CNN is boosting its international operations with the creation of
two integrated newsgathering and production centers in Hong Kong and
London, opening new bureaus and doubling the funding for worldwide
breaking news coverage as part of a far-reaching review of the global
operations.
Hong Kong, alongside CNN's other regional headquarters in London, will
become a fully integrated regional newsgathering and production hub for
the bureaus operating within the region.
Senior vice-presidents to implement the changes in London and Hong Kong
will be appointed.
CNN Hong Kong will now provide extensive logistical and editorial
support and coordination for all CNN bureaus in the Asia Pacific region,
supplying round-the-clock coordination for the region, as well as
increased programming and editorial material for all of CNN's television
and Web services around the world. A new Asia-focused CNN website will
be launched next month.
In September 2000, Hong Kong became CNN's first fully integrated
newsroom, incorporating the editorial functions of the television and
interactive news teams and allowing the journalists to work across all
platforms.
"By consolidating its large newsgathering resources and using
high-profile journalists across all its services, including the Web, CNN
intends to drive the brand to a much wider global audience and greatly
improve the consumer experience for interactive users," said Mr Chris
Cramer, president of CNN International Networks.
The changes taking place internationally are part of the major review of
newsgathering, production facilities and operations worldwide, and at
CNN's headquarters in Atlanta, part of which involves the integration of
the TV and Web newsgathering operation and the creation of a
newsgathering 'super desk' manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week and
providing the focal newsgathering point for CNN's 34 different
services.
"The new 'super desk' and newsgathering operation will provide faster,
smarter editorial decision making, enhanced cross platform
communications, better prioritisation and collaboration across all
platforms," said Mr Eason Jordan, chief news executive and newsgathering
president for CNN News Group.
CNN is also combining the US and international operations of Newsource,
CNN's affiliate news service.
They will work together to mirror the extensive changes being made
elsewhere at CNN and better serve its 670 US and 200 international
affiliates.
