CNN launches CNN.gr, Greek-language digital news service

(CNN) — CNN has partnered with a media company in Greece to launch a digital news service in Greek.

Greek politicians and business leaders gathered at the Benaki Museum in Athens on Wednesday night for the launch of CNN Greece, which is the result of a collaboration between CNN International and DPG Digital Media.

CNN.gr combines international news from CNN with locally-produced content and video.

“As the world’s news leader, CNN is committed to bringing news in different formats and platforms across the world to reach and engage new audiences,” said Rani R. Raad, Chief Commercial Officer of CNN International.

“The launch of CNN.gr is an important moment for CNN, and equally important for news audiences in Greece. There is huge potential in our partnership with DPG and the new way that CNN’s unique brand of journalism will be experienced in the Greek language.”

CNN International Vice President Greg Beitchman said: “Greece is integral to the global story. You have a vital role in the future of Europe, the euro and wider pan-regional politics and economics — a story we’ve covered on TV and online in our news coverage and through CNN Money.

“Editorially, this is the ideal time for CNN to expand our Greek editorial operations through this partnership.”

Andreas Panagoloulos, Editor in Chief, said: “We have premium content, including videos and stories from around the world from CNN, plus videos and stories from Greece with high quality information and content.

“We try to have exclusive content every day and not to follow the stories that everyone else is covering.”

Dimitris Giannakopoulos, DPG Group President, said: “With the unique CNN quality seal we aim to highlight and responsibly enlighten the significant developments in our country, putting Greece in the spotlight and the Greek diaspora closer to motherland.”

DPG Group  is the fastest emerging New Media and Technology network in Greece. Its CEO Dimitris Gianakopoulos is also Executive Vice President & Deputy C.E.O of VIANEX S.A, the largest Greek pharmaceutical industry, President of Panathinaikos B.C.

Employees of the new service include former war reporter Maria Karchilaki as Editor at Large and Tasos Oikonomou as Chief Editor.