A widely distributed international network and a top news Web site now help drive profits at CNN. "The U.S. network is a very high-profile part
of what we do, but we have experienced growth around the world and digitally," says Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. The company's global strategy depends on maintaining an impartial news
voice, which is why controversial anchor Lou Dobbs was recently pushed out the door.
Walton says CNN's profits have grown by more than 10% every year since 2003, and the organization is
"very close" to achieving double-digit profit growth in 2009. Profit growth this year can be partly attributed to not having to cover a presidential election. Worldwide revenue for 2009 will be flat
or slightly down, Walton says. CNN recently opened a production facility in Abu Dhabi and has continued to add employees.
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