CNN boosts global ops with integrated news centres in HK, London

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