CNN Expands U.S. Newsgathering With Expansion Into 10 Cities

Networks Looks to Build Relationships with Domestic Affiliates

By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 8/12/2008 10:55:00 AM

Looking to expand its domestic newsgathering operation, CNN plans to double its U.S. presence with new operations in 10 cities, officials said Tuesday.

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. 

The expansion is also meant to help CNN 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.

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 primetime 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.

The expansion will entail some new hires, “a small incremental increase in head count,” a CNN spokesman 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,” Nancy Lane, senior vice president of newsgathering for CNN/U.S., said in a prepared statement. “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.”