CNBC and the Global Media Awards

By Steve Fastook, CNBC

Something really cool happening at the CES show this year is the first ever Global Media Awards ceremony. It is tonight. The Global Media Awards was created by NATAS, the National Television Academy, yes the Emmys! CNBC is nominated for a product we launched a little more than a year ago called CNBC HD+.  It's a service for investors that uses HD screen space in a new way.  Many broadcasters have copied it and we are flattered.  Rather than use a wide screen for our studio, we add in-depth financial information, charts, and even a second "Picture in Picture". We used it the other day when the Senate began hearings and discussions on the Madoff scandal.  If you want to hear the sound, all you need to do is press SAP on your remote. Here is a sample of the product:

Anyway, the point of the story is that the Academy has created this fantastic new award for non-traditional program providers.  I have received a few Emmys before, but I am most excited about this one.   We have a very special and talented group of folks at CNBC and this project really brought out the best in them!  Our designers, animators and engineers really shone.  The team is at home waiting for the envelope. The competition is tough so cross your fingers for us.

I would like to shout out thanks to our team, but also the satellite, cable, and broadband subscribers who had the faith to give us an HD channel.  If you think about it, a year ago there weren't too many channels out there, and with all the sports and entertainment content available it was a big leap of faith to give one of those precious spots up to a business news channel.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to watch CNBC HD+!