Bangkok--22 Oct--Francom Asia Six men and women who want to make a difference in the world are to blog and post videos of their lives and jobs from South Africa to Cambodia in ‘Be the Change”, a unique new CNN initiative sponsored by NEC Corporation. Harnessing CNN International’s global reach, multiplatform services and cutting edge technology, ‘Be the Change’ reaches deep into the lives of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things around the world to benefit others. The tireless work of the six receives a unique global platform while potentially inspiring others to make their own impact through similar ventures. NEC’s sponsorship of ’Be the Change’ runs for a year from September 2007 and is set to be broadcast worldwide while featuring extensively online at www.cnn.com/bethechange “‘Be the Change’ is a fantastic initiative and we are delighted to have the support of NEC in this groundbreaking venture” said William Hsu, Vice President news advertising sales CNN Asia Pacific. “To highlight and celebrate work that is rarely reported on and often barely visible to the larger community is hugely important and we hope that our global audience will share in these unique experiences,” he added. “Throughout its history, NEC has continuously sought ways to contribute to society through technological innovation and advanced solutions. NEC is proud to sponsor CNN’s Be the Change, which shares the goal of empowering people and societies around the world through innovative activity to effect change for the better,” said Mr. Junichi Shibi, General Manager, Advertising Division, NEC Corporation. Whether it’s building a sports complex for a disadvantaged community in South Africa, or aiding abused young people in Cambodia’s second largest city, the ‘Be the Change’ aid workers are committing their lives, their time and their energy to work for others. One video diary from a contributor will become a weekly segment on CNN International television, while blogs from each contributor will be hosted on a specially-produced web site, in addition to biographical sketches, links to their organizations and photo galleries. The web site will be interactive, allowing visitors to comment and post questions to and for the contributors. CNN is the world's leading global 24-hour news network and one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. The CNN brand is available to two billion people via 25 CNN branded TV, internet and mobile services produced by CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System Inc and a Time Warner company. CNN International is the international directorate of CNN Worldwide and distributes news via 14 services in seven different languages. CNN International can be seen in more than 200 million television households and hotel rooms in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, including more than 30 million across the Asia Pacific region and online at www.cnn.com/international For more media information please contact Francom Asia PR in Bangkok at 02 233 4329 or email [email protected]