MUMBAI: CNN plans to double its domestic newsgathering presence with new operations in 10 US cities, resulting in an aggressive expansion of its newsgathering in the US. The announcment was made by CNN US senior VP newsgathering Nancy Lane.
The new operations will be based in Columbus, Ohio; Denver; Houston; Las Vegas; Minneapolis, Minn.; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; and Seattle. This expansion will also allow CNN to build stronger partnerships with affiliates in new and existing locations across the country. CNN already has bureaus in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
The newly expanded newsgathering operation will be staffed with a mix of traditional general assignment reporters with CNN’s current roster of "show-based correspondents" who are attached to many of CNN’s daytime and prime-time programs, and newly designated "all-platform journalists." All-platform journalists will combine new technologies with traditional journalism skills to gather news from the heart of America for all CNN’s networks and services, especially CNN’s growing digital platforms.
Lane said , "CNN’s rapid adoption of new technology over the years put us in the enviable position to be able to expand at a time when others are cutting back. Our technological innovations allow our reporters to be at the center of more breaking news events and developing stories across the United States, with greater independence and mobility than ever before. This expansion is a critical component of CNN Worldwide’s overall strategy for increased content ownership."
CNN’s most recent development of technology in newsgathering includes the use of lightweight kits that combine cameras, editing tools and advanced satellite and Internet communications technology into a laptop-based system. This suite of technologies enable CNN’s journalists to employ immediate live and video FTP submissions, real-time content monitoring, editing and voice communication from anywhere in the field.