CNN to Premiere UNGUARDED WITH RACHEL NICHOLS, 10/25

CNN announced today that veteran sports journalist Rachel Nichols will host Unguarded with Rachel Nichols, a weekly half-hour show that takes an unfiltered look at the most interesting stories and personalities in sports. Kicking off Friday, October 25, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, Nichols takes viewers beyond the field for candid conversations with some of the world's most extraordinary athletes.

"CNN has not had a dedicated sports show in more than a decade, and to have the talents of a viewer favorite with Rachel, a revered player in the space, is another key step in CNN's evolution toward a range of compelling storytelling," said Jeff Zucker, President, CNN Worldwide.

"This is a terrific opportunity to create a show that takes a different look at the sports we love and the human side of the people who play them," Nichols said. "And by doing that at CNN, we can incorporate the network's incredibly broad and diverse perspective, which is a game-changer."

Nichols brings her noted smarts, wit and insightful interview skills to the weekly show, which focuses on sports in a news and pop culture environment with a mix of interviews and panel discussions designed to appeal to both sports fans and CNN's general interest audience.

In addition, CNN International (CNNI) will simulcast Unguarded with Rachel Nichols on Fridays at 10:30 p.m. ET. CNNI is available in more than 270 million households around the world.

Nichols continues to serve as a reporter for Turner Sports' broadcasts of the NBA, Major League Baseball and the NCAA Tournament.

Mercedes-Benz USA and United Airlines are the launch sponsors for Unguarded with Rachel Nichols. In addition to customized on-air billboards, both sponsors will receive commercial adjacencies around the show.

Unguarded with Rachel Nichols is overseen by Kirby Bradley. Bradley joins CNN from HBO, where he produced many award-winning documentaries and series, most notably Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.

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