CNN has reason to rejoice. PAX 2001, the research study conducted by Asia Market Intelligence, has given CNN numero uno status among international news channels in Asia for the fifth consecutive year.

Viewing frequency for the news network has increased this year, with more viewers tuning in on a daily basis than in previous years, the study notes. The research results, released today, says CNN International reaches more business decision makers than all the other major international news channels combined. Quoting statistics, the study points out that the channel reaches 36 per cent of business decision makers in the week just ended, compared to 14 per cent watching BBC World and 13 per cent tuning into CNBC.

PAX 2001 is a syndicated cross-media survey, providing measurement of TV and print across major markets in Asia including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, Singapore and Taipei. The report notes that over a third of CNN viewers watch the network every day and 38 per cent of business decision makers watch the channel daily.

Says an understandably delighted Turner International's Asia Pacific senior VP Nick Morgan: "By providing targeted research, PAX 2001 is a very useful tool for advertisers as it gives marketers detailed profile information on business decision makers and affluent viewers in Asia. This year's results reaffirm that CNN is the network of choice for these premier audiences, proving that our investment in delivering live breaking news and programming that is regionally relevant is a formula that works."

The channel airs 32 hours of regional programming produced and broadcast from its multi-media newsroom in Hong Kong including Talk Asia, Asia Business Morning, Asia Tonight and Biz Asia.