Whether by adding to our ability to report from the region, providing new, cutting-edge studio facilities, or allowing us to tell a wider range of stories from here in new ways, including via a brand new weekly show, this new operation in Qatar both underscores and expands that commitment.”

European women’s football media rights remain undervalued, finds report
European women’s football leagues continue to be undervalued by media owners, despite the growing popularity of the sport, according to an Ampere Analysis report.

Comcast’s Peacock platform hits 41m subscribers
Cable giant Comcast has hit 41m subscribers for its streaming platform Peacock in the first quarter of 2025, up from 36m from the previous quarter.

Effects of AI on broadcast newsrooms ‘astounding’ says EBU
The pace of AI development and the effects on broadcast newsrooms in the past 10 months have been ‘astounding’ according to the author of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) News Report 2025.

EastEnders wins BAFTA Television Craft Special Award
BAFTA has named EastEnders as the recipient of this year’s BAFTA Television Craft Special Award, one of its highest honours.

IBC Innovation Awards 2025: Nominations now open across five categories
IBC has opened nominations for this year’s Innovation Awards, recognising pioneering advances in technology and social impact in the media and entertainment (M&E) industry.