CNN Election Bus Parks In Philly
'Election Express’ Gives Network Full-Time Presence Ahead Of Key Primary
By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 3/26/2008 12:48:00 PM
Following a campaign coverage strategy of creating mini-bureaus in key political battleground states, CNN has parked the CNN Election Express in Philadelphia this week to create a full-time reporting presence for the April 22 Pennsylvania primary.
In the weeks leading up to the primary, the Election Express will serve as CNN’s production and newsgathering center, providing a newsroom for up to 20 journalists as well as a studio for interviews and satellite transmission equipment. The Election Express is currently parked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The creation of the mini-bureau in Philadelphia follows CNN’s successful and unprecedented strategy employed early in the primary season. CNN set up mini-bureaus in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina, staffing them with full-time CNN journalists.
The CNN Election Express provides cutting-edge technology by combining a studio, editing room and production facility with those of a satellite truck. As the first HDTV mobile news bureau, the 45-foot bus is wired for WiFi and boasts robust Internet connectivity, four HD cameras, 10 LCD monitors and one 42-inch plasma screen.
It also maintains a tracking BGAN transmission platform that allows the bus to transmit video while in motion. A top-of-the-line editing system and video production server provide full post-production capabilities.
