CNN International is set to unveil a new multiplatform program titled “CNN Creators,” operating from its state-of-the-art facility in Doha’s Media City Qatar.
The 30-minute weekly show on CNN International will debut on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. ET, starting from October 23, as part of a phased rollout. Initially branded as “CNN Creators – The Intro,” this phase aims to introduce a diverse team of content creators, “each with their own unique background, interests, skills and perspective,” based on CNN’s statement.
“These digital-first storytellers will engage with trending conversations that shape our culture, focusing on themes such as AI, technology, art, culture, sports, and social phenomena,” the statement elaborated.
Leading the “CNN Creators” initiative from Doha will be Andrew Potter, a former senior editorial producer at Vice. Joining him are Ivana Scatola, a multilingual digital video producer with past experience at BBC and France 24; Bijan Hosseini, recognized by CNN International viewers for hosting various feature segments across TV and social media; and Antoinette Radford, another ex-BBC News journalist who now contributes to CNN’s Digital Live News team.
The team at launch will also include Matias Grez, an award-winning CNN Sport producer and reporter based in London for over a decade, along with Ben Foley, a seasoned war photojournalist whose career has spanned esteemed organizations including Seven Network, Network Ten in Australia, Al Jazeera, Vice, and The New York Times.
In early 2026, the show will evolve into its permanent format as “CNN Creators.” It will mark the first program to be anchored from CNN’s latest cutting-edge facility in Doha’s Media City Qatar. The specially designed studio (as shown above) will feature customized workspaces intended to foster dynamic content creation and spontaneous collaboration among the team, according to the statement. In addition to the TV broadcast, “CNN Creators” will craft content for CNN.com and other social media platforms.
“’CNN Creators’ represents a groundbreaking venture for us,” stated Meara Erdozain, SVP of CNN International programming. “This innovative, digital-centric initiative will echo how younger demographics connect with narratives, delivering engaging and entertaining content through multiple formats,” she added.
Back in February, CNN inaugurated a new broadcast hub in Qatar, its first facility in a new nation since the establishment of their Abu Dhabi bureau in 2009.
CNN’s expansion in Qatar strengthens its existing Middle Eastern programming and news gathering operations, alongside CNN’s flagship headquarters in the region. Abu Dhabi is known for “Connect the World With Becky Anderson,” while Dubai serves as the center for CNN Arabic.
Qatar plays a significant role in international diplomacy, particularly in facilitating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and it is also the home of the influential Al Jazeera news network, CNN’s key competitor in the region.
