CNN rings in 2025 from across the Asia Pacific, culminating with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen in New York

HONG KONG, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CNN is gearing up for another unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration, leading its global audience into 2025 with music, laughter, and live coverage from around the world. At 7:00 AM ET, CNN kicks off its live reporting from various international cities as they ring in the new year in the Asia Pacific, with Kristie Lu Stout anchoring live from Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong starting at 9:00 AM ET/10:00 PM HKT to 12:00 PM ET/1:00 AM HKT. The festivities will culminate with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen co-hosting CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen from New York City's Times Square for an eighth consecutive year.

CNN's line-up of international correspondents will also make appearances during the broadcast, including Lynda Kinkade from Luna Park in Sydney, Hanako Montgomery in glittering Tokyo, Mike Valerio from the iconic Bosingak Belfry in the heart of Seoul and Will Ripley overlooking the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

Joining our correspondents will be a star-studded line-up of guests from across the worlds of entertainment, fashion, arts and sports. Kristie Lu Stout has a full slate with Marie Kondo, Japanese "professional tidier", organization expert and Konmari founder, Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, Chinese-American fashion designer Vivienne Tam, the Philippines' double gold medalist, Carlos Yulo, viral Japanese dance troupe Avantgardey, Pakistani actor and filmmaker Usman Mukhtar, Indian-American comic Zarna Garg, and Panda keeper at Hong Kong's Ocean Park, Matt Leung.

In Australia, Lynda Kinkade chats with music legend Sting, Colin Hay from 80's band Men at Work, fashion designer Rebecca Vallance, and actress and voice of Chilli from Bluey, Melanie Zanetti.

Thailand will provide the backdrop as Will Ripley talks to international rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, LISA, Chinese-American double gold medalist in freestyle skiing, Eileen Gu, Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and Taiwanese-American drag performer and winner of season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race, Nymphia Wind.

From Japan, Hanako Montgomery speaks with K-pop superstar, TAEYANG, Japanese comedian Naomi Watanabe and Japanese two-time Olympic gold medalist skateboarder, Yuto Horigome, while in Korea, Mike Valerio interviews Indonesian all-female rock trio, Voice of Baceport.

CNN's New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen begins at  8:00 PM ET, with music, comedy and some surprise guests, including Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, live from his residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, Diplo, Lil Jon, Mickey Guyton who will perform "Imagine" live from Times Square, Patti LaBelle, and comedians Whitney Cummings, Amy Sedaris, Sasheer Zamata, Ziwe, Adam Devine, and more.  

CNN's New Year's Eve coverage will stream live on Max for subscribers and on CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps for pay TV subscribers.

About CNN Worldwide

CNN Worldwide is the most honored brand in cable news, reaching more individuals through television, streaming and online than any other cable news organization in the United States. Globally, people across the world can watch CNN International, which is widely distributed in over 200 countries and territories. CNN Digital is the #1 online news destination, with more unique visitors than any other news source. Max, Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming platform, features CNN Max, a 24/7 streaming news offering available to subscribers alongside expanded access to News content and CNN Originals. CNN's award-winning portfolio includes non-scripted programming from CNN Original Series and CNN Films for broadcast, streaming and distribution across multiple platforms. CNN programming can be found on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Español channels, via CNN Max and the CNN Originals hub on discovery+ and via pay TV subscription on CNN.com, CNN apps and cable operator platforms. Additionally, CNN Newsource is the world's most extensively utilized news service partnering with over 1,000 local and international news organizations around the world. CNN is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery.

About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com. 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

CNN rings in 2025 from across the Asia Pacific, culminating with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen in New York

BANGKOK, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- One in four (25%) Thais identified themselves as overweight or obese, with 11% considering themselves underweight, according to Mintel's Weight Management Diets – Thai Consumer – 2024 report. However, data from Thailand's Ministry of Health in 2023 revealed that nearly half of the population faces overweight or obesity challenges, a trend projected to cost the nation 4.9% of its GDP.

This highlights a significant perception gap, as noted in Mintel's research. Brands can play a pivotal role in closing this gap by creating educational campaigns around healthy body weight and offering tailored weight management solutions based on gender, age, and activity level.

Motivations behind weight management

Mintel's research shows that Thais are motivated by physical appearance (69%) over health (65%) when managing their weight. However, among Gen X, 76% prioritise healthy ageing and longevity, signalling a shift in focus from aesthetics to overall well-being.

The good news is that 74% of Thais express a desire to improve their weight, with younger women under 45 emerging as a key target audience for weight management brands.

"Thais are increasingly prioritising overall health and wellness over mere slimness. This shift reflects a growing interest in holistic approaches that combine balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and mental well-being," said Phurisa (Ploy) Phagudom, Food and Drink Analyst for Thailand at Mintel.

Barriers to weight management

Despite their aspirations, many Thais attribute their weight management struggles to insufficient exercise and the consumption of fatty foods, sugary snacks, and beverages. Among those taking weight control measures, 59% cited inadequate exercise as the primary obstacle.

Phagudom noted this also presents an opportunity for brands to promote mindful nutrition and develop products or campaigns that support physical activity.

The report identifies two key consumer segments for weight management products:

"'Actives' and 'Active Aspirants' have distinct preferences when it comes to weight management products. For instance, 'Actives' present the greatest market potential for weight management VMS, while 'Active Aspirants' are more likely to engage with functional food and beverages.," Phagudom added.

Hot beverages lead the way

Globally, hot beverages like tea dominate weight management product launches, accounting for 12% of new products between August 2023 and July 2024, according to Mintel Global New Products Database. In Thailand, where non-alcoholic beverages are popular, there's potential for other drink categories to innovate with formulations that promote satiety and fat-burning.

Ingredients such as stevia, pea protein, and chromium are gaining traction globally and can meet Thai consumers' growing demand for healthier, filling weight management solutions, the report shows.

"Meal replacements are another avenue brands can explore. Highlighting their nutritional value and convenience can appeal to entry-level fitness enthusiasts and weight watchers. Experimenting with exotic flavours like tropical fruits could further enhance the category's appeal," added Phagudom.

Offering holistic nutrition

Thai consumers demonstrate diverse preferences in weight management foods, with over half opting for low-calorie, high-protein, plant-based, or minimally processed options. While functional "slimming" claims dominate (87%) weight management nutrition launches in Thailand in the last three years to June 2024, consumers don't necessarily equate effective weight management with slimness. For example, changes in body composition like increased muscle mass and lower blood sugar level are far more meaningful.

"Brands can also focus on formulations that support digestion and satiety (or 'feeling full') to encourage mindful eating," Phagudom said, adding that 43% of Thais believe consuming satiating foods is effective for weight management.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Mintel's report: 74% of Thais seek to improve their weight amid rising obesity rates

Mintel's report: 74% of Thais seek to improve their weight amid rising obesity rates