CNN went on the air on this day in 1980. And there are several CNN originals still working at the network who were there on that very first day. They were all recently photographed with CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker (second from left below.) They include (from left to right) evp of news standards Rick Davis, vp/chief engineer Dave Silver, senior correspondent Richard Roth, and senior photojournalist Dave Rust. Guy Pepper, vp of CNN Design, started on that first day. He then took a job elsewhere for a few years, but eventually returned to CNN.
Founder Ted Turner said one of the goals of CNN was “to create a positive force where cynics abound.” Here’s a clip from that first broadcast, as well as Turner’s remarks at the opening.
Next month MSNBC celebrates 20 years on the air, and in October Fox News Channel marks its 20th anniversary.