April 17th, 2009
04:03 PM ET
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First of all, kudos to Ashton and all those in the @aplusk camp. Now more than ever, the consumer is in the driver's seat and we couldn't be more gratified than to be part of this historic social media milestone. We'd like to thank every one of our followers for helping CNN reach the one million mark, and we are delighted to raise our donation to 10,000 bed nets for World Malaria Day in recognition of them.

Many of you have been @cnnbrk followers for a long time – thank you for your support! But some of you are new, so we wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you to the account and give you a little background.

@cnnbrk is CNN’s breaking news account on Twitter. It was originally created by a friend of ours who wanted CNN breaking news email alerts delivered to his mobile phone. The alerts are intended to inform you about major news events, wherever you are. We don't send a lot of alerts – in fact, you may go days without receiving an alert from us. But when we send one, it's something we think you need to know.

We also have many other CNN accounts on Twitter you can follow. Some of our accounts deliver stories, others are for interaction with our shows and personalities, and others have general updates. Here are a few of the CNN accounts on Twitter:

At CNN, we use Twitter to engage with our audience and help inform each other about the news of the world. So welcome to CNN on Twitter. Leave a comment or send us an @reply... we're listening.

Posted by: Dermot Waters - Head of Product Development
Filed under: Technology


Displaying 64 Comments | Add comment
1
April 17th, 2009
4:15 pm ET
 

hello i think it's a great idea it's a good way to reccive news and i like it!Great that you do good tings for the world as well!Take care!

Posted by: mijja
2
April 17th, 2009
4:26 pm ET
 

Keep doing a great job! I am a new follower :)

Posted by: laura
3
April 17th, 2009
4:26 pm ET
 

basementdad will top both accounts within a week.

Posted by: Anonymous
4
April 17th, 2009
4:33 pm ET
 

twitter is great for the news media! i'm a producer in fort myers @jenpsu202grrr

Posted by: Jennifer
5
April 17th, 2009
4:45 pm ET
 

I'm a new follower...this was a lot of fun, and for a good cause. Thanks for the appreciation message. Congratulations and keep up the great work! :-)

Posted by: Vivian
6
April 17th, 2009
4:46 pm ET
 

It was fun to play and for a good cause. I have nothing against Kutcher, but he doesn't supply me with the breaking news. Shameless plug: @AI_Joe

Posted by: Travis
7
April 17th, 2009
4:47 pm ET
 

Awesome. I loved the recent challenge. How cool to use social media is such an innovative way. CNN is my news station of choice and I'm gonna love getting more tweets from y'all.

Thanks for all you do.

Jody

Posted by: jody Morrison, from Los Alamos, New Mexico
8
April 17th, 2009
4:51 pm ET
 

Yes, fine, lovely. Can we close down the circus now?

Posted by: Mobius
9
April 17th, 2009
4:58 pm ET
 

I love it when y'all go out to help those in need. Now it is time that we citizens stand up for those who are in the greatest danger....yes I am speaking of the innocent, those who are facing being aborted by greedy individuals!

Posted by: Carl
10
April 17th, 2009
5:00 pm ET
 

I like that you only post tweets on this account when important things happen! SPAM=bad, News=good. Keep it up!

Posted by: Morgan
11
April 17th, 2009
5:01 pm ET
 

If you spam me with Head-On (or any of their other spam drugs) or Viagra commercials I 'll shut you off just like I do the t.v. channels. Yes, even if Robin Meade is on : )
As fast as I can get to the remote, as fast as I can get to the remote, as fast as I can get to the remote
(annoying aint it) so knock it off !

Posted by: Jim ollins
12
April 17th, 2009
5:08 pm ET
 

If you are the best at breaking news station in the world, why are there only 6 updates in 6 days?

Come on?

Posted by: Mark McManus
13
April 17th, 2009
5:13 pm ET
 

I never even know there was a raise to get more followers than Kutcher... And since he now won that says alot about the people on the net... I still stay tuned to CNN. That is what is interesting and important. Thank you for this service.

Posted by: From norway
14
April 17th, 2009
5:15 pm ET
 

Nothing about Sarah Palin, President Obama, Somalia ...

I mean you web site is great. Your Twitter sight is worse than poor

Posted by: Mark McManus
15
April 17th, 2009
5:29 pm ET
 

Bad luck for not winning the race & unfortunately it says alot for the future of this planet.
Going to read Kutchers speech soon because it worries me when he says "we will control the media".
What the hell does Kutcher mean by this?? Is he going to be a dumbed down version of FOX ( if it's not dumb enough already??).
Scary thought.

Posted by: Craig Eyles
16
April 17th, 2009
5:31 pm ET
 

Was @cnnbrk taken over by CNN? I believe I read something to that effect, but I can't remember where.

If CNN took over @cnnbrk, when did that happen?

Posted by: Johan Lont
17
April 17th, 2009
5:36 pm ET
 

You guys should provide links for all your breaking stories

Posted by: William
18
April 17th, 2009
6:08 pm ET
 

enjoy watching cnn on tv but... you never update on twitter.. shame shame for a news station. pppttthhh

Posted by: lupe lunez
19
April 17th, 2009
6:25 pm ET
 

Excellent convergence between old and new media! Keep it up!

Posted by: @workathometips
20
April 17th, 2009
6:50 pm ET
 

To me Larry (King) is still the King of media!

Posted by: @cheapalerts
21
April 17th, 2009
6:51 pm ET
 

Thank you for giving us the accounts of CNN. I added. "cnnBRK" is the most interest one, I guess. Hung in there!

Posted by: mari, MA
22
April 17th, 2009
7:58 pm ET
 

I'd like to know why CNN feels that Ashton's 1 million Twitter follower milestone is worthy of a 2am breaking news SMS alert, but the Italian earthquakes didn't get one, or scores of other more worthy events? Someone has their priorities messed up- it's just plain embarrassing.

Posted by: Marty
23
April 17th, 2009
8:12 pm ET
 

Glad to get the newsbreaks and help with the challenge too.

Posted by: John Bennett
24
April 17th, 2009
8:32 pm ET
 

I can't go without breaking news and this provides me
Great way to stay in touch.

Posted by: chris
25
April 17th, 2009
8:42 pm ET
 

Iam a CNN fan for years travelling out of USA a lot and don't know what I'd do without you. CNN keeps me informed and in touch just like I am at home. Thanks so much for all you do!!

Posted by: eric hamerman
26
April 17th, 2009
9:23 pm ET
 

Thanks for this generous article and
also for informing so many people.

I think both you and ashton were
winners, and I think this is a win/win
situation for today's media.

Posted by: Carolyn Carey
27
April 17th, 2009
9:31 pm ET
 

This is too funny... I have no idea what Twitter is all about or even how the heck it works and why it is so HOT. I am sure if I stick around a while I will learn how to manouver the site. I am pretty computer savvy but becoming a full blooded Twit is going to take some working at for me.

Posted by: Tamre
28
April 17th, 2009
9:52 pm ET
 

i think it is awesome that kutcher beat cnn in this race.... Honestly i dont event know what this "tweeter" is. guess ima go look online to find out. i had seen this story today in my break room at work and though that it was awesome....one person beat a whole network, and who better than ashton kutcher. Congrats!!

Posted by: Jeffro
29
April 17th, 2009
10:12 pm ET
 

Cnn,You are doing a great job.pouring out what people need and want to know.Im new to Twitter,but Im beginning to like It.Thumbs Up to all Twitter Fans

Posted by: Tom King
30
April 17th, 2009
10:20 pm ET
 

I am new at this, saw a familiar face and signed onto Ashton Kutcher's twitter and about 2 hours later learned he made the million mark – I'm pretty sure it was because I became a follower...LOL

Posted by: GA
31
April 17th, 2009
11:02 pm ET
 

This was very interesting. I just knew CNN would win! Congrats Ashton. I will keep following CNN.

Posted by: Yperez43
32
April 17th, 2009
11:14 pm ET
 

I didn't know anything about Ashton's twitter challenge. My son got me to sign up. I had seen the @twitter on Rick Sanchez's and Anderson Cooper's shows. My son is a junior @Northwestern University & he knows I 'm cool with new technology. I'm sending this from my T-Mobile Android/Google phone.I also follow a violincase, violinlog (Hilary Hahn), Barack Obama, and Martha Stewart for fun. If you want CNN updates, I get plenty from Rick, Anderson360, and CNN Politics. I know I'm up-to-date even if I'm not watching. Anderson360 is probably the most prolific, except for politics during the election season. They all do a great job!!!

Posted by: karyn212
33
April 17th, 2009
11:16 pm ET
 

I was pulling for CNN. You're still a winner! Keep the updates coming. When I first set up an account on twitter, I expected to find individuals only–but to get communications from CNN, that's awesome!

Posted by: Portia V. Wadley
34
April 17th, 2009
11:27 pm ET
 

Grow up ashton,cnn is news.Your acting like a kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Tim Jeffries
35
April 17th, 2009
11:42 pm ET
 

Great medium to stay on top of breaking news.

Posted by: kevin
36
April 18th, 2009
1:41 am ET
 

New tw user trying to figure this out. I like cnn on tv, now i can follow news on tw. great...

Posted by: 1luigigo
37
April 18th, 2009
3:17 am ET
 

Where ever the news is - CNN is there! ...And now, I have it on my finger tips! Loads of thanks! :-)

Posted by: Marie Anne Sam - Alabang in the Philippines
38
April 18th, 2009
6:25 am ET
 

Brilliant. Brilliant.

Posted by: matchboxmystery
39
April 18th, 2009
8:42 am ET
 

excellant work you guys are doing. cannot go by without a day of cnn. always keeping me up to date. Keep it going.

Posted by: roweida
40
April 18th, 2009
12:06 pm ET
 

CNN is my favourite park for news and all the other trappings that they serve so delightfully. Thanks and keep up the good work.

Posted by: Paterika
41
April 18th, 2009
12:34 pm ET
 

I was definitely rooting for you - but really, it was a great competition regardless. I never would have thought I'd be using twitter to keep up with breaking news!

Posted by: Daluci
42
April 18th, 2009
12:56 pm ET
 

CNN u got pnked! Ashton showed the world how irrelevant CNN is. We dont watch u. we watch & follow Ashton.

Posted by: Tina
43
April 18th, 2009
1:53 pm ET
 

I don't consider this a "social media milestone" and neither does anyone else that actually works in Web 2.0. It's great that Twitter is growing is fast as it is, but I found this contest ridiculous.

Posted by: ryansawrie
44
April 18th, 2009
2:03 pm ET
 

this is new to me i pickup on by watching larryking last nite keep up the good work

Posted by: sambro
45
April 18th, 2009
6:13 pm ET
 

I am a big fan of CNN. CNN.com is my homepage. I cannot over-emphasize my commitment to CNN. I follow CNN religiously. Long live CNN!!!!!!

Posted by: Zuzeeko
46
April 18th, 2009
9:26 pm ET
 

Thanks CNN, I am a follower of your news, love Anderson Cooper, and Larry King.

Posted by: Harriet
47
April 19th, 2009
2:13 am ET
 

i enjoy watching cnn keeping up with the world.

Posted by: lele orange
48
April 19th, 2009
12:13 pm ET
 

thanks to aston k. for making twitter huge. lol. i wouldn't have been here. lol.

Posted by: aphkumund
49
April 19th, 2009
12:16 pm ET
 

Hopefull CNN will be smart, and read your comment that states you want to see the WebLink thats associated with the Tweet. Cause i noticed i'm reading their tweets, but i can't read the story..... SO GUESS WHAT I DO ... i type in the story in Google's search bar AND READ SOMEONE ELSES NEWS. kinda sad that i got my source from CNN but ultimately read the news somewhere else... even a simple http://cnn.com would work

Posted by: JJC
50
April 19th, 2009
12:18 pm ET
 

i found the http://cnn.com its in the webpage section.... ooops. what ever I'm new to twitter and am only following two people one being A Kutcher

Posted by: JJC
51
April 19th, 2009
6:24 pm ET
 

Watch CNN for my news. Well rounded and fair. Glad to be aboard.

Posted by: kcolddog
52
April 20th, 2009
1:15 am ET
 

Watched a different news station in the past. Turned to CNN because of negativity on other station. Been hooked on you guys ever since.
Even watch you all during prime time hours . Better than Dancing With the Stars, keep on doing what you do.

Posted by: Trina Latour
53
April 20th, 2009
11:28 am ET
 

I am new to the service and hope to learn and be more involved as time goes..........

Posted by: 2593
54
April 20th, 2009
11:33 am ET
 

hello I am @puppyprotector and I enjoy CNN and interacting on twitter ( kinda new to twitter ) kudos to @aplusk..... Question y'all don't list one of CNNs top twitterers Don Lemon

Posted by: Johnsherman
55
April 20th, 2009
3:08 pm ET
 

This is my first twit and I choosed CNN because of your great news
coverage around the world.

Posted by: EtruliaPalmer
56
April 21st, 2009
10:11 am ET
 

This is much more sensible for me. Idle chat on other sites can be so unintelligent. This gives me a chance to read about the news and issues, even the ability to send a reply! I'm very new to this, so I don't really know how to work Twitter. I'm hoping I can use it to network to find a job!

Posted by: Fran
57
April 21st, 2009
10:48 am ET
 

I am a fan of CNN. Great news!!!!

Posted by: Maria Luisa
58
April 22nd, 2009
8:19 am ET
 

Great Twitter feed. Too bad you guys lost to Ashton Kutcher.

Posted by: Justin C
59
April 22nd, 2009
2:20 pm ET
 

Happy to be able to keep up with developing news on CNN.

Posted by: 2593
60
April 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm ET
 

CNNBRK is a joke, they call 2 updates in 4 days breaking news.

Come on.

Posted by: Mark McManus
61
April 22nd, 2009
11:14 pm ET
 

I am a new follower on twitter due to the contest but I have long followed CNN. It;s my favorite no nonsense way to get breaking news

Posted by: Kieta Fox
62
April 23rd, 2009
1:26 am ET
 

It's awesome! Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Jp
63
April 25th, 2009
7:44 pm ET
 

Thank your for keeping us updated on what is going on in the world. You speak for the common man and women.

Posted by: Sharon
64
May 1st, 2009
7:43 am ET
 

Your finally picking up the pace. Twitter isn't a fad, keep moving forward or you will get run over.

Posted by: Mark McManus
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