‘Celebrity cull’ leaves CNN red-faced

CNN CAUSED its own version of “shock and awe” this week when it attempted to kill off the Pope and Nelson Mandela.

The US-based, 24-hour news station mistakenly carried reports which suggested several leading world figures, including Pope John Paul II, the former South African president, Mr Mandela, and arch political rivals, Fidel Castro and Ronald Reagan had all died.

Other celebrities whose premature demise was also signalled included veteran singer Bob Hope and US vice-president, Dick Cheney.