[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]CNN Worldwide today announced that it has signed a large-scale global sponsorship deal with leading automotive producer Hyundai Motor Company (HMC). The deal will include sponsorship of the new nightly ‘Amanpour’ show and the popular interview program ‘Piers Morgan Tonight’, and will involve HMC’s ‘Live Brilliant’ campaign airing across the CNN International, CNN US and CNN en Español networks. The collaboration represents one of CNN’s most comprehensive global auto sponsorship deals to date.

The six-month sponsorship agreement encompasses both billboards and spots around signature programming, in addition to daily segments within shows. The new ‘Amanpour’ show, airing every weeknight, launches April 16 and sees Christiane Amanpour deliver insights through vital conversations, tenacity and holding those in power to account. ‘Piers Morgan Tonight’ is a candid, in-depth, personality-driven interview program that uses his inimitable style to uncover the most fascinating details about his newsmaker guests. The campaign further extends to the primetime shows ‘World Report’ airing in Asia-Pacific and ‘Panorama Mundial’ airing on CNN en Español.

“CNN’s core personalities and signature programming are unrivalled in the intelligence and insights they deliver to viewers around the world,” said Tony Maddox, EVP and MD, CNN International. ”This exciting collaboration with an influential global brand like HMC reinforces the unique value and quality of our content,” he added.

“This deal represents a remarkable endorsement of the unmatched quality and scale of our global audiences and we are delighted to once again work alongside HMC to connect them with our discerning and influential viewers,” said Jonathan Davies, EVP CNN International Ad Sales. “It is also indicative of our commitment to fostering and strengthening high quality and long-term relationships with our clients, with HMC first having partnered with CNN back in 2000.”

Mr. Won Hong Cho, CMO of Hyundai Motor Company said, “CNN provides unparalleled insights into today’s shifting global environment, empowering viewers with the knowledge they crave. We saw a perfect fit with Hyundai’s brand direction of ‘Modern Premium’ through ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ and are delighted to once again work with CNN through this truly global collaboration. Hyundai Motor Company launched a new worldwide brand campaign called “Live Brilliant” as part of its efforts to reinforce its brand management activities and fulfill its vision to become the most beloved automotive company in the world.”