At a star-studded ceremony in Monte Carlo, CNN was awarded one of the highest honours in international journalism - a Golden Nymph, for its coverage of the earthquake in Haiti in the 24-hour news programme category, beating BBC News, Sky News, France 24 and Russia Today.

Judged by a panel of our peers from around the world this award underscores the on-going global impact that CNN's journalism continues to have within our industry.

CNN International executive vice president and managing director Tony Maddox says, "This award comes as CNN marks 30 years of journalistic enterprise. Our coverage of Haiti stands out in CNN's history of covering the stories that help shape our world. It is an honour to be recognised by our industry peers at this prestigious Festival."

CNN International's Entry

Within minutes of the Haiti earthquake, CNN began its unparalleled effort to cover the story. There was no hesitation.. The main mission was to inform, and connect, the world. In the early hours, CNN covered this developing story in a transparent way: providing real-time updates on efforts to dispatch crews, monitoring social media, and contacting eyewitnesses.

Within 24 hours, even before most military and relief organisations arrived, CNN had eight reporting teams – 34 people – on the ground, with more on the way. Once on the scene, CNN quickly established itself as a vital missing link – helping worried relatives reach their loved ones in Haiti, while helping Haitians communicate word of their survival, their needs, and their despair.