MUMBAI: CNN is expanding its live programming in the Asia Pacific region with the launch of a primetime morning and an evening news show.

Additionally, it has appointed two new full-time anchors Patricia Wu and Monita Rajpal to Hong Kong bureau.

CNN International SVP Mike McCarthy said, “The Asia Pacific region is dynamic, compelling and delivers stories that shape the news day for the rest of the world. We are delighted to further increase coverage here from our headquarters in Hong Kong, through a new programming line up that reinforces our commitment to remaining the number one international news network in Asia, unmatched in our award-winning and relevant coverage.”

Starting 19 November, the new primetime morning show, ‘CNN Newsroom, Live from Hong Kong’, will air from 3.30 am to 5.30 am IST each weekday (Monday to Friday). In the show, co-hosts Andrew Stevens and Patricia Wu will cover the top stories from Asia Pacific and across the world, along with headlines across business, sport, weather, technology and
entertainment.

Wu is a Hong Kong-based anchor/correspondent, having relocated from CNN’s New York studio to co-host the new Asia morning show.

Rajpal is also relocating from CNN London to host a new Asia primetime evening news show, ‘CNN NewsCenter’. The soon-to-be launched Hong Kong-anchored ‘CNN NewsCenter’ will air from 5 pm – 5.30 pm IST each weekday.

As part of the network’s new Asia line-up, Pauline Chiou, who has been a Hong Kong based anchor/correspondent with CNN for more than three years, will replace Andrew Stevens as the co-host of the network’s business show, World Business Today. ‘World Business Today’ airs Monday to Friday from 2.30pm – 3.30pm and 7.30pm – 8.30pm.

Anna Coren, who has been anchoring with CNN for four years, will now be an international correspondent based out of Hong Kong, allowing her to also cover the region as news warrants.