CNN is marshalling its global resources for a major initiative that takes on human trafficking with the launch of ‘The CNN Freedom Project: Ending Modern-Day Slavery’, it was announced today by Tony Maddox, executive vice president and managing director of CNN International. Throughout 2011, CNN’s reporting will expose the horrors of modern-day slavery, highlight the growing efforts to stop the trade and exploitation of human beings and amplify the voices of the victims.
“It’s our journalism-based assertion that this is the greatest uncovered breaking news story of today, and CNN plans to rip the lid off,” said Maddox. “The inhumanity of those who trade humans is truly shocking and should be stopped. Our coverage will spotlight not just those responsible, but the many courageous groups and individuals on the frontlines doing genuinely admirable work.”
Launching today, CNN International (CNNI) will lead this initiative with special reports on trafficking on every CNNI signature programme for the full first week of the ‘The CNN Freedom Project.’ Throughout the year, CNNI will air numerous reports on the subject – with a focus on solution-oriented information and analysis – within specific programmes and documentaries, some within the award-winning World’s Untold Stories strand.
Increasing the scope and reach of this work, ‘The CNN Freedom Project’ will air across CNNI and CNN.com in a powerful and distinct online collaboration which will embrace viewer involvement and first-hand accounts. ‘The CNN Freedom Project’ site on CNN.com will educate, motivate and unravel the complicated tangle of criminal enterprises trading in human life.
CNN.com’s Freedom Project blog will serve as the platform where the audience can dig deeper into the issues and participate in the global discussion and debate around modern-day slavery. The blog will feature a diverse range of voices, from celebrity activists to anti-slavery campaigners. Online at www.cnn.com/freedom, the blog will regularly feature interactive elements to explain the epidemic:
- “The Number,” a weekly graphic that breaks down the numbers related to human trafficking.
- “Solutions,” success stories about people and nations who are fighting slavery.
- “iReport Challenge” – CNN iReport, the network’s user-generated news community, is asking users to take a stand against slavery. As the year goes on, iReport will give users a chance to participate in the global discussion about modern-day slavery through a series of assignments.
- Data Visualizations will also be featured on the blog later in the year to show the scope of the problem, the local and global aspects of human trafficking and discrepancy in consistent numbers.
Content from the Freedom Project blog is also available through CNN’s mobile website.
‘The CNN Freedom Project’ is joining the global conversation on Twitter – @CNNFreedom – and Facebook at www.facebook.com/CNNFreedom. Through these channels, users can connect directly with CNN about this cause, learn more about the organizations standing on the frontlines and see how they are affecting change.
CNN will also collaborate with a number of celebrities and celebrity foundations around the world. Through these geographically-strategic relationships, CNN will develop unique content that highlights the great work that’s being done all over the globe.
CNN en Español is marking the launch of ‘The CNN Freedom Project’ today with special reports and packages to air across its programming lineup.
CNN Student News will also develop resources for teachers and parents as well as lesson plans for students. Student News will also work with the CNN Challenge to develop a game to help inform students about the human slavery issue.
(Source: CNN)
on Mar 12th, 2011 at 05:39
It is really worth praising that a serious effort in a positive direction has been taken up by CNN in the benefit of the exploited persons, specially girls and women. And, hence, I would like to participate actively in the development, documentation and publication of series of interactive sessions, visits based interviews and sharing of the experiences sessions for the CNN. Will CNN sponsor these efforts.If implemented, this will go a long way in generating the pro active initiatives among people in general and persons affected in particular. I am also doing a PhD on the topic related to the HIV/AIDS, Condom Promotion, Family Planning and other related issues in developed and developing countries.
on Mar 22nd, 2011 at 14:28
When I heard about the CNN Freedom Project launch, I heaved a sigh or relief. I did this because with CNN at the fore front of a serious issue as this, I think justice will take its natural course. It is very disheartening that mostly women and girls are targeted in this business.
I am a teacher in Africa and notice with a lot of regret how female students trade their bodies for marks at end of course examinations. I find this modern day slavery and I think these students need to be educated on the fact that if they study hard they will make it at end of course examinations.
I want to wish the ‘CNN freedom Project’ more power to her elbow and success in this necessary venture for the freedom of mankind.