How to Cite CNN in APA Format

Complete guide to citing CNN in APA 7th edition with examples, unique formatting requirements, and common issues specific to this source.

CNN presents unique citation challenges that require specific guidance beyond general source type rules. This page provides targeted help for finding citation information, handling CNN's particular format requirements, and avoiding common mistakes specific to this platform.

Quick Reference: CNN Citations

Reference List Format:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of webpage. Site Name. https://www.example.com/page

CNN-Specific Notes:
When citing CNN in APA 7th edition format, students often encounter unique challenges compared to citing a typical individual or organization as an author. CNN, as a well-known news outlet, is treated as a corporate author. This means that the name "CNN" is used in place of an individual author's name. The format for a CNN article typically includes the name of the organization, the publication date, the title of the article, the website name, and the URL. For example: CNN. (Year, Month Day). Title of the article. CNN. URL. This structure highlights the importance of recognizing CNN as the author, which differs from standard author citations where an individual's last name is listed first.

One common point of confusion is distinguishing between CNN as an organization and articles authored by specific reporters. If an article lists an individual journalist, the citation should start with the journalist's last name, followed by the first initial, before listing CNN as the publisher. Another tricky aspect is determining the correct date format for online articles, which requires specificity down to the day, unlike some other sources that may only necessitate the year. To avoid mistakes, students should always confirm the publication date from the article itself and utilize the complete URL to ensure the source is easily retrievable. By understanding these nuances, students can accurately cite CNN articles, maintaining scholarly integrity in their work.

In-Text Citation:
- Parenthetical: ([Author], [Year])
- Narrative: [Author] ([Year])

Key Points:
- Use Webpage format with CNN specifics
- Locate citation info on CNN's website
- Handle CNN's unique formatting requirements

Last Updated: 2025-10-30 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Jump to Examples | Jump to Common Issues | Check Your Citation

Where to Find Citation Information on CNN

CNN's website is a rich source for current news articles and multimedia content, making it a valuable resource for academic research. Here’s a detailed guide to locating citation information on CNN's website, which is essential for constructing accurate citations in APA format:

1. Author Information:
   - On CNN’s website, the author byline is usually located at the top of the article. Once you open an article, look immediately below the headline. If the article has an identified author, their name will appear here, often linked to a profile page. Note that some articles may not have a specified author, in which case you can attribute it to "CNN Staff" if necessary.

2. Publication Date:
   - The publication date is typically found directly below the author byline. On CNN, the date is clearly marked and often includes the exact time of publication, which is especially useful for news articles that are frequently updated. Make sure to use the most current date if the article indicates it has been updated since its initial publication.

3. Article Title:
   - The title of the article is prominently displayed at the top of the page, above the author byline and publication date. Ensure you capture the complete title as it appears, including any subtitles, to maintain the accuracy of your citation.

4. URL/Access Information:
   - The URL can be found in your browser's address bar when you are viewing the article. CNN’s URLs are typically short and descriptive, reflecting the article's title. Copy the full URL to ensure direct access in your citation. Remember that access information in APA 7th edition includes the retrieval date only if the content is likely to change over time, such as wikis or live updates.

Practical Tips:
- Navigating the Website: Use CNN’s search function, located at the top right of the homepage, to find specific articles. Input keywords related to your research topic to locate relevant materials quickly.
- Multimedia Content: For videos, podcasts, or other multimedia, look for the description or transcript provided on the page for author and date information.
- Mobile Navigation: If accessing CNN on a mobile device, the layout might differ slightly, with author and date information found by scrolling slightly below the headline.

By following these steps, you can efficiently gather all necessary citation information from CNN's website, ensuring your citations are complete and formatted correctly in APA style. Always cross-check for accuracy, as citation details are crucial for academic integrity and the credibility of your research.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your CNN Citation

How to Create a CNN Citation in APA Style

Citing sources correctly is important for academic writing. Using APA style for citations allows readers to locate the original sources of your information. In this guide, you will learn how to create a citation for a CNN webpage using APA format. Follow these steps carefully to ensure accuracy.

What You Need

1. Access to the internet.
2. A web browser.
3. A specific CNN article to cite.
4. A notepad or a word processor for writing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your CNN Article
Action: Open your web browser and go to the CNN website. Browse or search for the specific article you want to cite.
Verification: Ensure you have the full article loaded. Check that it contains the necessary information such as the title, author, publication date, and the webpage URL.
Time Estimate: 5-10 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use the search bar on the CNN homepage to quickly find articles on specific topics.

Step 2: Identify the Author
Action: Look for the author's name at the top or bottom of the article. It is usually listed right next to the publication date.
Verification: Make sure you have the complete name of the author. If there are multiple authors, note them all.
Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: If the article is authored by a team or organization, you can use the group name instead.

Step 3: Note the Publication Date
Action: Find the publication date of the article, which is typically near the author's name. This should include the year, month, and day.
Verification: Double-check the date to make sure it is accurate.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: Some articles may have the last updated date listed. Use the original publication date for citation.

Step 4: Write Down the Title of the Article
Action: Look for the title of the article at the top of the webpage. Make sure to copy it exactly as it appears.
Verification: Ensure that you have capitalized only the first word of the title, the first word after a colon, and any proper nouns.
Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: If the title is long, you can take a screenshot or copy it directly to your notepad.

Step 5: Determine the Site Name
Action: In this case, the site name is "CNN." You can confirm this by looking at the URL or the header of the website.
Verification: Make sure to write "CNN" in your citation as it is the publisher of the article.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: Remember that the site name is usually consistent, so you can use CNN for any articles on this site.

Step 6: Copy the Article URL
Action: Go to the address bar of your web browser and copy the full URL of the article.
Verification: Paste the URL into your notepad to ensure it is correct and complete.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: Make sure you are copying the link directly from the article page, not from a search engine.

Step 7: Format the Citation
Action: Now that you have all the necessary components, format your citation according to the APA style template provided:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of webpage. Site Name. URL
Verification: Check that your citation includes the author's name, publication date, title in italics, site name, and the full URL.
Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use a citation generator if you are uncertain about the formatting, but always verify its accuracy.

Step 8: Review Your Citation
Action: Read through your citation one last time to ensure all elements are included and formatted correctly.
Verification: Make sure that punctuation and capitalization are correct. It should look something like this:
Smith, J. (2023, October 15). How to create citations. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/example
Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Have a peer review your citation for an extra set of eyes.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you have successfully created a citation for a CNN article in APA format. Remember that proper citations enhance the credibility of your work and allow readers to track your sources. Always take your time to ensure accuracy as you practice this essential academic skill. Happy writing!

Real Examples from CNN

This section provides authentic citation examples from CNN using recent publications from 2023-2024.

I'm unable to browse the internet in real-time to access the latest content from CNN or any other website. However, I can guide you on how to create APA citations based on hypothetical content from CNN. Below are examples based on a typical structure of CNN articles:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

1. Scenario Description: An analysis piece by a single journalist discussing the impact of recent U.S. economic policies on global markets.

2. Complete Reference List Citation:
   - Smith, J. (2023, October 5). The global ripple effect of U.S. economic policies. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/05/economic-policies-impact

3. In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
   - (Smith, 2023)

4. In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
   - Smith (2023) discusses the global impact of U.S. economic policies.

5. Notes: This example is noteworthy as it showcases a typical analysis article authored by a single journalist, which is common in news reporting.

Example 2: Corporate Author

1. Scenario Description: A report by CNN's health team on the latest advancements in COVID-19 vaccines.

2. Complete Reference List Citation:
   - CNN Health. (2023, September 20). New breakthroughs in COVID-19 vaccine development. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/20/health/covid-vaccine-breakthroughs

3. In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
   - (CNN Health, 2023)

4. In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
   - According to CNN Health (2023), recent advancements in COVID-19 vaccines have shown promising results.

5. Notes: This citation is unique as it uses CNN's health team as a corporate author, which is typical for specialized content areas like health or science.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

1. Scenario Description: A collaborative article by two journalists discussing the outcomes of a major international summit.

2. Complete Reference List Citation:
   - Johnson, M., & Lee, A. (2023, September 15). Key takeaways from the international climate summit. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/15/climate-summit-outcomes

3. In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
   - (Johnson & Lee, 2023)

4. In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
   - Johnson and Lee (2023) provide insights into the international climate summit.

5. Notes: This example is notable for featuring two authors, reflecting the collaborative nature often found in comprehensive news coverage.

Example 4: Special Formatting Case

1. Scenario Description: An interactive feature on CNN's website detailing the history of space exploration.

2. Complete Reference List Citation:
   - Brown, T. (2023, August 30). A journey through space: Interactive history of exploration. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/30/space-exploration-history

3. In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
   - (Brown, 2023)

4. In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
   - Brown (2023) explores the history of space exploration through an interactive format.

5. Notes: This citation highlights a special case where the content is an interactive feature, demonstrating CNN's use of multimedia to enhance storytelling.

These examples illustrate how to format different types of CNN articles according to APA 7th edition guidelines. For actual content, always verify the details from the source and adjust the citations accordingly.

Common Issues When Citing CNN

Identifying Authors

Issue Description:
Students often struggle to identify the correct author when citing CNN articles. CNN articles may be authored by individual journalists, multiple contributors, or simply attributed to "CNN" itself.

Why It Happens:
CNN's online platform can list authors in various ways. Sometimes, articles are authored by one or more named journalists, while others are collectively authored or updated by the CNN staff or simply attributed to "CNN."

Solution:
1. Check the Byline: Look at the top of the article, near the headline, for the byline. This typically lists the primary author(s).
2. Multiple Authors: If multiple authors are listed, include all in the order they appear.
3. No Named Author: If no individual authors are listed, use "CNN" as the author.

Example:
- Before: (Unknown, 2023)
- After: (CNN, 2023)

Date Formats

Issue Description:
Students may have difficulty determining the correct publication date, especially when articles are frequently updated.

Why It Happens:
CNN articles often include both the original publication date and the date of the last update. This can lead to confusion about which date to use.

Solution:
1. Use the Original Publication Date: Prefer the initial publication date for citation purposes.
2. Locate the Date: The original publication date is typically found at the top of the article, below the headline, or alongside the author's name.

Example:
- Before: (CNN, n.d.)
- After: (CNN, 2023, March 15)

URL Handling

Issue Description:
Students struggle with capturing and formatting URLs correctly, especially when URLs are lengthy or contain tracking information.

Why It Happens:
CNN URLs can be long and sometimes contain additional tracking parameters, which can clutter the citation.

Solution:
1. Use the Direct URL: Copy the URL directly from the address bar, removing any unnecessary tracking parameters.
2. Ensure Accessibility: Ensure the link is working and will direct the reader to the specific article.

Example:
- Before: Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/article?id=12345&utm_source=tracking&utm_campaign=campaign
- After: Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/article?id=12345

Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Students may be unsure about whether to include retrieval dates and how to handle paywalled or subscription-based content.

Why It Happens:
While CNN generally offers free access to its articles, some content might be restricted or updated, leading to uncertainty about when to include retrieval dates.

Solution:
1. No Retrieval Date Needed: For stable content like CNN, you generally do not need a retrieval date unless the content is likely to change (e.g., live updates).
2. Subscription Content: If accessing content through a subscription, note that it may not affect the citation, but ensure others can access it similarly or through library resources.

Example:
- Before: Retrieved on March 15, 2023, from CNN if content is stable.
- After: Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/article?id=12345

Conclusion

Citing CNN articles in APA format requires careful attention to detail, particularly regarding authorship, date formats, URLs, and access requirements. By following the above solutions, students can effectively navigate the unique challenges presented by CNN's online platform and ensure accurate APA citations.

Note: For general Webpage citation errors, see How to Cite Webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNN

Q: How can I locate the necessary citation information on CNN's website for APA formatting?

A: On CNN's website, look for the article's title, author(s), and publication date typically at the top or bottom of the article. Scroll down to the footer of the webpage for additional site-specific information like the publisher, which is often required for accurate citation.

Q: How do I handle author formats for CNN articles when there are multiple contributors or no listed author?

A: If an article lists multiple authors, include up to 20 in your citation, using an ampersand (&) before the last author. If no author is listed, begin the citation with the article title, followed by the date and the source.

Q: How should I cite CNN articles when the publication date is not clearly indicated?

A: CNN typically includes the publication date at the top of their articles. If it's absent, look for a "Last updated" note, which can be used as the publication date. If neither is available, use "n.d." for "no date" in your citation.

Q: What are the APA guidelines for including URLs and access dates for CNN articles?

A: In APA, include the full URL of the CNN article at the end of your citation without a retrieval date, as CNN content is considered stable. Ensure the URL links directly to the article, not just the CNN homepage.

Q: How does citing CNN differ from citing other webpage sources in APA format?

A: Citing CNN is similar to other webpage sources but pay attention to CNN's specific author and date presentations. CNN's reputation as a news outlet means its articles often have clear publication information, whereas other sites might not, requiring more careful source verification.

Related Guides

Similar Source Types:

• Webpage - Complete guide to citing webpage

Related Specific Sources:

• Similar Source - How to cite similar sources

Validation Guides:

• Check Capitalization
• Validate URL Format
• Check Author Formatting

Need More Help?

• Citation Checker Tool - Validate your CNN citations automatically
• Complete APA Guide - Comprehensive APA 7th edition reference

Still Have Questions?

If you couldn't find the answer you're looking for, try our citation checker tool or browse all APA guides.