An initiative by then Turner Broadcasting (parent company of CNN) employee, Edward Boateng, (now Managing Director of Global Media Alliance and senior advisor to Turner Broadcasting System), the CNN African Journalist of the Year was launched in 1995 to primarily encourage, promote and recognise excellence in African journalism.

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He is also a former executive with Turner Broadcasting, the parent company of CNN.

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"We were approached by the Obama campaign and declined their request, " said Sal Petruzzi, senior vice president for public relations of Turner Broadcasting, CNN's parent company.

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