CNN lauds everyday heroes in live telecast
Anderson Cooper
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All too often in the news business, journalists find themselves having to report on humanity's shortcomings: greed, deceit, hubris.
So when the chance comes to shine a light on the better side of our nature, it often comes as a welcome breath of fresh air. That's the case with "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," airing Sunday, Dec. 11, on the 24-hour news cablenet. Hosted by Anderson Cooper from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium, the live telecast honors 10 people making extraordinary contributions that help improve the lives of others.
"I think what differentiates it from other shows that kind of tread a little bit in this territory," explains Kelly Flynn, senior executive producer of the telecast, "is that we sort of tell the micro of a macro issue. And in telling the story of that one person, we're also providing a ton of hope.
"I've seen other shows where people will highlight an issue, but you're left sort of so sad and bereft over this horrible issue that's out there and not left with much hope that there are people in this world, even if it's not me and not you, willing to change their lives, give up their lives, redirect themselves into helping the common good, no matter on how small a level it is. ... Oftentimes, there is a turning point for them that drove them into what they're doing."
One highlighted on the show is Taryn Davis, whose husband, Michael, was killed in Iraq in 2007. As a very young widow at 21, Davis had nowhere to turn to talk to other women her age in a similar situation. So she founded the American Widow Project, which provides support and camaraderie for spouses of deceased soldiers.
"The reactions I get the most that mean so much," says Davis, "are sometimes something as simple as a smile, a smile that I know probably hadn't shown itself since the passing of their heroes. Many tell me that the organization saved their life, but I know it was their willingness to find that life ... . I'm always amazed at how much life and spirit military widows have and their desire to share stories of their life and that of their spouse's life, so they are never forgotten."
So when the chance comes to shine a light on the better side of our nature, it often comes as a welcome breath of fresh air. That's the case with "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," airing Sunday, Dec. 11, on the 24-hour news cablenet. Hosted by Anderson Cooper from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium, the live telecast honors 10 people making extraordinary contributions that help improve the lives of others.
"I think what differentiates it from other shows that kind of tread a little bit in this territory," explains Kelly Flynn, senior executive producer of the telecast, "is that we sort of tell the micro of a macro issue. And in telling the story of that one person, we're also providing a ton of hope.
"I've seen other shows where people will highlight an issue, but you're left sort of so sad and bereft over this horrible issue that's out there and not left with much hope that there are people in this world, even if it's not me and not you, willing to change their lives, give up their lives, redirect themselves into helping the common good, no matter on how small a level it is. ... Oftentimes, there is a turning point for them that drove them into what they're doing."
One highlighted on the show is Taryn Davis, whose husband, Michael, was killed in Iraq in 2007. As a very young widow at 21, Davis had nowhere to turn to talk to other women her age in a similar situation. So she founded the American Widow Project, which provides support and camaraderie for spouses of deceased soldiers.
"The reactions I get the most that mean so much," says Davis, "are sometimes something as simple as a smile, a smile that I know probably hadn't shown itself since the passing of their heroes. Many tell me that the organization saved their life, but I know it was their willingness to find that life ... . I'm always amazed at how much life and spirit military widows have and their desire to share stories of their life and that of their spouse's life, so they are never forgotten."
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