CNN has acquired the exclusive rights to show the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in honor of Adam Sandler this year.
PBS has broadcast the event for the past 20 years.
CNN will air the ceremony on March 26 at 8:00 PM ET, a week after the March 19 live event.
The ceremony is reportedly attended by Jennifer Aniston, Judd Apatow, Drew Barrymore, Steve Buscemi, Conan O’Brien, Chris Rock and David Spade. Past honorees include Jon Stewart, David Letterman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Dave Chappelle.
While the entertainment event is a bit different from CNN’s mainstream newscast, the network is reportedly considering plans to fill some of its primetime hours with or include segments such as non-traditional characters such as a comedian or entertainer. Sources said the network, led by CEO Chris Licht, is evaluating a number of options.
Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter said in a statement: “The Mark Twain Award is a perfect fit for CNN as it hosts a ground-breaking event in Washington, DC that brings together politicians from both sides of the aisle, artists and viewers bring together. all the background for an evening of laughter.” She said the joint venture with CNN will expand the Kennedy Center’s reach and also “expand CNN’s programming – a real win-win in a city where the phrase is not that common.”
Licht called the ceremony “one of the most uplifting entertainment events of the year, and I am thrilled that CNN is partnering with the Kennedy Center to broadcast it to our global audience.” The ceremony is produced by David Jammy and the Done+Dusted creative team.
Author: Ted Johnson
Source: Deadline
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
