TVNewser headed over to Michael's this afternoon for a launch lunch for Christiane Amanpour's new international news program, "Amanpour." It's a culmination of sorts for Amanpour who "grew up with the network" having gotten her start 26 years ago on CNN's foreign desk when she was a self-described "little dweeb."

The new show will be quite a shift for Amanpour who, as CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein put it, "made her name in a war zone." But Amanpour certainly doesn't expect it to be any easier. "It might sound strange but my comfort zone is out there dodging the bullets and the bombs, fighting to get the story. This, for me, is going to be the danger zone because I've never done this before. There's a lot of competition, even at our own network."

"Nightline" co-anchor Cynthia McFadden was there and tells TVNewser, "I think it's an obvious move. She is such an important voice and it's great for everyone interested in serious journalism. Everyone who cares about what's going on in the world will be tuning in to get her perspective." CNN SVP Bart Feder says the Sunday line-up of "State of the Union with John King," "Fareed Zakaria GPS," and now "Amanpour" is "one of the smartest three hours of TV you can find. You'll feel smarter after watching it."

Also in attendance: CNN Worldwide EVP Ken Jautz, CNN commentator Jack Cafferty, "Amanpour" senior producer Barclay Palmer, Gloria Steinem, and Tony Maddox, EVP of CNN International.

TVNewser caught up with Amanpour for a quick video interview to discuss the new show and the nature of international news in general:

After the interview, Amanpour remarked, "That's the tiniest lens I've every looked into."