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Andrew Brown

Early Life and Education

Andrew Brown was born in 1964 and spent his early years in Guildford, a town located in the southern part of London. Although he grew up in the United Kingdom, his professional life would be rooted entirely in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong.

Related Biography: Anderson Cooper

Career Beginnings and Growth in Hong Kong

Brown began his journalism career in 1989 at Asia Television Limited (ATV) in Hong Kong. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), where he established himself as a correspondent and worked for over five years. In 1993, he joined Wharf’s Cable News Channel, where he remained until 1995. His career then expanded to include roles with the Business Television Network CNBC, CBS Radio, and various local stations.

In 2000, Brown joined CNN as a news correspondent, based in Hong Kong. From 1989 through 2005, he reported extensively across mainland China, Southeast Asia, and Hong Kong. During this time, he gained recognition for his insightful coverage and creative storytelling.

Reporting Style and Technological Features

At CNN, Brown became known for creating innovative and often quirky reports that combined humor with incisive journalism. He developed features involving unusual technologies, including devices purported to track hormonal cycles, control dreams, and interpret animal sounds. His reporting style, laced with satire and intellectual curiosity, stood out in international news media.

Brown also conducted research and reported on topics such as password security and the SARS outbreak. His ability to blend technical accuracy with engaging storytelling earned him respect among peers and viewers alike.

Life-Altering Injury and Legal Settlement

In 2006, Brown underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his spinal cord at The Bath Clinic in western England. Tragically, the procedure left him paralyzed below the neck. He filed a lawsuit against the neurosurgeon who performed the operation, alleging medical negligence. Represented by the law firm Leigh Day & Co, a settlement was reached in 2010 in which the surgeon agreed to pay £4.5 million in damages, along with Brown’s legal costs.

A year prior to the settlement, a fundraising dinner was organized in 2009 to help support Brown’s ongoing medical needs. The injury brought an abrupt end to his career and introduced chronic neuropathic pain that severely affected his quality of life. He now uses a wheelchair and continues to face considerable physical challenges.

Legacy and Personal Resilience

British-born Andrew Brown is remembered for his distinctive contributions to journalism during his time at CNN and other media outlets. His dedication to storytelling, especially in the fields of technology and satire, left a lasting impression. Despite the adversity he has faced, Brown remains an emblem of resilience and continues to inspire others through his life story.


Quick Facts
Occupations: Novelist
Citizenship: South Africa
Birth Place: Cape Town
Gender: Male
Net Worth 2021: 5 million
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Last Modified: Mar 21 2025
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