Starting Point (TV program)

Starting Point (formerly Starting Point with Soledad O'Brien) is a morning television show on CNN anchored by Soledad O'Brien. The show aired from January 2012 to June 2013. Together with the program Early Start (4.00–6.00 a.m. weekdays), it replaced American Morning, which ran from September 2001 to December 2011, under a variety of presenters. Starting Point was itself replaced by New Day in June 2013, which is broadcast from 6.00–9.00 a.m. daily.

Starting Point
Also known asStarting Point with Soledad O'Brien
Presented bySoledad O'Brien: January 2, 2012-March 29, 2013
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerShannon High
Production locationNew York City
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time120 minutes
Original release
NetworkCNN
ReleaseJanuary 2, 2012 (2012-01-02) –
June 14, 2013 (2013-06-14)

Format

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CNN described the show as a "conversational ensemble" with O'Brien at its center.[1] It was broadcast from CNN's studios in New York City, but had also broadcast in various diners around the United States.[2][3] Frequent panelists included Will Cain, Margaret Hoover, and Roland S. Martin.

2012 presidential election

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The show followed the 2012 Republican primary trail by broadcasting from states where primaries are held, usually in local diners and cafes. In its first two weeks, O'Brien anchored first from Des Moines, Iowa and then Manchester, New Hampshire to cover the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary respectively.[4][5] Other cities the show has covered include Charleston, South Carolina[6] and Jacksonville Beach, Florida.[7]

History

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Reports emerged in September 2011 that CNN was seeking to replace American Morning due to poor ratings by bringing Soledad O'Brien back to its morning lineup. O'Brien co-hosted American Morning from 2003 to 2007.[8] By November 2011, CNN announced that American Morning would be replaced by two new programs, with O'Brien anchoring the second slot from 7:00-9:00AM.[1] The show's name was announced as Starting Point via Twitter.[9][10]

The show premiered on January 2, 2012, and aired weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET.[9] Along with Early Start, Starting Point replaced American Morning, which aired from 2001 to 2011.

The show received poor ratings, and was canceled in early 2013 by CNN executive Jeff Zucker.[11] The final show with O'Brien as host aired on March 29, 2013.[11] Starting Point was replaced by New Day, co-anchored by Chris Cuomo and Kate Bolduan.[11] CNN announced that O'Brien would continue to produce documentaries for CNN and other networks by launching her own start-up production company, Starfish Media Group.[12][13]

References

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  1. ^ a b Mirkinson, Jack (2011-11-03). "Soledad O'Brien CNN Morning Show Announced, Replacing 'American Morning'". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  2. ^ "Transcript: Starting Point with Soledad O'Brien". CNN. 2012-01-16. Archived from the original on 2012-05-04.
  3. ^ "Transcript: Starting Point with Soledad O'Brien". CNN. 2012-01-12. Archived from the original on 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  4. ^ "Soledad O'Brien anchors Starting Point from Iowa today'". CNN. 2012-01-01. Archived from the original on 2012-01-05. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
  5. ^ O'Brien, Soledad (2012-01-06). Romney advisor responds to Globe endorsement of Huntsman and talks campaign (Television production). CNN. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2011-01-06.
  6. ^ "Transcript: Starting Point with Soledad O'Brien". CNN. 2012-01-20. Archived from the original on 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-01-20.
  7. ^ "Transcript: Starting Point with Soledad O'Brien". CNN. 2012-01-27. Retrieved 2012-02-04.
  8. ^ Mirkinson, Jack (2011-09-15). "Soledad O'Brien May Return To 'American Morning'". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  9. ^ a b Ariens, Chris (2011-12-29). "New CNN Morning Show to Launch Monday". TV Newser. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  10. ^ CNN Public Relations (2011-12-29). "Beginning Jan. 2nd Starting Point with @Soledad_OBrien airs 7-9aET, live from Des Moines, Iowa. Follow @StartingPtCNN #CNNElection". Twitter. Retrieved 2011-12-29. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  11. ^ a b c Adam Gabbatt, CNN's Soledad O'Brien signs off with call for 'tough conversations', The Guardian (March 29, 2016).
  12. ^ "CNN Joins Forces with Soledad O'Brien's New Production Company". CNN. February 21, 2013. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013.
  13. ^ Don Kaplan, Soledad O'Brien marks one-year anniversary of her production company, Starfish Media Group, New York Daily News (May 18, 2014).
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Preceded by CNN Weekday Lineup
7:00AM–9:00AM
Succeeded by